The History of Women’s Sportswear: From Function to Fashion

Women’s sportswear has a rich history that reflects the shifting societal attitudes toward women in sport. From restrictive, functional clothing to stylish, high-performance garments, the evolution of women’s sportswear is a story of empowerment, innovation, and style.

The Early Days: When Fashion Trumped Functionality

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women entering sports like golf, tennis, and cycling faced societal norms that demanded modesty. On the golf course, women were dressed in full-length skirts, blouses, and even corsets – designs that prioritised decorum over performance. These outfits often restricted movement and comfort, making athletic pursuits unnecessarily challenging.

Image credit: Scottish Golf History, Miss Joyce Wethered 

 
The Roaring 1920s: Breaking Free

The 1920s marked the first real shift in women’s sportswear. With icons like Suzanne Lenglen in tennis and the rise of more independent female athletes, practicality began to take precedence. Pleated skirts and tailored blouses became common, allowing freer movement. In golf, shorter hemlines and lighter fabrics started appearing, influenced by broader changes in women’s fashion.

Image credit: Life Magazine June 16 1921 Wearing of the Green

The Golden Era of Sportswear Innovation: 1960s-1980s
During this period, women’s sportswear underwent significant innovation, with brands introducing synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. Women golfers embraced fitted trousers, sleeveless polos, and other designs that balanced performance and elegance. Golf apparel became less about fitting societal expectations and more about enabling peak performance.

Image credit: Sears Catalogue 1972 'Great Moments in Sportswear'

The Modern Age: Athleisure and Beyond

Today, sportswear is synonymous with versatility and style. Athleisure has redefined the industry, blending high-performance materials with trend-driven designs. For women golfers, this means functional pieces that seamlessly transition from the course to everyday life. At PARQ, we celebrate this evolution by creating collections that empower women to look and feel their best, whether they’re hitting the greens or enjoying a post-game coffee.

 

The Future of Women’s Golfwear
As inclusivity, and innovation take centre stage, brands like PARQ are redefining what it means to wear women’s sportswear. We believe that performance apparel should do more than just meet the demands of the sport—it should empower women to feel confident, expressive, and part of a community.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We design for a diverse range of women, because we know that golf—and sportswear—should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, our pieces are tailored to make you feel at home on the course while expressing your unique personality.