Women Who Golf

Women’s Golf Fashion History: From Skirts to Sportswear

By Tuscany Williams2 min read

Women’s Golf Fashion History: From Skirts to Sportswear

Since 1956, women’s golf wear has taken it’s own form. In the 50’s-80’s, you saw neutral colors in baggy cotton from head to toe. Today, there’s professionally engineered wicking material in every color you can imagine. It has transformed to conform to the demands that the game has for its players, allowing them to express themselves in the process. We looked back in history through the last eight USGA U.S. Women’s Open Champions, and what they wore on Sunday.

AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1953AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Betsy Rawls, right, won the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship by 6 strokes in 1953. She’s wearing a collared blouse, and a long high waisted skirt. Perfect for the clubhouse, but could be tricky on the golf course. How would you get out of a bunker in that outfit?
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1956AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Kathy Cornelius wins the 1956 U.S. Women’s Open Championship. Here, she wears long shorts and a collared shirt. This is the trend that stuck around for years to follow.
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1966AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Sandra Spuzich won the US Open in 1966, rocking patterned bermuda shorts and classic white leather golf shoes.
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1976AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Joanne Carner, 1976 US Open winner blasts her shot out of the water in her plaid shirt and white top.

 

AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1986AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Jane Geddes won in 1986, wearing the classic pleated khaki shorts, shirt, and visor. We didn’t see hats on women until the late 90’s!
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 1996AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Here’s Annika! One of Sorenstam’s first wins in 1996. She wears her big Callaway visor, flowing pleated shorts, and classic top.
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 2006AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Sorenstam wins again in 2006! It’s the 2000’s where ladies introduce some color into the game. And aren’t we glad they did!
AI illustration of women’s golf clothing inspired by 2016AI illustration of period golf attire; not a photograph of the golfer discussed.
Our most recent winner, Brittany Lang. In the fashion we most see today on tour, you see only “tech” fabric, and matching red shoes with her shirt.


Originally published by Womens Golf Journal

Tuscany Williams, Women Who Golf author

About the author

Tuscany Williams

Tuscany Williams is the founder of Women Who Golf, a community that brings women together through golf, shared experiences and friendship. Through WWG, she helps women connect on and off the course and discover opportunities to play and travel together.

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