Knowledge Builders

where did the name plus fours come from

by Darrell Zieme Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

They were baggy garments that fastened tight around the knee area and were popular among some soldiers during the First World War. Some bright spark had the idea of making these pants a little longer - adding 4 inches to their length, hence the name.May 18, 2017

Full Answer

Why are they called plus fours?

First introduced during the 1920s, plus fours were a variation on the traditional knee pants called knickers, which had been worn by men, boys, and, occasionally, women, since the late 1800s. Plus fours received their name because they were made four inches longer than ordinary knickers.

When did plus fours become popular in golf?

The popularity of plus fours declined in the mid-1930s, when walking shorts were introduced. However, they have never quite disappeared from the fashion scene, particularly among golfers. The early 1980s saw a revival of plus fours on such famous golfers as American Payne Stewart (1957 – 1999), who wore them throughout his career.

Why do they call them plus four pants?

Some bright spark had the idea of making these pants a little longer-adding 4 inches to their length, hence the name. Instead of fastening around the knee, the plus four fastened just below. This extra length gave the wearers much more freedom of movement.

Are plus fours still in fashion?

Plus fours came in tweed wool, linen, corduroy, and flannel. Many were solid colors, but to be really trendy, men wore stripes, checks, windowpane, and plaid patterns. They were already on trend when the Prince of Wales went on tour in America wearing plus fours. His approval meant any man NOT wearing plus fours was out of fashion.

image

What does plus fours mean in British?

plus fours in British English plural noun. men's baggy knickerbockers reaching below the knee, now only worn for hunting, golf, etc. Word origin. C20: so called because the trousers are made with four inches of material to hang over at the knee.

Who created four plus?

Edward, Prince of WalesAn "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.

What's the difference between plus twos and plus fours?

What is the difference between plus twos and plus fours? Plus fours are the more traditional garment which are fuller cut and fold over 4 inches below the knee, plus twos are the more modern equivalent with a 2 inch fold over and these give off a slimmer sillouette.

What are old fashioned golf pants called?

KnickerbockersKnickerbockers or knickers are a form of men's or boys' baggy-kneed breeches, particularly popular in the early 20th-century United States. Golfers' plus twos and plus fours are similar.

When did plus fours go out of fashion?

1930sThe popularity of plus fours declined in the mid-1930s, when walking shorts were introduced. However, they have never quite disappeared from the fashion scene, particularly among golfers.

What are knickerbockers pants?

Knickerbockers or “knickers” are full or baggy trousers gathered at the knee or just below and usually fastened with either a button or buckle. Knickerbockers were initially worn by men in the late 19th century and gradually became part of women's fashion.

Why do shooters wear plus fours?

What makes breeks so practical? Plus Twos and Plus Fours are worn with shooting stockings, which mean you aren't trying to pack your trousers and socks into wellingtons or worst still trying to roll shooting stockings up over trousers if you are wearing boots.

What is a wizard in plus fours?

-- wizard in plus-fours (GF7) A Ministry wizard dressed in Muggle plus-fours was in charge of making sure that owners of the campgrounds at the 1994 Quidditch World Cup tournament did not notice the magic activity going on all around them. He did this by casting multiple Memory Modifying Charms on them.

What are breeks in Scotland?

Breeks is the Scots term for trousers or breeches. It is also used in Northumbrian English.

When did golfers stop wearing knickers?

From Knickers to Flannels Golfers moved away from plus fours and knickers and gravitated toward flannel trousers in the 1930s. These slacks were usually white or gray since men sometimes went to the golf course from the office. Many golfers stopped wearing neckties at this time.

Why do golfers wear plaid?

Years ago, it was customary for a golfer to wear plaid when they played golf. Eventually, these plaids started getting more and more colorful and bright. The brighter the colors, the more they stand out, and golfers can look as though they are great at the game.

When did golfers stop wearing ties?

1930sAround the 1930s, Neckties were no longer worn. By the 1940s the heat was becoming unbearable and the styles of today's golf wear were introduced. Men wore short-sleeved knitted shirts and lightweight slacks similar to today's age.

What is the meaning of plus 4?

Definition of plus fours : loose sports knickers made four inches longer than ordinary knickers.

What clothing does Ian Poulter wear?

But right after 2005-2006, Poulter took the massive decision of creating his own line of apparel to wear on the golf course. So all the unique pants that we see Ian Poulter donning on the golf course? All of it is designed by his company IJP Design. It seems like the perfect balance, Poulter's company.

How many US Opens did Payne Stewart win?

PGA Tour wins (11)No.DateTournament6Apr 15, 1990MCI Heritage Golf Classic (2)7May 6, 1990GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic8Jun 17, 1991U.S. Open9Apr 30, 1995Shell Houston Open7 more rows

What is a plus four in golf?

Plus 4s are worn to the knee and are wider and longer than Plus 2s with a 4" overhang and have a choice of 3 leg fastenings.

When did the plus fours come out?

This extra length gave the wearers much more freedom of movement. While versions had been around since the 1860s, it wasn’t until the 1920s that they took off, especially on golf courses.

Who designed the plus fours?

Outkast’s André Benjamin was a big fan of the look and even designed his own plus fours, which he included in his Benjamin Bixby clothing line in 2008. The fashion line was said to be inspired by Ivy League athletes of the 1930s.

Who wore plus twos in 2004?

Ian Poulter brings the look back in 2004. Andrew Milligan/PA Archive. Since then, few golfers have opted to wear them. They are occasionally seen, with Ian Poulter donning a tartan pair of plus twos in 2004 and Rickie Fowler paying homage to Payne Stewart with some plus fours in 2015.

What are plus fours?

While they still fastened with a tight band at the knee, the extra fabric of the plus four bloused over the band, giving a relaxed, baggy look. Plus fours were an extravagant, careless style that fit right in with the looser fashions and lifestyles of the 1920s. They also offered more freedom of movement than previous knickers, which made them extremely popular with sportsmen, especially golfers.

When did plus fours disappear?

The popularity of plus fours declined in the mid-1930s, when walking shorts were introduced. However, they have never quite disappeared from the fashion scene, particularly among golfers. The early 1980s saw a revival of plus fours on such famous golfers as American Payne Stewart (1957 – 1999), who wore them throughout his career.

What were the plus fours in 1929?

1929 men’s plus fours and breeches pants. They are comical when worn today. The large ballooned hips tapered down to the knee and then laced tightly over the calf. A pair of over-the-calf lace up boots or leather putees (gaiters) with ankle boots completed the look.

What colors were used in Oxford bags?

By 1929, stripes were fading out of fashion but the solid colors grew even bolder: lemon yellow, sunburn tan, metallic grey, pale green, tobacco brown, and pale blue.

What was the first Oxford bag made of?

Flannel, flannel, flannel. Most Oxford bags had to be made of wool flannel. White flannel pants were first used by cricket and tennis players, replacing duck cloth, which was heavier and warmer.

image

1.Plus fours - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus_fours

2 hours ago Plus fours were introduced in the 1920s and became popular among sportsmen—particularly golfers and game shooters—as they allowed more freedom of movement than knickerbockers. [1] 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 …

2.Plus Fours | Encyclopedia.com

Url:https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports-and-everyday-life/fashion-and-clothing/clothing-jewelry-and-personal-adornment/plus-fours

10 hours ago Why Are They Called Plus Fours. The name comes from the amount of extra material in the garment. If the plus4s fit perfectly they will finish 8 inches below the wearer’s knee when they …

3.1920s Men's Pants History: Oxford Bags, Plus Four

Url:https://vintagedancer.com/1920s/mens-pants-history/

11 hours ago Why Are They Called Plus Fours. The name comes from the amount of extra material in the garment. If the plus4s fit perfectly they will finish 8 inches below the wearer’s knee when they …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9