Plus fours are loose-fitting pants that fall 4 inches below the knee, originally worn as a sports garment for men in the late 19th century. They were traditionally known as men’s clothing but were commonly worn by women and children. They are still worn by golfers, horsemen, and members of the cavalry. The heyday of their popularity was reached in the United States in 1924, following a visit by Prince Edward of Wales.
With a loose fit, as well as four legs, they are pants that fall 4 inches (10 cm) below the knee, and which became a common sports garment for men in the late 19th century. Worn in Europe for centuries, they were named for the length of the material that the above-the-knee blouses made. At the same time, there are also plus twos, plus sixes, and plus eights, defined by the same means, but not as popular.
The pants have a band that collects loose material at the knee, keeping it from getting in the way of the wearer. Before the height of their popularity, when they were traditionally known as men’s clothing, all fours were most commonly worn by women and children, and were often referred to as knickers. Their looseness made them quite comfortable for active wear due to the fact that they allow for a greater degree of movement. They are a cross between a pair of long shorts and the long pant.
The heyday of four-legged popularity was reached in the United States in 1924, following a visit by Prince Edward of Wales to the United States. The prince was seen and photographed wearing them, and they soon became a fashion trend. The looser, carefree style was in style and was worn as a fashion statement and not the sporty outfit it was originally created for.
In addition to their use on the golf course, these banded pants are also worn by horsemen and members of the cavalry. Their loose fit often makes them more comfortable than traditional and long-favored breeches. Skiers have also been known to choose more fours over other ski pants, as they stay firmly in place and don’t allow as much air movement as a loose leg. A form of these pants are also worn by baseball players, which are not considered as wide at the knee. Whatever the chosen purpose, the common choice of material for making more fours is tweed, tartan, or cotton twill.
Always known for making a style statement while golfing, plus fours were favored and brought to the attention of PGA great Payne Stewart. As part of a traditional golf outfit, argyle socks are commonly worn with them, something he also did. While they are not seen as often as before, the four have not lost their iconic style.
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