Plus fours are breeches or trousers that extend 4 inches (10 cm) below the knee (and thus four inches longer than traditional knickerbockers, hence the name). As they allow more freedom of movement than knickerbockers, they have been traditionally associated with sporting attire from the 1860s and onward, and are particularly associated with golf.[1]
Less known are plus twos, plus sixes and plus eights, of similar definitions.[2]
An "extravagant, careless style that fit right in with the looser fashions and lifestyles of the 1920s", plus fours were introduced to America by Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII of the United Kingdom),[1] during a diplomatic trip in 1924. They are often seen on golf courses, and frequently worn with argyle socks, silk neckties, and dress shirts/sweaters. Some plus fours even came as complete suits.
They were later brought back to prominence by the professional golfer Payne Stewart who wore them on the PGA Tour.[3]
The fictional comic book character Tintin was also usually seen wearing them.
Plus fours are featured in André Benjamin's Benjamin Bixby clothing line, which is based on clothing worn by Ivy League athletes in the 1930s.[4]