Artículo: Fairways & Fashion: A Timeline of British Golf Style Through the Decades

Fairways & Fashion: A Timeline of British Golf Style Through the Decades
Fairways & Fashion: A Timeline of British Golf Style Through the Decades
From tweed caps to moisture-wicking polos, British golf fashion has evolved as steadily as the Royal & Ancient rules. Whether you're a weekend hacker or an Open Championship devotee, there's no denying that golf style has a story—and Britain’s version is particularly dapper.
Let’s take a walk down the fairway of time.
1900s–1920s: The Tweed Era
Ah, the days when a Sunday round looked more like a country estate shoot.
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Style Notes: Golfers rocked full tweed suits, complete with plus-fours (trousers that extended four inches below the knee), high socks, and heavy jackets.
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Headgear: Flat caps were essential—think classic Peaky Blinders meets St Andrews.
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Vibe: Aristocratic and rustic. You dressed for a round and a whisky afterward.
Fashion Meets Function? Not quite. Heavy fabrics and zero breathability.
1930s–1950s: The Tailored Gentleman
Post-war Britain saw golf fashion take on a sleeker, more refined silhouette.
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Style Notes: Sweaters layered over shirts and ties became standard. Trousers remained smart, creased, and cuffed.
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Knits: Argyle patterns began appearing in vests and socks—subtle nods to Scottish heritage.
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Footwear: Leather brogues and early iterations of spiked shoes emerged.
From battlefield to back nine—style got streamlined but stayed proper.
1960s–1970s: The Mod Influence & Colour Splash
Swinging London had its say on the links.
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Style Notes: Colours brightened, trousers slimmed, and shirts lost their ties. Knitted polos gained popularity.
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Icons: Tony Jacklin made the cardigan cool. Golf attire edged toward casual but stayed crisp.
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Materials: Lighter, synthetic fabrics started popping up.
The game stayed slow, but the fashion started to swing.
1980s–1990s: Bold, Branded, and a Bit Bonkers
This was the era of statement golf—and it was loud.
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Style Notes: Oversized sweaters with geometric or neon patterns were everywhere.
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Logos: The rise of branded apparel—Lyle & Scott, Pringle, and early Nike Golf.
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Pants: Loud tartans and bold-colour slacks were common, sometimes clashing spectacularly with tops.
Flashier than a tin of Quality Street—and twice as colourful.
2000s–2010s: Tech Meets Tradition
A more performance-driven approach took hold.
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Style Notes: Slim-fit polos, breathable fabrics, and waterproof outerwear became essential.
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Design: Classic British style merged with global influences. Think flat caps paired with Nike gear.
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Footwear: Spikeless shoes entered the scene, blending function with off-course style.
Fashion got faster—lighter, tighter, and weather-ready.
2020s–Present: Heritage Meets Hype
Golf fashion in the UK is having a moment—again.
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Style Notes: Retro meets streetwear. Knitted vests, quarter-zips, and relaxed tailoring are back.
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Brands: British labels like Sounder, Manors, J.Lindeberg, Castore & Trap Links are redefining cool on the course.
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Headgear: Bucket hats, modern flat caps, and even beanies (gasp!) are teeing off.
Golf’s style revival is less about the leaderboard, more about the clubhouse ‘fit.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Woven Into Every Stitch
British golf fashion has always walked the line between formality and flair. From tweedy tee-offs to today’s laid-back luxe, each generation brought its own swing to the style game. Whether you’re pairing argyle with Air Max or still rocking a classic Glen plaid, one thing’s for sure: British golf fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you carry the game.