Dressing to the Back Nines

Golf Fashion Through the Decades

As we enter the season of the great Masters Tournament, many may be contemplating their outfits for the year. Since golf was invented in the 15th Century, it has gone through fashion phases. Transitioning from petticoats to tennis skirts, time has brought more comfort and versatility to the green. 

Before 1920

With origins tracing back to the wet, chilly hills of Scotland, golf attire began as a battle against the elements. Players competed in full suits, dapper hats and tweed coats. Knickers similar to those previously seen on horsemen kept movement loose, while collared shirts and neckties underneath had the opposite effect. Comfort fell to the wayside as societal rank took priority in wardrobe choices.

For women, golf was just a casual pastime, not a competitive sport. They wore crinolines, bustles and several petticoats. Tradition mattered more than performance or efficiency. Every stitch reflected your place in society.

1920s – 1940s

The Great Depression and World War II introduced subdued colors and simple designs. As money got tight during these challenging times, many players were forced to wear their everyday clothes on the course.

The 1920s were revolutionary for women in golf. Restrictive corsets and thick layers disappeared. Two-piece dresses, straight or pleated skirts and cardigans or vests came into play, but hemlines remained low. With skirts reaching below the knee, mobility was far from optimized.

Thanks to the scorching 1933 US Open, shorts, polos and skirts made their way onto the golf course. The wealthy, hoping to exude opulence, turned golf attire from tradition to glamour.

The short-sleeved knitted tops and lightweight trousers that you might be more familiar with emerged in the 1940s. As the Depression reduced the demand for impractical, societal clothing, the decade favored a more efficient style, highlighted by the iconic polo shirt.

1950s – 1960s

Vibrant polo shirts paired with trousers or even shorts emerged in the 1950s. Elastic waistbands and usefully deep pockets brought practicality to fashion. By the end of the decade, synthetic fabrics made their way onto the scene with slim-cut, slouchy styles.

Christian Dior influenced women's fashion with his new look, introducing cinched waists on the course.

The 1960s were a decade of change for women across many areas, including the golf course. With this time came the incredible skort. This garment combined the traditional, feminine look of a skirt with the functionalities of shorts. Female golfers were finally able to move freely without sacrificing style.

1970s – 1990s

With the 70s came synthetic fabrics, enhancing athletic performance. Iconic pieces like wide-collared shirts and bell-bottomed pants made their way onto the green, while jacquard patterns and a kaleidoscope of colors brought new life to the scene.

Much like in other areas of fashion, the 80s brought with them loud colors and bold patterns. Players looked for new forms of sun protection and prioritized comfort through oversized silhouettes. Moisture-wicking fabrics and materials, such as spandex, innovated the game. The preppy look was back. Golfers were donning blazers and shoulder pads with waistlines reaching toward the skies.

The 90s were the decade of brand recognition. Players became billboards as logos were printed on garments, and sponsorships got a say in the outfits. Matching sets were suddenly in, along with classic '90s color blocking.

2000 - Present

Muted, traditional styles entered the game in the new millennium. This was the decade of dressing for performance over fashion. Tiger Woods introduced his iconic golf mock neck in 2003, breaking from the traditional collared shirt. This collaboration with Nike revolutionized golf tech, raising the bar for comfort and mobility.

In the early 2000s, bold and funky patterns were back in. Sneaker-like shoes become the norm, as that performance focus met eye-catching color. Athleisure was on the rise, and golf outfits moved off the course and into daily life. This marked the transition to prioritizing versatility.

Many courses still have different dress code restrictions, even to this day. Though some establishments maintain strict guidelines, golf fashion remains focused on functionality, efficiency and what will keep you ahead of the game. UV protection, temperature regulation and moisture-wicking are the three priorities in a golf garment, without sacrificing style. Eco-friendliness is more prevalent than ever, with recycled materials used in garment construction.

Golf fashion is ever-changing, continually influenced by both tradition and innovation. It will continue to evolve in ways we cannot yet imagine in order to keep up with the elements and the times. What do you think the next decade will bring?