The Evolution of Women’s Golf Clothes

Play Happy! Perspectives is a Blog about MORE than Golf…It’s a way to Play, Think and Live.

From Pleats to Performance: The Evolution of Women’s Golf Clothes

As we watched the Solheim Cup this past weekend in Idaho with Nancy Lopez, we couldn’t help but notice the uniforms. The colors, the styles, the fabrics, the athletic fit—it was a long way from what Nancy wore when she competed in the very first Solheim Cup at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando in 1990.

And it got us thinking about just how much women’s golf clothing has changed through the years.

Women golfers once played in long skirts, heavy fabrics and clothing that certainly wasn’t designed around making a golf swing. Over the decades, those long skirts gave way to shorter skirts, shorts and pants, and eventually to the skorts, polos, dresses and performance apparel we see today.

Nancy came along during an especially colorful time in golf fashion. In the 1970s and ’80s, we weren’t afraid of bright colors, patterns and coordinated outfits.

“I loved looking feminine on the golf course, but whatever I wore also had to allow me to swing freely and compete. Fashion was important—but performance always came first,” said Nancy.

By the time we played that first Solheim Cup in 1990, golf clothing was becoming more athletic, but compared to what today’s players wear, we still had a long way to go!

Today, women golfers have choices we could only have dreamed about. Fabrics stretch with the golf swing. Shirts wick away moisture. Clothing can provide sun protection and even help keep you cooler. And perhaps best of all, women no longer have to choose between style, comfort and performance.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about the new partnership between Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures and IBKÜL. IBKÜL is now the official lifestyle brand of Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures, and their approach to clothing fits perfectly with our Play Happy! philosophy,” added Nancy.

Their performance apparel features IceFil® cooling technology, moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 50+ sun protection—all while offering the colors and styles that make you feel good when you step onto the golf course.

“I’ve always believed that when you feel comfortable and confident, it can carry over into the way you play.”

Golf fashion will continue to change. Hemlines will go up and down. Colors will come and go. Styles we thought we’d never see again will probably find their way back into our closets!

But one change I hope is here to stay is that golf apparel is finally being designed around the golfer—helping us move freely, stay comfortable, protect ourselves from the elements and still feel great about how we look.

We’ve come a long way from those early days of women playing golf in long skirts—and even a long way from that first Solheim Cup in 1990.

“I have to admit, when I look at today’s Solheim Cup players, there are moments when I think: I sure wish we had those uniforms back then!”

Until next time, wear something that makes you feel good, swing with confidence and, most importantly… Play Happy!