Golf Fashion Throughout History, From the Pre-1900s to Today
Image: Mountain Golf Club, White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA, circa 1900.
Of all the sports out there, golf is one in which fashion and style play a unique role: there’s certainly a ‘uniform’ or golf dress code, but unlike team sports, each player is still afforded the freedom and flexibility to showcase their own personal style. That said, unlike sports like men’s and women’s figure skating or even gymnastics, what one wears to play golf should never be more memorable–or draw more attention–than their skill and technique. Throughout history, that careful balance of athleticism, elegance, and style has defined men's and women's golf fashion, whether it’s knickers and tweed jackets or the bolder designs of today. Let's explore the fascinating journey of women's and men's golf fashion through the years.
Early Golf Fashion: pre-1900s
There are records of the game of golf that date as far back as 1457, when it was banned as a distraction to learning archery. This ban was lifted in 1502, while the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland similarly dates back to 1574.
Not much is known about golf fashion in the first few centuries of its existence. Presumably, like other sports of the time, there was a ‘uniform’ of sorts, though one likely restricted by the materials and construction techniques available at the time.
As golf became more popular at the turn of the century, pre-1900s golf attire drew heavily from Victorian-era fashion. Men often wore fitted coats, high-collared shirts, and knee-length knickers, while women donned long skirts, blouses, and wide-brimmed hats: clothing that allowed free movement and offered some protection from the weather.
Image: Miss Katharine Harley, USA, 1908.
1920s Golf Fashion
In the years following World War I and before World War II, 1920s golf fashion and style changed significantly–in every realm. From 1923 to 1930, American golfer Bobby Jones, who won his first championship at the age of six, popularized the sport (he even went on to co-found the Masters Tournament in the mid-1930s, after his official retirement). Perhaps because he was a lawyer by profession and always played golf as an amateur, Jones’ 1920s golf outfits were characterized by a more relaxed, casual approach: think wider-legged trousers or knickerbockers worn with knee-high socks, looser-fitting shirts and sleeveless sweaters.
Women saw a similar, more relaxed approach take place: sleeveless dresses, shorter skirts, and pleated shorts became the norm on the course, influenced, no doubt, by the ‘flapper style’ of the time. For both men and women, golf-specific shoes–especially the spectator shoe, a two-toned Oxford shoe, also emerged in the 1920s.
Image: Charles M Schwab at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA, 1922.
1930s Golf Fashion
The 1930s didn’t see huge changes in golf fashion: for men, it became a popular after-work activity, meaning golf outfits in the ‘30s consisted of suit pants and full-length trousers–essentially, the bottom half of what they’d worn to work. These were paired with a more casual shirt and no necktie (though these were still worn for tournaments).
This decade also saw more women playing the game, often wearing a matching two-piece skirt and top, or a pleated skirt with a knitted cardigan or vest.
Image: 1932.
1940s Golf Fashion
Golf fashion as we know it today developed largely during the 1940s, at least for men: this is when we first saw short-sleeved knit tops, lightweight pants or shorts, usually in a khaki color or checked motif, and spiked shoes on the green. Players like Ben Hogan were seen in relaxed ‘40s golf attire–think open-necked polos and pleated slacks. For women, 1940s golf outfits typically included a fitted blouse and pleated skirt: a popular choice that offered both range of movement and modesty.
Image: 1938.
1950s Golf Fashion
The post-war era began a period of liberation, especially for women, who could finally wear skirts that hit above the ankle. For golf attire in the ‘50s, these were paired with a simple blouse and a sweater, though in warmer weather, sleeveless blouses were also acceptable. With Christian Dior’s ‘New Look’ silhouette hitting fashion magazines and department stores from 1947, the waistline became a hot topic on the links, too: cinched-in waists were considered the fashionable choice.
Image: Dean Martin and Bing Crossby at the Bel Air Country Club Invitaitonal Tournament, Los Angeles, California, USA, June 17th, 1954.
1960s Golf Fashion
Progress and materials innovation were the defining factors of fashion in the 1960s, and for golf attire, this meant the dawn of a new, less traditional era. Golfers began experimenting with patterns, colors, and materials in their fashion choices, and bolder, brighter designs began to make an appearance on players such as Arnold Palmer, one of the most well-known names from the era.
In fact, Google ‘Arnold Palmer’ and you will find, besides the mocktail that bears his name, images of the legendary golfer wearing cardigans and sweaters in bright reds and canary yellows (and with a cigarette in his mouth, no less).
In the 1960s, women’s skirts continued to get shorter; this was also when the ‘skort’ began simultaneously bringing knee-length pleats and shorts to the golf course. Finally, while the ‘40s and ‘50s were about defined waistlines and feminine silhouettes, ‘60s golf fashion saw the introduction of more free-flowing, comfortable shapes–think tunics, culottes, and flowy dresses.
Image: Gene Stout and Arnold Palmer at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, USA, 1960.
1970s Golf Fashion
Think of the 1970s and many of us think of disco and, well, polyester–and the same applies to ‘70s golf fashion. Both men’s and women’s golf attire consisted of form-fitting pants and bellbottoms made primarily from synthetic fabrics and paired with wide-collared shirts.
For men, it was all about shades of brown, while women could be seen in more vibrant, primary colors. It was a time for freedom, love, and rebellion, and that applied to golf fashion, too.
Image: Doug Sanders, Bobby Locke and Ray Floyd during the Open at the Old Course at St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, July 8th, 1970.
1980s Golf Fashion
The 1980s brought with it a wave of advancements in materials and technology, and for golf attire, this meant new, moisture-wicking fabrics, performance-driven materials such as spandex and polyester blends, and, of course, an understanding of the dangers of the sun–and therefore, a new focus on sun protection. The hippie styles of the ‘70s gave way to more preppy looks, especially in ‘80s golf fashion: blazers (with pronounced shoulder pads), high-waisted, tailored trousers, and golf polo shirts became the standard for both men and women.
Image: Jan Stephenson at the U.S. Women's Open, Cedar Ridge Country Club, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, July 31st, 1983.
1990s Golf Fashion
If the ‘80s was the decade of big shoulder pads and big hair, the ‘90s was all about big brands. Sponsorships began influencing ‘90s golf attire, with the actual piece sometimes deemed even less important than the logo embroidered on the chest or shoulder of a zip-up or polo shirt. Brands like Lyle & Scott continued popularizing argyle knits (something they’d been doing for a few decades), while Slazenger polo shirts became a common sighting at championships and courses around the world.
For men, a classic 1990s golf outfit comprised a polo shirt, paired with classic, pleated khakis; women also wore polos but teamed theirs with high-waisted capri pants. This decade was all about performance and comfort: a practical bag, sporty watch, and a visor epitomized this and finished the look.
Image: Joakim Heaggman wearing Galvin Green at the European Masters, Crans Sur Sierre Golf Club, Switserland, September 1996.
2000s Golf Fashion
The early 2000s were a period of lightning-speed progress and change across almost every realm of life: social, cultural, political, and, of course, sports. As the world became smaller thanks to social media (Facebook was founded in 2004, after all), fashion and cultural influences have become a mashup of global references. When it comes to 2000s golf fashion, players had more choice than ever–but were still expected to follow traditional dress codes.
Polo shirts were worn with chinos, but this time, they were modernized with stretch technology, thermal regulation, and even odor control. Women also had more choices than ever, with brands and designers ranging from Nike to Tory Burch releasing collaborations and special collections, bringing high fashion to the links.
Image: Joakim Heaggman wearing Galvin Green at the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 3rd, 2006.
2010s Golf Fashion
While the use of the term ‘athleisure’ actually dates back to the 1970s, it was in the 2010s that it really took off. Why? Busier lives demanded harder-working clothing: pieces that could easily transition from work, to play, to the golf course. Indeed, 2010s golf fashion for both men and women was all about versatile pieces that had personality but fit in whether you were out on the links or out running errands – and that went for footwear, too. Golf attire in the 2010s included golf shoes that looked more like sneakers than in previous decades.
Image: Galvin Green Fall Catalog 2015.
Today’s Modern Golf Fashion
Golf fashion today is as much about self-expression and creativity as it is about form and function. Men, women and even children are keener than ever to ensure nothing gets in the way of hitting that 19th hole–which means being prepared for all kinds of weather: rain, hail, wind, and, of course, hot, bright sunshine.
Functionality also means the latest innovations in fabric technology when it comes to breathability, moisture management, and ergonomic design. Why not choose sharply cut clothing or an outfit that looks cute – while it also will enhance your performance on the fairway?
Image: Galvin Green Spring Collection 2025.
Summary
From knickerbockers and sleeveless sweaters to the ubiquitous polo shirt, golf fashion from the pre-1900s to today has been filled with interesting characters, unique looks, and a few twists and turns along the way. Luckily, these days, we’re spoiled for choice, and materials technology is on our side, too. Whether you’re heading to the local golf course or packing for a golfing trip away , if you look and feel your best, chances are, you’ll play your best, too.
What to wear for a game of golf? Check out the Golf Dress Codes and Appropriate Fashion for men and the Female Golf Dress Code article.
