Plus fours

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The Belgian comic book character Tintin is depicted as wearing plus fours.
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The Belgian comic book character Tintin is depicted as wearing plus fours.

Plus fours are loosely tailored slacks cut 4 inches below the knee. They have been traditionally associated with sporting attire from the 1860s and onward, and are particularly associated with golf.

Plus fours were introduced to America by Edward Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII of the United Kingdom) during a diplomatic trip in 1924. They are often seen on golf courses, and frequently worn with argyle socks, silk ties, and dress shirts/sweaters. Some plus fours even came as complete suits. Plus fours are fuller than the 19th Century knickerbocker and acquired its name as the material, which overhung the band at the knee, required an extra four inches of fabric.

They were later brought back to prominence by the professional golfer Payne Stewart who wore them on the PGA Tour.

The fictional comic book character Tintin was also usually seen wearing them.