
Plus fours are a type of trouser that extends four inches below the knee, and they are a popular choice for golfers due to their comfort and freedom of movement. They are considered indispensable for more formal golf events and are also favoured for their versatility and practicality. Plus fours offer a relaxed fit with a distinctive flair, and their baggy design allows for unrestricted movement, which is essential for a good swing and overall performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description | Breeches or trousers that extend 4 inches (10 cm) below the knee |
| Comparison with knickerbockers | 4 inches longer than traditional knickerbockers |
| History | Introduced in the 1920s; became popular among golfers and game shooters in the 1920s and 1930s |
| Popularity | Attributed to Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) during a trip to the US in 1924; later brought back to prominence by professional golfer Payne Stewart |
| Features | Loose fit, baggy, often fastened just below the knee with a band, 'fish tail' back design, double pleat front design |
| Advantages | More freedom of movement, comfort, versatility, adaptability to various weather conditions |
| Occasions | Formal golf events, casual rounds, less formal occasions |
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What You'll Learn

Plus fours are a type of trouser that extend four inches below the knee
Plus fours are characterised by their baggy fit and are typically fastened just below the knee with a band. This extra length and looseness provide a relaxed fit and add a distinctive flair to one's attire. They are highly versatile and can be adapted to various weather conditions. For cooler temperatures, they can be paired with long socks and warmer fabrics, while in warmer months, they can be worn with lighter fabrics for comfort.
The design of plus fours also includes a 'fish tail' back, which gives a higher rise, offering enhanced protection from the elements. This feature, along with their overall comfort and ease of movement, makes them a preferred choice for golfers, especially in unpredictable weather. The loose fit allows for a more natural range of motion, which is crucial for achieving peak performance during a golf game.
Plus fours have made a comeback in golf fashion and are considered indispensable for more formal golf events. They can be paired with a coordinating vest or a tailored blazer, depending on the season. For casual rounds or less formal occasions, plus fours remain a popular choice, often paired with a polo shirt and a lightweight sweater or a windbreaker jacket.
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They offer more freedom of movement than knickerbockers
Plus fours are a type of trouser that extends four inches (10 cm) below the knee, and are thus four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers. They are baggy and often fastened just below the knee with a band. This extra length and bagginess provide a more relaxed fit, making them popular among golfers in the 1920s and 1930s. The 'fish tail' back design of plus fours gives a higher rise at the back, providing enhanced protection against the elements, making them a preferred choice for golfers facing unpredictable weather.
Plus fours offer more freedom of movement than knickerbockers. This is due to their loose fit, which reduces restriction and allows for a more natural range of motion. This freedom of movement is crucial for peak performance in sports and other physical activities. The extra room and ease of movement provided by plus fours are appreciated by golfers, especially when swinging a golf club or simply walking the course.
The added room of plus fours is not just for aesthetics; it significantly enhances comfort during long hours of physical activity. Their double pleat front design makes the silhouette fuller and roomier compared to the flat front and narrower leg of plus twos. Plus fours are also adaptable to various weather conditions. They can be paired with long socks to keep warm in cool weather or worn with lighter fabrics for comfort in hot weather.
Plus fours were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among sportsmen, particularly golfers and game shooters. They were considered to have an "extravagant, careless style that fit right in with the looser fashions and lifestyles of the 1920s". Plus fours were introduced to the United States by Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), during a trip in 1924. They were later brought back to prominence by the professional golfer Payne Stewart, who wore them on the PGA Tour.
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They are considered formal attire for golfers
Plus fours are a type of trouser that extends four inches below the knee, making them four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers. They are often baggy and fastened just below the knee with a band. This added length provides a more relaxed fit and a distinctive flair, making them popular among golfers in the 1920s and 1930s.
Plus fours are considered formal attire for golfers, especially at prestigious golf tournaments with specific dress codes. They offer a versatile and practical option for golfers, providing unrestricted movement and comfort during long hours on the course. The loose fit and natural range of motion are ideal for swinging a golf club and walking the course, allowing golfers to perform at their peak.
The versatility of plus fours also extends to their adaptability to different weather conditions. Golfers can pair them with long socks for warmth in cooler weather or opt for lighter fabrics in hotter climates. The 'fish tail' back design, which is higher at the back, offers enhanced protection from the elements, making it a preferred choice in unpredictable weather.
For formal golf events, plus fours can be paired with a tailored blazer or golf waistcoat, while a coordinating vest or polo shirt may be more suitable for warmer months. Plus fours remain a popular choice for golfers today due to their combination of style, comfort, and functionality, solidifying their position as a staple in the golf wardrobe.
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They are adaptable to various weather conditions
Plus fours are a type of knickerbocker that extends four inches below the knee. They are often baggy and fastened just below the knee with a band. This extra length and looseness provide a more relaxed fit and add a distinctive flair, making them popular among golfers in the 1920s and 1930s.
Plus fours are adaptable to various weather conditions. They can be worn with long socks to keep warm in cooler weather or with lighter fabrics for comfort in warmer weather. The fish tail back design, which gives a higher rise at the back, offers even more protection against the elements, making them suitable for golfers facing unpredictable weather.
For warmer months, plus fours can be paired with a coordinating vest, a polo shirt, or a lightweight sweater. As the season progresses, they can be combined with a tailored blazer or golf waistcoat. In less favourable weather, plus fours can be worn with a windbreaker or rain jacket.
The versatility of plus fours extends beyond the golf course, making them suitable for various activities, from casual outings to sporting events. This adaptability to different occasions and weather conditions, along with their blend of style and functionality, has contributed to the enduring popularity of plus fours among golfers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
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They are known for their comfort and ease of movement
Plus fours are a type of trouser that extends four inches below the knee, making them four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers. They were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among golfers because they allowed for a greater range of motion than knickerbockers. The baggy fit and extra length of plus fours provide unrestricted movement, which is essential for a good golf swing and overall performance. The double pleat front design of plus fours also makes the silhouette fuller and roomier compared to other styles, enhancing comfort during long hours on the course.
The comfort and ease of movement provided by plus fours are further enhanced by their adaptability to different weather conditions. They can be worn with long socks in cooler weather or lighter fabrics in warmer climates. The 'fish tail' back design, which is higher at the back, offers added protection from the elements, making it a preferred choice for golfers in unpredictable weather.
The loose fit of plus fours reduces restriction, allowing for a more natural range of motion. This makes them ideal not just for golf but for other sports and physical activities as well. Plus fours are also versatile and practical, suitable for both casual and formal golf events. For a casual round, they can be paired with a polo shirt and a lightweight sweater, while for a more formal tournament, they can be worn with a tailored blazer or golf waistcoat.
The popularity of plus fours can be attributed to their combination of style and functionality. They offer a relaxed fit and distinctive flair, fitting in with the looser fashions of the 1920s and 1930s. At the same time, their design promotes better mobility, making them a practical choice for golfers and other sports enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Plus fours are a type of trouser that extends four inches below the knee. They are often worn in golf due to the freedom of movement they offer.
Plus fours are four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers.
Plus fours are considered indispensable for more formal golf events. However, they are also a good choice for casual rounds and less formal occasions.










































