As any avid golfer knows, the legacy and tradition that golf embodies are woven into every aspect of the game. Over the last 30 years, women's athletic wear has evolved vibrantly to align with modern trends, though it hasn't always been this way. In the early 1900s, women in American society began moving away from basic fashion pieces, creating the conditions necessary for women to not only excel at golf but also look stylish doing it!
We are excited to present our Birdies with a three-part blog series exploring the history of women's golf fashion. Starting from the 1920s, each decade marks significant changes in the game, culture, and attire as everyone races to keep pace with the evolving world. Some changes made can be good - female golfers today can be thankful it’s no longer required to wear wool on the green!
1900
Female golfers and athletes in the 1900s set out to elevate the sport they loved, paving the way for principles we still uphold 80 years later. At Marie Birdie, we believe that a passion for the game (and a bit of bold "slay" energy) is key to driving change!
1910-20
The 1910s and 1920s were a transformative era for societal norms and fashion, especially in women's athletic wear. As organized amateur and professional women's golf tournaments gained popularity, the need for more practical and flexible attire became evident. Women began to embrace clothing that allowed greater freedom of movement, moving away from the restrictive corsets and long skirts of previous decades.
Side note: Our design team at Marie
Birdie didn’t invent the babydoll skirt
for our Love Street dress... we just
gave it some flower power!
Sweaters and cardigans were popular choices, often complemented by ties or bows. While societal norms still dictated modesty, women enjoyed the comfort of looser, flaring skirts that reached the shin rather than the ankle. During this time, colors remained relatively neutral, with more vibrant hues in women's activewear not appearing until the 1940s.
1930
The 1930s brought a new boldness to women's fashion, while still maintaining traditional standards. Women desired both flexibility and sophistication, resulting in hemlines around knee-length and a more streamlined silhouette.
This era marked a shift towards more practical yet elegant styles, allowing for greater comfort and ease of movement without sacrificing class.
During the 1930s and 1940s, fabrics like lightweight wool and cotton blends became popular for their breathability and comfort. These materials were ideal for athletic wear, providing the perfect balance of functionality and style. After all...
How can you expect to score
a birdie if your pants are made for a bogey?
1940-50's
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the classic look on the golf course featured a collared shirt with a light sweater draped over the shoulders, embodying modesty and traditional elegance. This period also saw the rise of Babe Didrikson Zaharias, an Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest professional athletes in American history. Renowned for her excellence in four different sports, Zaharias won 82 amateur and professional golf events over her 20-year career. Her remarkable skills and grace on the course, along with her significant contributions to the founding of the LPGA, earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded posthumously to the Babe Zaharias Foundation in 2021.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
We as Birdies understand that feeling good in what you wear is key to performing your best. Over time, women in golf have paved the way for today's golfers with attire that bursts with color, flexibility, and most importantly...
At Marie Birdie headquarters, we deeply appreciate our Birdies for their dedication to driving change and empowering fellow female golfers!
Let us know what your favorite decade for golf fashion is at @mariebirdieofficial on Instagram or go to our website at: www.mariebirdie.com/
Look out for Part 2!