The Evolution of Golf Fashion

The Evolution of Golf Fashion 

By: Hardy Greene

Golf and menswear have gone hand-in-hand since the sport’s creation centuries ago. The sport has long been known for formal behavior and dress upheld by the “country club culture” that has housed the sport. This culture has led to the development of styles and trends within men’s fashion, driven by companies such as Ralph Lauren and Lacoste. These companies have created golf-inspired lines that have evolved with the sport and made their way into all facets of modern men’s fashion.

In the 1920s, when golf became a relevant topic in the United States, golfers played in baggy knickers, neckties, and jackets. As the game has evolved, we have seen golfers move towards collared shirts referred to as “polos” along with slacks or even shorts. These collared shirts have transformed from a uniform of sorts for country club athletics into a staple for the wardrobe of men around the globe.

As the sport has continued to grow in popularity and fashion has shifted in a casual direction, we have seen professional golfers push the boundaries of the traditional golf attire upheld by strict course rules. These golfers, such as Chi-Chi Rodriguez in the 1970s and Tiger Woods throughout the 1990s and 2000s, strive to express themselves through their style on the course. This has forced country clubs to loosen their rules and open the door for golfers to continue to develop their on-course style. The evolution of on-course fashion has driven golfers to explore their style off the course as well, continuing the idea of golf and fashion working as one.

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