(Mostly) Stylish History of Golf Fashion
Golf, a sport steeped in tradition and history, has had a few decades of bunking fashion class. A distant memory from its loud, yet calculated, statements against the norm in the past. While the course rules may have remained relatively consistent in their restrictions, and we are starting to see increased participation in golf, there is no better time to reflect on the snazzy origins of golf course fashion over the years. From its primordial beginnings to the modern-day fuck up we see on the fairways.
THE BEGINNING
15th Century - 19th Century
Golf's origins date back to the 15th century in Scotland, pretty old, and its early fashion was a cross between "Braveheart" and "Sherlock Holmes." Players donned kilts, long coats, and boots. Practicality trumped fashion as they trudged through rugged, windswept links. Caps, usually made of tweed or wool, we are basically looking at men (because they were the only ones allowed) ready to battle this ridiculous invention of a sport that was (and still is) impossible by design.
Side note; against the name GOLF originating from forbidding ladies, the first women ever recorded to play golf was in the same era. Womens golf has been needing a rebrand for long enough.
THE POLO SHIRT
Early 20th Century
The turning point in golf fashion came in the early 20th century with the introduction of the iconic polo shirt. Renowned tennis player René Lacoste, the Crocodile King himself, made it alligator-free and oh-so-comfortable. It quickly infiltrated golf courses, rendering those stiff collars and starched sleeves obsolete. The collared shirt became as essential to golf as a caddy's advice and the 19th hole (both questionable). A polo can be misconstrued and misplaced so easily, be careful, don’t be normal.
THE GOLDEN ERA
1920s - 1950s
Golf fashion in the 1920s through the 1950s was like stepping onto the set of an old Hollywood film. Men sported knickers, knee-high socks, and leather golf shoes with spikes, ready to tap dance or tee off at a moment's notice. Argyle patterns, cardigan sweaters, and flat caps were the order of the day. Golfers like Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan embodied this suave era of golf fashion, proving that style could be par for the course. Womens fashion was at an all time high and spilled over once more into a masculine world to give it the touch of pure style and elegance that embodies the actual sport.
ACID
The '60s and '70s
As the 1960s ushered in free love, LSD and music’s greatest era, golf fashion couldn't resist the psychedelic allure. Although one could assume they were on the wrong side of the movement, golfers embraced paisley patterns, bell-bottom trousers, and collars wider than their wedges. Golfers like Arnold Palmer and Renee Powell became style mavens. Bring back a tight t-shirt tuck!
THE PREPPY REVIVAL
1980s - 1990s
Now, this era is to blame for the popped collar, country club cocktail party look donned by sly businessmen holding onto the misogyny of their made up heritage, but, we can thank Michael Jordan and the likes for saving this era on the back nine of the nineties. Turtle necks into baggy slacks with a pair of classic leather spikes will feel so goddamn good on that special course you've been waiting to play.
THE MODERN ERA
2000s - Present
We are entering the questionable and dangerous demise in golf fashion. Where it seems to have taken the turn into a cul-de-sac of tastelessness and blandness. A suburb of safety and logical lethargy. Technical fabrics, moisture-wicking materials and performance based mind sets have slowly over-taken style. That’s where we step in…
At Found, we are leading a thoughtful revolution against the stuffy clubhouse rules of collared shirts and dressing like you’re older than the game. We will stay in line, just, we may be dancing on the other side of it, but we won't cross it.
Keep it stylish out there.