subject: The Story Behind The Plaid Pants [print this page] The first thing I think of when someone mentions golf is the short plaid pants. But where did that tradition come from? I think a lot of us focus on much of the modern day where sports are concerned, but there is a lot to learn about history even when you just look at the fashion. And it gets even more interesting when one fashion statement from long ago is tied into several other sports and is still present today.
The pants are referred to as plus-fours or plus-twos depending on the number of inches below the knee they extend and are baggy in the knees. These were adapted from the medieval Trews, a type of Scottish tartan clothing meaning trousers. Trews were cut on the bias to stretch to the body and the tartan sash was cut on the diagonal. They took the place of the kilt when the weather was really cold.
In the 1800s, a more modern adaptation of the Trews became a staple dress code like jeans are the norm for us. Boys wore knee length pants and then as a sort of rite of passage, graduated to long pants. These became known as Knickerbockers, or knickers. Around 1864, knickers were the way to play baseball and even had a team named after them. The New York Knickerbockers. There was a basketball team that also shared that name and they came to be known as our New York Knicks. Sports of all kinds used these kinds of pants. Golf, with the argyle socks, rock climbing, skiing, and bicycling.
The Prince of Wales popularized the plus-fours in the game of golf on U.S. soil when he visited in 1924. That was a very long time ago, you say? I agree. But there are still places online that you can buy knickers or plus-fours in plaid and plain alike. You can even find them with caps and bowties also! If you have the urge to be a traditional golfer, rest assured there are still places to cater to you! Many people prefer a golf shirt and pants with some room for movement. Some clubhouses have specific dress codes, so be sure to check on that before you show up for your tee time and are turned away.
Still today, there are sports that use the adapted Trews, or knickers, for their uniforms. Baseball, although many have gone back to the long style of Trews, football officials use the knickers even though they are not so baggy and use long versions in cold weather. Other sports enthusiasts have taken to spandex for easy movement. But the knee length style is still there although materials have changed. Goodbye to traditions and hello to evolutions.
Whatever you decide to wear on the course, be yourself! Choose a style that screams your personality. Just because Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus dresses a particular way doesnt mean that is the expected way. Feel free to be unique because you are an individual. Perhaps your style will become the next adapted tradition on the course! Show off your style at Branson resorts on your next Branson vacation.
