In lots of sports, dress codes aren't even an issue.When there are teams, there are uniforms, so that takes care of that. And generally fans and guests are welcomed into stadiums and onto playing fields wearing just about anything.
In skiing and other snowy sports it's far to cold to make a sexy statement, and in cycling, track, kayaking and rock climbing the the need for speed and safety has created a certain uniformity. But there are sports where dress code is always going to be a bit of an issue. Where it will inevitably rear it's fashionable head from time to time. Like...for example...NASCAR?
OK, I thought NASCAR and fashion were mutually exclusive, but in fact, there was a bit of a couture controversy at Daytona recently. At issue was the low, low, low cut frock worn by Ashley Judd,(above) the movie star who happens to be married to champion rookie driver Dario Franchitti. Apparently there are strict rules as to what can be worn in the garage and on the pit road (I'm visualizing a place that's noisy and greasy). Dresses, low cut or otherwise, are not allowed. And even if they were, the dress in question, flouncy and festooned with delicate tulips, was definitely not in keeping with NASCAR style (another oxymoron). Tongues were wagging and eyebrows were raised and there was talk of a double standard. One for beautiful movie stars and one for normal NASCAR people. To which one commenter on a NASCAR forum suggested that they "needed a rule prohibiting Ashley Judd from wearing anything when she attends the races".
In golf, as we all know, dress code controversy is quite common, particularly where female players both pro and recreational, are concerned. Opinions vary widely as to what's acceptable, under what circumstances. I for one was surprised to see Michelle Wie wearing what looked like a Wall*Mart tank top during the second round of the Fields Open over the weekend. Now I'm a huge Michelle Wie fan (
Anyway, I have lots more to say on golf dress codes and I'll certainly be addressing the topic both here and on Red Tee Tales, my Golf for Women blog. As the season heats up I'm sure we'll be seeing some amazing style statements ... and more than a few fashion flops.
GG,
ReplyDeleteThe snow is really getting to ya, isn't it? NASCAR...you were watching NASCAR? Tell me you were not doing research for Gear Jammer magazine.
It is interesting what the LPGA will allow the players get away with wearing, but it all comes down to money. NASCAR allowed Ashley in the pits for the same reason Michell got away with wearing the tank top...the TV's love it and they are paying the Network's bills.
What happens is novice golfers see something on TV and think the attire is standard practice. They then attempt to wear a tank top to a golf course and depending on that facility's profitability will allow it so they can get the revenue or reject it before they lose revenue.
I am with you on drawing the line and needing to "look pulled together". Thanks for keeping this issue in the news...it will keep a lot of newbie golfers from being embarrassed when they are not allowed to wear their tank tops on the golf course.
PS: Look forward to chatting with you on The ClamBake Cafe BlogTV Show this Thursday, Feb 28 at 8PM EST.
It's funny how men are held to such a different standard. The PGA doesn't even allow palyers to wear shorts. Then you see the women wearing what ever they want.
ReplyDeleteMy 18 year old niece refused to play last summer when we told her she couldn't wear a tank top. If the pros are wearing them, then I guess everyone should be allowed to.
ReplyDeleteThat top she's wearing really does look unprofessional. To the extent that I doubt it would be permitted at any of the courses I play, private or public.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with Mr Business. The reason the women get away with wearing the "clothes" they wear has less to do with money and more to do with FEAR ! Who, except a catty woman, is going to step up and say something about what a woman is wearing ? Certainly not a man ! (we know better)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am past having a problem with a tank top on the golf course. What bothers me are these professionals who wear shorts, shirt, and some sort of hat that makes them look like a 12 year old kid on a muni.
Wear a skirt - wear long pants - just look sharp - not sloppy.
As much as I love seeing those long stems of Natlie Gulbis, a miniskirt on the golf course is tackier than a tank top on Michelle Wie.
And then there are the belly shirts. Not for professionals on the golf course.
Some outfits that are called "stylisih" are just plain hideous to look at...but that's a personal opinion. (if you could see my closet, you would shake your head and tell me not to criticize Se Ri Pak's "creations")
Women have gotten away for decades now with wearing whatever they want wherever they want, while male professionals were told to wear uniforms or suits and ties. Many women want equality in the busines world, but don't want to live up to professional standards.
Women are allowed to hide behind the word "fashion" all too often. I for one don't think it would be a bad idea for the LPGA to have some sort of dress code. The clothing manufacturers will make whatever the pros want - and the public will follow in lock step.
OH - and you can bet the mortgage that Ashley Judd will NEVER show up in a dress/top like that again unless the rule is changed. She is extremely respectful of her husband's career and does not intentionally break the codes of NASCAR or any other racing league he is in. The difference is that when he was driving F1 and IRL cars, the women were mostly European and dressed skimpy and revealing because that is the way it's done there.
Ashley Judd is a beautiful lady and usually looks great in anything she wears but I thought that outfit made her look frumpy. But at least her boobs are the real thing!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with courtgolf. I am an avid golfer and love being fashionable on the golf course, but I am totally against pros wearing skirts that are too short! Even though Michelle wore a "tank top" I still think she looked clean and professional, which for me is what a golf outfit should look like. If you look at the top up close and actually feel the material it is not like a tissue paper thin $3 top you would find at Wal-Mart. It is actually made to resemble a sweater vest and the fact that she had her skirt longer than she normally does is what makes the outfit work and look professional. If the skirt was as short as what Natalie normally wears then the issue of trashy comes into play. Plus, I don't think Nike would make an outfit that wouldn't follow the standards of golf course dress codes.
ReplyDeletep.s. I belong to a private club and as far as I know they are more concerned about having skirts be too short than having your shoulders show on a non-collared shirt.
I have to agree with you golf girl. In my club you will see a variety of sleeveless,collarless tanks for sale. You will see skirts that are 6 inches above the knee not 4 (as the rule is for shorts). Also a variety of t-shirts. The confusion lies in the fact that what women see on TV and what is sold in their own proshop leads them to believe it is acceptable attire on the course and trust me I am all about a well shaped cute golf dress. So now the rule at our club is sleevless with a collar or collarless with sleeves needed. Isn't that confusing. And that is for women only. For the men it is collar mandatory at all times.
ReplyDeleteI guess this is remeninscent of my days in the office when business casual was introduced. Before you knew it someone showed up in jeans and flip flops.
I'm with you Patricia. The line gets drawn at a collared shirt... always! If Michelle Wie wants to wear a tank top, she can go to the beach (figuratively & literally).
ReplyDeleteAnd fashion & NASCAR go together like bacon & ice cream.
Thanks for your responses!
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting because it shows why it might be a real challenge to establish a dress code for professional players or even for recreational players at public and private courses. Varioius people see "the look" in various different ways.
Court and Andrea have a very different perception of what's acceptable (and what looks pulled together). I actulally really like the very short, form fitting skirts on Natalie Gulbuis, Michelles Wie, Paula Creamer and others, and think they look far, far better (more pulled together, more sharp and stylish) than boxy, longer skirts and short that some (Annika, Karrie Webb) wear. But I just don't abide collarless! And as Court said about his views, it's just my opinion. There are many who wouldn't approve of my closet's contents. Then of course there's the whole conundrum of different things lookng good on different people. Put all that together and you get a real puzzle when it comes to establishing dress codes. Add to that that you want to sell the sport and not alienate newcomers.
As I said there's lots more to talk about on this subject. In researching this story I found myriad pics of pros wearing things at tournaments that were Out.rage.ous. In the near future I'm going to post a series of photos of outfits I find really nice and ones I find unacceptable and see what everyone think...Maybe we can reach a consensus on the ideal golf dress code. :) Thanks again for your comments.
BTW - Goods, I had bacon ice cream once, believe it or not, it was awesome.
GG, I love your blog, but I really have to disagree with you assessment of young Ms. Wie’s tank top (personally not a fan, but I think her attire is completely appropriate). I am a very avid golfer and have been golfing for about 16 years. My biggest complaint over the years has been the stuffy attire – uncomfortable “golf” shoes and grandma-style shorts. Golf attire has come a long way over the years and I think “professional” is the appropriate guide. I don’t agree that you need to wear a collar to be deemed professional.
ReplyDeleteThe ongoing debate if golf is really a sport seems to be very relevant here. If golf is to be considered a sport, then more athletic apparel should be encouraged rather than criticized.
A few comments:
ReplyDelete1. Everyone's opinions on NASCAR and their strange need to put it down are exactly why I'd rather hang out with NASCAR fans than golfers/golf fans. NASCAR fans aren't as judgemental. Also, let's face it, NASCAR is much more interesting to watch than golf, even if golf is fun to play, few things are better for insomniacs than watching it. NASCAR can be boring sometimes, but at least there's some thrill involved, and you might even see these things called emotions show up.
2. If you think golf skirts are too short, you've obviously never seen tennis. Or girls in the mall.
3. You have a bigger problem with collarless shirts than backless ones? I find that hard to believe.
I want to bring the cock sock to the golf course. That is the new look - bare chest, bare ass ok but cover up the tube steak and ball sack. boo ya!
ReplyDeleteps Mr Biz golf = biggest homo on this blog. He is such a pompass ass-wipe
I totally agree with you, I am not a fan of tank tops either. I think they look cheap. What I think is interesting is that these young girls don't seem to care about protecting their skin from the sun. We all know that the sun damages the skin; it causes sagging skin wrinkles, sun spots, not to mention skin cancer! They would all cover up if they knew what years in the sun will do to their skin. They should take a look at some of the older LPGA players and the would cover up...
ReplyDeleteI posted quite a bit about Ashley's outfit at www.themockdock.com. We have a whole I Hate Ashley Judd category that you can click on the right. Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteap - you got me laughing. I have heard those same comments for years, and only a woman would hate a game because of the clothes. Forget the challenge of the game. Forget the socializing. Forget about being outside for a few hours. Ok, for some out there - forget the drinking. It's all about the clothes.
ReplyDeleteJust curious - what is the definition of "grandma shorts" ? And is it the shape of the shorts or the shape of the hips and legs in the shorts that makes them "grandma shorts" ?
GG - I didn't say I don't like the short, form fitting skirts - just the opposite...especially when you have a form like Gulbis'. I just don't think mini-skirts are appropriate professional golf attire.
Karen - they do wear sunscreen - the very best on the market.
Mock - I left junior high school ages ago. Sites like that can be humorous until they start showing ignorance. Yours crosses the line pretty regularly. Ashley Judd is not forbidden from wearing dresses on pit row - she was asked not to wear the super low cut top she was wearing. And yes, you can have a slow car, driving as fast as you can in a car that isn't as fast as the leaders isn't a criticism of the driver - this guy has driven over 250 mph in an open cockpit car. I don't think speed is a fear of his.
I am not against short skirts, but I do think Natalie wears her skirts a little too short. For the record Paula Creamer wears her skirts a bit longer than Natalie does, and in my opinion is the perfect length. I also feel that a golf skirt is too short and inappropriate when you bend over to pick up your golf ball and your shorts underneath show.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I think the LPGA has implementd a different dresscode than private/public golf courses. They allow the players to show a little more skin than normally allowed to attract more male views. Just a thought.