Even the biggest of golf fans would admit that, when it comes to fashion, the sport is sometimes seen in a very stereotypical light. A particular kind of outfit immediately springs to mind for many and that is how much of the general public views how golfers dress. It may not be entirely true – but that’s just the way it is.
Many golfers these days are almost as well known for the clothes they wear as for their performances. Their fashion choices may not sway fans when they are taking in the Players Championship betting markets but they can picture their favorites striding up the fairway in their familiar outfits.
Golf fashion – as with any sector of the industry – has changed a lot over the years. We may be used to watching players in smart pants and polo shirts these days but they would have looked completely out of place on a course just 30 years ago. So, as we get ready to enjoy some of the majors this year, let’s take a look back at how golf’s dress sense has evolved.
Early Days and Victorian Elegance
Golf is thought to have originated in Scotland sometime in the 15th century. There would not have been too many fashion leaders to take inspiration from in those days and the attire would more than likely have been functional rather than stylish. Warm clothes would have been a must.
By the time we reach the end of the 18th century and move into the 19th, there would have been more of an idea about being fashionable – but the clothes seen on the course would have fitted in with what would have been acceptable for Victorian gentlemen and women of the time.
Sweaters and Argyle
As the roaring twenties came in, golf was starting to become more fashionable and an American influence was definitely starting to take hold. A more relaxed outfit was more common – although men were still wearing ties. Three-quarter pants and long socks had been common but male golfers were beginning to wear wider-legged trousers too.
Jackets were beginning to disappear as well as we reach the 1940s, with golfers such as Bobby Jones becoming very influential with his wearing of V-neck sweaters. Shorts worn with sleeveless sweaters (invariably with the iconic Argyle pattern) were also popular, as a more casual approach to golf fashion began to take hold.
Bold Colors and the Arrival of The Stereotype
As the 20th century went on, manmade fabrics flooded the market and golfers were keen to keep up with what was in fashion off of the course. Another development at this time was the introduction of bold colors and patterns. Some players were more keen to experiment than others, such as Doug Sanders who was known as the “peacock of the fairways”.
The increased ownership of color televisions also inspired some golfers to wear more and more outrageous outfits. Broadcasters were showing more tournaments and golfers realized that a bright clothing choice would attract attention. This is when the idea of that golf stereotype first appeared – one that never really went away for many people.
Technological Developments
Although some golfers still obviously enjoyed wearing eye-catching attire in the 1980s and 1990s, this was a time when technology started to have a real impact on how most players dressed. Well-fitted shirts and pants became more popular in order to combat weather conditions, for example.
Synthetic materials were being used to battle against the elements – but also to help with moisture wicking and UV rays and to generally aid the player when he or she was on the course. Some of the more extrovert golfers were still able to show off their personalities with bold colors but it was always alongside enhancing their performances in mind.
Athleisure
Functionality is now prized above overt fashion choices by most professional and amateur golfers and this is exemplified with the rise of athleisure as a fashion concept. This combination of athletic and leisure styles provides a look that can be used for a variety of activities.
The breathable fabrics are very much still in evidence but many golfers value comfort over anything else. With top golf brands very aware of the popularity of this kind of clothing, many players wear basic, casual outfits that are, nevertheless, regarded as fashionable thanks to the makers’ mark.
The Future of Golf Fashion
Practical but stylish seems to be the way that golf fashion has evolved at the current time – and it looks likely to dominate for a while yet. As we mentioned earlier, polos and smart, well-fitted pants tend to be the look for professionals these days and weekend amateurs have followed that trend.
There will always be some golfers still keen to make a splash for the camera but even those outfits will still incorporate the function elements that have become so in demand for all kinds of sports. There will always be some stereotypically colorful characters on the golf course – but most will just wear what’s comfortable to enjoy their round.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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