THE GOLFING LOOK
On the preceding pages, golfers have just had from Ben Hogan another lesson on improving their game. On this and the following pages there is news for them of the very newest way to dress for the game—not only because, as their game improves, players will want to look better playing it, but because these clothes have some very real and important functional contributions to make to their wearers.
The American golfing look (as demonstrated in these color photographs at Pasadena's Annandale Country Club, and elsewhere on these pages at the Paradise Valley Club near Phoenix) follows the style developed by professional golfers. In the beginning, the pros had to have all their clothes custom made. They wanted colorful apparel that would identify them. To achieve this they went to what seemed bizarre extremes—gloves were the same color as their shoes; caps carefully complemented shirts and slacks.
The pro also developed details in construction which were of considerable value to his game. There were, for instance, the bi-swing pleats set into the shoulders of jackets; waist-adjusting trousers with high-cut backs that clung closely to the body; long shirt-tails that didn't pull out; absorbent, sturdy knits for shirts; slim, lightweight caps that shaded the sun; bell-sleeved alpaca cardigans that did not have to be pulled over the head as the day warmed up. They eventually even got a golf shoe as much as a pound lighter. This year, all of these custom features developed by the pros are available in ready-made clothing priced for the average player.
Included in this group is the woman golfer, who has not had an easy time finding these same details in feminine versions. Where she has had to, she has borrowed ideas and clothing from the men: she has made Bermuda shorts a uniform on the golf course, she has said "me too" to knitted sport shirts, alpaca cardigans and action-styled windbreakers. This year, truly for the first time, she will have a good selection of golf clothes designed especially for her. She has said that she wants beauty as well as functionalism; and this is realized through handsome, easy-care fabrics and through tailoring that stands up to the rigors of the game and keeps her presentable for the session at the 19th hole.
Many of these ideas, proved first by men, are adapted to fit women's preferences. The boy cap is slimmed down. The famous LaCoste shirt, which first appeared last year in women's sizes, is now available in a sleeveless version which eliminates the problem of sun-tan marks. Wind- and water-repellent poplin jackets are styled by women's-wear manufacturers—one style even incorporates the high-fashion Balenciaga blouson.
Most of the golf clothes on these pages (not every style is available at every store) can be found at the following stores: L. s. AYRES, INDIANAPOLIS; BOSTON STORE, MILWAUKEE; CARSON, PIRIE, SCOTT & CO., CHICAGO; DAYTON CO., MINNEAPOLIS; FROST BROTHERS, SAN ANTONIO; HIGBEE CO., CLEVELAND; JOSEPH HORNE CO., PITTSBURGH; RICH'S, ATLANTA AND KNOXVILLE; ROOS BROTHERS, CALIFORNIA; STRAWBRIDGE & CLOTHIER, PHILADELPHIA. For men's clothes only: SANGER'S, DALLAS; STIX, BAER & FULLER, ST. LOUIS.
"Skants," with front and back panels attached to side seams ($16, Cos Cob), give Mrs. Robert Pierce room to swing.
Bellows pocket comes off washable slacks ($14, McGregor) worn by Herschel Collins with golf moccasins ($20, Bass).
SUNDAY BEST: Betsy Daniels in silk blazer ($25), sleeveless shirt ($13), Dacron-wool shorts ($15, all Glen of Michigan); and Don Daniels: Pro Slax ($14.50, Palm Beach), LaCoste shirt ($8, Izod) and alpaca cardigan ($37.50, David Church).
Reversible Jacket ($22.50, Willis & Geiger) has easy-swing rag-Ian sleeves, is of water-repellent Pima cotton, slate blue on one side, ivory on the other. Trim cap is madras ($5, Stetson).
Kiltie Shoe ($27.50, Pro-Shu Company) is a lightweight black and white wingtip. Golf socks ($2.50, Izod) are knitted of stretchable wool and nylon, have padded wool soles, striped trim.
Golf Gloves $4 for single glove, Champion; are made of soft capeskin, elasticized for a really snug fit and have ventilating holes. They come in many colors for coordinating with other apparel.
Walking Skirt ($20, Glen of Michigan) has four pleats, is alternative to shorts and made of the same fabric. Red shoes ($19, E. E. Taylor) are worn with stretchable sun socks (60¢, Trimfit).
Action-back poplin jacket worn by Mrs. Pierce ($13, Reid & Reid) matches cap ($4, Bressler). Mrs. Dan Norton wears denim skirt ($8, White Stag) with Aertex shirt ($8, Lady Hathaway).
Towel Loop on back of Bermuda shorts, inset action-back on shirt are functional details of the check gingham outfit worn here by Mrs. William LaFollette ($20, by Louise Suggs for Lynbrook).
Linen Knickers in new, slim version are practical for damp courses in spring or fall ($16.50, Currick & Leiken). With them, Hersch Collins wears an Aertex pullover shirt ($8, Hathaway).
New Jackets have free-swinging construction: Collins' Pima pullover ($12, Zero King) has knit trim, Robert Buffum's biswing shoulder model adjusts at waist ($13, White Stag-Bantamac).
Sleeveless dress of cotton cord ($15, Serbin) is topped with alpaca cardigan by Mrs. Pierce. Mrs. Peter Gillham wears bloused-back, water-repellent jacket with pin-stripe shorts ($26, Masket).
Terry Towel fastens to belt of Dacron-and-cotton shorts ($10) worn with knitted Dacron-cotton shirt ($8, American Golfer).
Golfer's Shorts have adjustable side tabs ($10.50, Merrill-Sharpe); golf shirt presents alpaca in a new role ($16, Puritan).
Oxford Shirt is teamed with polo-belted khaki skirt ($19, Toni Owen) and madras Eton cap ($4, Bressler) by Mrs. LaFollette.
Plaid-lined Jacket is of cotton poplin, has waterproof pockets ($21, Baracuta). Collins' golf cap is madras ($4, Bressler).
Sleeveless version of famous LaCoste shirt ($7.50) is worn by Mrs. Pierce with Arnel flannel shorts ($12, both Haymaker).
Rain Jacket, cap of clear plastic fold up in flat packet. Mrs. Gillham also has matching golf skirt ($9 complete, U.S. Rubber).
TWENTY ONE PHOTOS
CHRISTA