Evolution of Golf Clothes for Women
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The history of women’s golf is a long one, starting in the 1500s. However, it did not really become acceptable for women to play golf as a hobby until the 19th century and even then, women did not play professionally until the 20th century. As the attire of men’s golf clothing evolved over the years, so did women’s golf clothes. In the beginning, women wore skirts that were formal. As time went on, women’s golf clothing became more casual, and today, looks very similar to what men wear on the golf course.
How Women Dressed in the Early Years
In the early years of playing golf, women wore long skirts and blouses, which were fitted tightly around their frame. With this outfit, it made playing difficult for women to have freedom in their swing and movement. Women often played golf at country clubs to meet young men, so they wanted to dress their best. In many cases, this meant restricting their game. By the 1920s, women began playing golf in shorter skirts. Some women even played in knickers, but it was not approved in most of the country clubs. Golf dresses for women also became fairly popular in the 1920s, as well as sweaters and jackets. These styles for women held through the 1930s and 1940s, but women’s apparel began to change tremendously over the next two decades.
Time for a Change
There was a lot of change in women’s attire during the 1950s and 1960s. Women were finally allowed to wear Bermuda shorts in many of the country clubs, and they could also wear sleeveless shirts. Around this time, men’s fashion had also evolved to wearing khakis and Bermuda shorts, so the golf attire for men and women began to show similarities. By the 1970s, the skirt had come back into fashion by way of the skort, which was a combination of shorts and a skirt. In today’s golf fashions, women wear skorts, long pants, shorts, or capris. They have the option of wearing what they want as long as it fits any dress code that a country club may have. Some country clubs require collared polo shirts for women, so it is important to check before you go.
What Not to Wear
When choosing what to wear on the golf course, it is important for women to know what they should not wear. These include:
Jean shorts or pants
T-shirts
Daisy Dukes
Vulgar sayings on clothing
Shirts that show the belly
Tattered clothing
These items of clothing are not necessarily part of the dress code for public courses, but they are not appropriate when playing golf.
Accessorize Your Outfit
Every girl needs her accessories, even when she is playing golf. If you love shoes, you will love choosing what color of shoes to wear on the golf course. Golf shoes come in just about every color and will match any outfit. You may even be able to find golf sandals. To complete your outfit, it is a good idea to wear a hat or visor, sunglasses, and a jacket, in case it gets cold.
Over the decades, women’s golf attire has evolved dramatically. From skirts to shorts, women around the world dress to impress out on the golf course.