June 03, 2024
Frolics & Flirtation
What to wear for the most elegant of sports, Croquet.
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ATTIRE: What is appropriate to wear for Croquet?
Modern attire regulations for croquet can vary depending on the specific organization or club, but generally, they emphasize comfort, practicality, and a neat appearance.
Here are some common guidelines:
White Clothing: Many croquet clubs and tournaments require players to wear predominantly white clothing. This tradition harkens back to the sport's origins and helps reflect sunlight, keeping players cool.
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Collared Shirts: Players are often required to wear collared shirts. Polo shirts are a popular choice due to their combination of comfort and a neat, sporty look.
Comfortable Bottoms: While white trousers or shorts are standard, some clubs allow skirts or skorts for women. The emphasis is on clothing that allows for easy movement.
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Footwear: Players should wear flat-soled shoes to avoid damaging the lawn. Sneakers or tennis shoes are typically preferred.
Weather-Appropriate Attire: Depending on the weather, players might wear hats or visors for sun protection and sweaters or light jackets in cooler conditions, as long as they adhere to the predominantly white dress code.
Non-Restrictive Clothing: Modern croquet attire should not restrict movement, allowing players to swing mallets freely and move comfortably around the lawn.
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While these guidelines are common, it's always a good idea for players to check specific regulations of the club or tournament they are participating in, as rules can vary.
History of the game:
Croquet is believed to have originated in France during the 13th century, evolving from a game called "paille-maille." It gained popularity in England in the mid-19th century, where it became a favored pastime among the Victorian elite for frolicks and flirting. The game was formalized with standardized rules and equipment by the 1860s, leading to the establishment of the first croquet clubs. Croquet was even included in the 1900 Summer Olympics. Over time, the sport spread internationally, with various versions developing in different countries, including the United States, where nine-wicket croquet became particularly popular. Today, croquet remains a cherished sport, blending social interaction with competitive play.
HISTORY OF Croquet fashion
The fashion history of women's outfits for croquet reflects broader changes in women's fashion and social norms over the past century and a half. In the mid-19th century, when croquet first became popular among the Victorian elite, women's croquet attire typically included long skirts, high-necked blouses, and wide-brimmed hats. These outfits, while elegant, were often cumbersome, reflecting the era's modesty standards.
By the early 20th century, croquet attire began to evolve with the introduction of lighter fabrics and more practical designs. Edwardian women might wear tailored jackets and ankle-length skirts, allowing for slightly better movement. The 1920s brought a more radical change, as hemlines rose and women's fashion embraced a more relaxed and sporty aesthetic. Flapper-style dresses and shorter skirts became common, offering greater freedom of movement on the croquet lawn.
Post-World War II fashion saw the advent of more casual and practical sportswear. In the 1950s and 1960s, women playing croquet often wore knee-length skirts or culottes paired with polo shirts or blouses, reflecting the era's emphasis on functional yet stylish sportswear. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, croquet attire had become even more varied, ranging from classic preppy styles, including tennis skirts and collared shirts, to modern athletic wear designed for comfort and flexibility.
Throughout its history, croquet fashion for women has mirrored broader trends in women's clothing, gradually shifting from restrictive, formal attire to more practical and comfortable options, always balancing style with the need for ease of movement.
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It’s all wicket good fun!
Meagan and Antonia