The ’50s

The Liberation of Length

The 1950s were the beginning of a period of liberation when it came to hem lengths for women, offering the freedom to wear skirts above the ankle. With increased mobility on the golf course these skirts were typically coupled with a simple blouse and layered with a cashmere sweater. In warmer weather, sleeveless blouses were acceptable.

The waistline was also a topic of discussion for women on the golf course; while “sack dresses” were viewed as the modest choice, many women opted for dresses with a waistline.

The ’60s

Free Spirits and Waistlines

Bold colors and patterns began to make their way to women’s golf wardrobe in the 1960s. As hem lengths inched their way up, women were introduced to the skort, which made it possible to wear knee length skirts.

The intersection of function and fashion, were evident in this decade and as waistlines disappeared making way for free-flowing tunics and culottes. The desire for comfort was a sign of the times, leading the way for flowy dresses and skirts on the golf course.

The ’70s

The ’70s Colorful Pants

While women began wearing pants suits, form-fitting pants and platform shoes as statements of power and equality to their male counterparts, the ’70s did away with the golf dress and subbed in more of a unisex style of attire. Slacks replaced the golf dress and waistline accentuating clothing made a comeback.

Polyester was the fabric of choice and bright colors were officially in. It wasn’t uncommon to see women on the first tee sporting bright red or yellow trousers, with a flare at the ankle.

The ’80s

High Waisted Pants

Shoulder pads and big hair weren’t the ’80s only iconic fashion statements. The high-wasted pant was another fad whose popularity hit its peak in the decade.

Waistlines were accentuated with sleek belts and color-coordinated tops and bottoms, creating a chic look for women on the golf course.

Many credit a marketing campaign by Guess as the driving force that suddenly made everyone want a pair.

The ’90s

The Khakis

Forget the flamboyant hues of previous decades. In the ’90s, golfers decided they were enough to give them a headache on the course. The decade marked a time where woman traded loud colors for the more subdued. Classic pleated khakis were in style and typically paired with oversized polos.

Add a wide brim visor to top off the outfit and you were ready to hit the course.

Throwback

The Gap was the place to shop in the ’90s, offering a preppy look for golfers and non-golfers alike. Their popular advertisements helped make khakis all the rage and celebs and pop stars like the Spice Girls rocked this look often.

The 2000s

Less Sticking, More Wicking

Neutrals and khakis eventually lost their flame as golfers were ready to bring some color back into the game. Women began to push the boundaries of country club and resort golf standards choosing clothing that fit their desire to wear fabrics and cuts that could perform just as well as they did.

As sleeve lengths shrank, companies began to focus on using more breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester.

And then there were hats. Visors were all the women wore for years, but something about this decade’s sporty trend had some women doing away with the visor and preferring a hat instead.

The 2010s

Golf Skort or Tennis Skort

Women’s gravitation to athletic styles have continued to grow in the 2010s, along with their demand for clothing that can be easily transitioned from work, to play, to the 19th hole.

Trendy garments with stretch fabric that don’t overlook the need for carefully placed pockets win with savvy golfers.

Enhancements in fabric technology allow for more fitted tops and visors are becoming popular again.