Golf Clothing – The past, present and future

Golf is a traditional game and golf clothing has remained traditional with style nuances that usher one era to the next.

If you look at the typical golfer on any golf course across the world, chances are the golf clothes they'll be wearing will be similar. The golf shirt and a pair of khakis are a typical golf clothing uniform.

The Past

But golf clothing has evolved over the years – especially for women. Before the emancipation of women it wasn't considered important for them to excel at sports, so golf clothes were not designed for them, let alone clothes that would give them movement for sport. In the early 20 th century women's golf clothing consisted of tailored blouses and skirts.

•  1910, women were allowed to have expanding pleats on their golf clothing to prevent tearing during the golf swing. Tweed was a common material.

•  In America , shorter hems were common in sports skirts.

•  1917, sports clothing evolved after the fashion magazine Vogue prompted women to ski in jodhpurs not overskirts.

•  1936, women started wearing slacks in every day life, although it would still be another thirty years until trousers were interchangeable with skirts.

•  Women became more visible and active in sport including tennis and golf and golf clothing and sportswear evolved to meet the increased demand.

•  The 1950s saw rigid golf clothing wane, looks became less important than staying warm, dry or cool and in the sixties mass production led to wide ranges of golf clothing.

Golf style

Women's golf clothing pre-war tended to be smart suede jackets, slacks or box pleated skirts. Post-war, synthetics made their way into golf clothing and by the sixties stretchy clothes were the usual for sport and leisure wear. Nylon entered the fashion world in the fifties and changed golf clothing forever. The advances in synthetic fibres were thanks to techniques developed in military clothing during the war. Golf clothing ranges also expanded as a result of the popularity of windcheaters and anoraks in the sixties.

The future

It is thought the future of golf clothing will be similar – nuanced stylistic advances that maintain the conservative image of the game. Luxury fabrics will be more affordable and the clothes will be well fitting - it's thought modern styles will have a hint of retro but incorporate high-tech gadgetry such as multipurpose sunglasses. The advances in fabric in golf clothing will probably lead to lighter but more suited materials designed to protect the wearer from the elements.

Sports HQ is the European division for Confidence Sporting Goods, inc., the famous manufacturer from Palm Springs , California . We sell a huge range of sporting equipment, including golf clothing. Because we sell directly to you, you can expect to save up to 70% on normal retail prices when buying from us.

Call us today on 01527 598388 for more information or to place an order.