Knickerbockers
Knickerbockers are knee-length baggy trousers and the classic image of historical golf clothing.
Knickerbockers, also called plus fours because they reached four inches below the knee, were the standard trousers on the golf course around 1900 and in the 1920s. They were worn with high socks, a jacket and a flat cap — the complete image of the early golfer. The name comes from New York colloquial speech and originally referred to this trouser form in general before it became an icon in golf. With the arrival of modern, light sports clothing, the knickerbockers disappeared from everyday life and became a symbol of tradition and nostalgia. Today you meet them above all at retro tournaments, hickory golf with historical clubs and themed rounds.
In practice, knickerbockers are no dress code obligation but a conscious style choice. An example: your club celebrates an anniversary with a historical round, and the participants appear in baggy trousers, braces and flat cap. Whoever takes part in something like that experiences the course and the old woods from a completely different angle. Otherwise modern functional clothing remains the norm, and no regular dress code demands knickerbockers. They are the living piece of golf history, not compulsory programme.
Typical misconception: new golfers sometimes believe they must dress traditionally in order to be taken seriously. The opposite is right — with normal modern golf clothing you fit in everywhere, and the knickerbockers are the charming extra for special occasions. Whoever fancies the historical look finds suitable events through the clubs. Which facilities suit you, you can see in the golf course search.
FAQ
Do I have to appear traditionally dressed as a new golfer?
No — the opposite is right. With normal modern golf clothing you fit in everywhere, and no regular dress code demands knickerbockers. The baggy trousers are the charming extra for special occasions, not compulsory programme.
When are knickerbockers still worn today?
Above all at retro tournaments, hickory golf with historical clubs and themed rounds such as club anniversaries. There you experience the course and the old woods from a completely different angle. You can find suitable events through the clubs — which facilities suit you, you can see in the golf course search.
Why are knickerbockers also called plus fours?
Because the trousers reached four inches below the knee — hence the name. Around 1900 and in the 1920s they were the standard trousers on the golf course, worn with high socks, a jacket and a flat cap. Today they are the living piece of golf history and a symbol of nostalgia.