The History of Golf Apparel

Designing golf apparel cannot be easy, but after looking at the golfing fashions through history, you might have a new appreciation for the finer things in life. Since golf is an outdoor sport of course you must have the ability to move and stretch. Most golf clothes designs do at least account for some mobility, but what is so shocking about the history of golf apparel are the colors, bright patterns and wild designs.

1700-1900

Imagine the early golf clothing when the game of golf was first invented by the Scottish. Kilts were the style of the day, fashionable and bold while not restricting your movements as you swung a club or made a put.

As the game of golf caught on things perked up a bit when the European nobility decided to take an interest in golf. New styles never seen before on the putting greens reflected golfers decked out in stockings, knee-length breeches, and tailcoats and ruffled cravats worn around the neck completed the outfit.

1900-1920

Not to be outdone by earlier golf styles, the 1900s brought about longer trousers, ties and jackets. It even sounds like golfers were finally coming up with longer pants to protect their legs while wearing a decent style of clothing. However, the odd thing was that they decided the trousers should be tucked into long socks creating a rather odd-looking outfit.

1920-1950

At last some sensibility struck golfers and the formal jacket was done away with. Just imagine regaining the mobility of your arms for golfing and not roasting in hot jackets. Nonetheless ties were still in the game.

Next came the birth of the highly fashionable V-neck sweaters. You could not pass a golf course without seeing everyone decked out in these trendsetters of the day. Another nod to golf fashion came into play with the introduction of patterned socks in shockingly bright colors.

1950-1990

Eventually some bright golfers decided maybe there was no need to stuff their trousers into their socks and the style was finally abandoned. Golfers happily wore their full-length pants over their socks as a small step for golfing style was finally achieved.

Whether it was a reflection of the hippy era in the 1960s we will never know, but colors struck the clothes of golfers in every color of the rainbow. The 1970s were filled with hot pinks, brilliant oranges, illuminating greens and astounding shades of yellow.

1990-Present

Thanks to golf clothing manufactures the twentieth century brings about some form of decency in golf clothing. Golfers are showing a bit of individualism and wear pretty much what they want, so long as it is comfortable. A nice looking polo shirt, stylish pants or shorts and very comfortable shoes complete most golfers wardrobes these days.