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.

• Style Notes: Golfers rocked full tweed suits, complete with plus-fours (trousers that extended four inches below the knee), high socks, and heavy jackets.

• Headgear: Flat caps were essential—think classic Peaky Blinders meets St Andrews.

• 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.

• Style Notes: Sweaters layered over shirts and ties became standard. Trousers remained smart, creased, and cuffed.

• Knits: Argyle patterns began appearing in vests and socks—subtle nods to Scottish heritage.

• 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.

• Style Notes: Colours brightened, trousers slimmed, and shirts lost their ties. Knitted polos gained popularity.

• Icons: Tony Jacklin made the cardigan cool. Golf attire edged toward casual but stayed crisp.

• 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.

• Style Notes: Oversized sweaters with geometric or neon patterns were everywhere.

• Logos: The rise of branded apparel—Lyle & Scott, Pringle, and early Nike Golf.

• 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.

• Style Notes: Slim-fit polos, breathable fabrics, and waterproof outerwear became essential.

• Design: Classic British style merged with global influences. Think flat caps paired with Nike gear.

• 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.

• Style Notes: Retro meets streetwear. Knitted vests, quarter-zips, and relaxed tailoring are back.

• Brands: British labels like Sounder, Manors, J.Lindeberg, Castore & Trap Links are redefining cool on the course.

• 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.