Miles Bennett
Plus fours are trousers that extend four inches below the knee, and they have been worn by golfers since the 1920s. The name plus fours comes from the fact that they are four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers, which only extend to the knee. Plus fours were introduced to provide more freedom of movement for golfers, and they became popular for their relaxed, baggy look. They were considered fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s, and experienced a revival in the 1980s when golfer Payne Stewart wore them on the PGA Tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 1920s |
| Style | Extravagant, Careless |
| Length | 4 inches below the knee |
| Popularity | Worn by golfers and game shooters |
| Comfort | More freedom of movement than knickerbockers |
| Popularity in the US | Introduced by Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) in 1924 |
| Revival | Popularised again by golfer Payne Stewart in the 1980s |
| Fashion Line | Featured in André Benjamin's Benjamin Bixby clothing line in 2008 |
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What You'll Learn
- Plus fours are trousers that extend four inches below the knee
- They were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among golfers
- They offer more freedom of movement than knickerbockers
- Plus twos, sixes, and eights are similar but vary in length
- They are often worn with argyle socks, silk neckties, and sweaters or Velcro straps and socks
Plus fours are trousers that extend four inches below the knee
Plus fours were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among sportsmen, particularly golfers, because they allowed for more freedom of movement than knickerbockers. The extra length gave athletes more room to move, which was especially beneficial for golfers, who found that the extra four inches below the knee freed up their swing. The popularity of plus fours in golf was also influenced by fashion trends of the time. The baggy style of the trousers fit in with the looser fashions of the 1920s, and they were considered a stylish and dashing look for golfers.
The fashionable golfer of the 1920s wore plus fours with argyle knee socks and a pullover sweater. Plus fours were often worn with silk neckties and dress shirts or sweaters, and some even came as complete suits. The popularity of plus fours in golf declined in the mid-1930s when walking shorts were introduced, but they have never completely disappeared from the golf fashion scene. They were revived in the 1980s by golfers such as Payne Stewart, who wore them throughout his career.
Plus fours are typically worn with socks pulled up over the trouser legs, and then fastened with Velcro straps just below the knee. This helps to secure the trousers in place and hold up the socks. The key size measurement for plus fours is waist size, similar to trousers. The extra material that folds over the knee also provides some room for error in the length.
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They were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among golfers
Plus fours were introduced in the 1920s and quickly became popular among golfers. They are trousers or breeches that extend four inches below the knee, making them four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers. The name "plus fours" derives from this additional four inches of material.
The style of plus fours originated from the baggy pants worn by British officers during World War I, which bloused out over the tops of their boots. After the war, a new type of knee pant was created that added four inches to the length of regular knickers, resulting in the distinctive look of plus fours. This new style was soon adopted across Britain and quickly spread to the United States when Edward, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), wore them during a trip in 1924.
Plus fours were particularly favoured by golfers as they offered more freedom of movement than knickerbockers, allowing golfers a fuller swing. The extra fabric of the plus fours created a relaxed, baggy look that aligned with the looser fashions of the 1920s. Golfers of the 1920s often paired plus fours with argyle knee socks and a pullover sweater, embracing both fashion and functionality on the golf course.
The popularity of plus fours among golfers contributed to their widespread adoption. Notable golfers like Payne Stewart wore plus fours during their careers, helping to keep the style relevant even into the 1980s and 1990s. While the introduction of walking shorts in the mid-1930s led to a decline in the prevalence of plus fours, they have never entirely disappeared from golf fashion. Even today, some golfers continue to wear plus fours, preserving this unique element of golfing style.
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They offer more freedom of movement than knickerbockers
Plus fours are a type of trousers or breeches that extend four inches below the knee, and are thus four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers. The extra length of plus fours offers more freedom of movement than knickerbockers, which traditionally only go down to the knee. This made them particularly popular among golfers, as the extra fabric allowed a full swing without any restriction.
The name "plus fours" comes from the fact that they are four inches longer than ordinary knickers. They were introduced in the 1920s and quickly became popular among sportsmen, especially golfers, who appreciated the extra freedom of movement they offered. The baggy style of plus fours also fit in with the looser fashions of the time, contributing to their popularity.
The origin of plus fours can be traced back to the end of World War I when British officers wore loose riding breeches that bloused out over their boots. This style influenced the creation of plus fours, which featured a similar baggy look. The fashion was also popularised by Edward VIII, then the Prince of Wales, who brought it to the United States during a visit in 1924.
While the popularity of plus fours declined in the mid-1930s with the introduction of walking shorts, they have never completely disappeared from the fashion scene, especially among golfers. They experienced a revival in the early 1980s when famous golfers like Payne Stewart wore them on the PGA Tour. To this day, some golfers continue to wear plus fours, valuing the combination of style and functionality they offer.
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Plus twos, sixes, and eights are similar but vary in length
Plus fours are a type of knickerbocker that extends four inches below the knee. They are baggy and often fastened just below the knee with a band. This extra length and bagginess provide a more relaxed fit and added a distinctive flair, making them popular among golfers in the 1920s and 1930s.
While the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal taste, as both are equally practical, plus fours tend to be favored by golfers for their added comfort and style. Golfers appreciate the extra room and ease of movement provided by plus fours, and even plus sixes. Plus fours are also adaptable to various weather conditions and can be paired with a coordinating vest or blazer for more formal golf events.
Although there is limited information on plus sixes and eights, it can be assumed that they follow the same length pattern as plus twos and fours, with plus sixes extending six inches below the knee and plus eights extending eight inches below the knee. This would result in an even baggier and more relaxed fit, providing even more room and ease of movement for golfers.
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They are often worn with argyle socks, silk neckties, and sweaters or Velcro straps and socks
Plus fours are a type of trousers or breeches that extend four inches below the knee, providing more freedom of movement than knickerbockers. They were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among golfers as they allowed for a full swing without feeling restrictive. The extra fabric bloused over the knee, creating a relaxed, baggy look that aligned with the fashion trends of the Roaring Twenties.
Plus fours are typically worn with specific accessories and accompanying garments. One option is to pair them with argyle socks and a silk necktie. Argyle refers to a traditional knitted pattern featuring large interlocking diamonds in various colours, adding a flashy touch to a sportsman's attire. The silk necktie introduces an element of sophistication and elegance to the ensemble.
For the top half, a sweater is often the garment of choice. The sweater, also known as a pullover, provides warmth and comfort while maintaining a casual and sporty aesthetic. It complements the relaxed nature of plus fours, creating a harmonious balance between style and functionality.
Alternatively, plus fours can be worn with Velcro straps and socks. The Velcro straps are used to fasten the plus fours just below the knee, ensuring a secure fit while allowing for ease of movement. The straps also help to hold up the socks, creating a neat and tidy appearance. This option provides versatility, as the plus fours can be adjusted for various activities, from golfing to country pursuits like shooting, riding, and walking.
The choice between the two combinations depends on personal preference and the specific context of wear. The argyle socks, silk necktie, and sweater combination exudes a more traditional and classic golfing aesthetic, while the Velcro straps and socks option offers a more versatile and functional approach, suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Plus fours are trousers that extend four inches (10 cm) below the knee, providing more freedom of movement than knickerbockers. They are traditionally associated with golf attire and became popular among golfers in the 1920s.
Golfers in the 1920s wanted to appear stylish and dashing while playing. Plus fours offered a relaxed, baggy look that fit in with the looser fashions of the time. They also provided more freedom of movement than knickerbockers, which were considered too restrictive for a full swing.
While the popularity of plus fours declined in the mid-1930s with the introduction of walking shorts, they have never completely disappeared from the golf fashion scene. Professional golfer Payne Stewart wore them throughout his career from the early 1980s to the late 1990s, and they continue to be worn by some players today.
