There’s nothing quite like a day at the races. Whether you’re quaffing champagne in an exclusive enclosure or you’re just there to have a punt with your mates, it’s all part of a time-honoured tradition.
And, as every gentleman knows, what you wear matters just as much as which horse you back. Dressing well for the races is about striking the right balance between sophistication, style, and sartorial etiquette.
If you’re off to Cheltenham, Ascot, or any other race event this season, here’s everything you need to know about what to wear to the races.
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Understanding Race Day Dress Code and Etiquette
Dress codes can vary depending on the racecourse and event type, but the unspoken rule across the board is simple: make an effort. These events are about more than just the horses. They’re about celebrating heritage, enjoying the spectacle, and, of course, dressing the part.
Flat Racing Etiquette
Flat racing, often held in warmer months, tends to be more fashion-forward, especially at high-profile meets like the Royal Ascot. Think smart tailoring, crisp shirts, and polished shoes.
Light-coloured suits or blazers are popular to embrace the warmer weather. Otherwise, you could add a pop of colour with your shirt or tie choice.
Jump Racing Etiquette
Jump racing usually takes place in autumn and winter, so it calls for a slightly more practical (but no less stylish) approach. A tweed suit or blazer is the perfect outfit choice: weather-appropriate, steeped in tradition, and effortlessly smart. An overcoat might also be needed if it’s extra cold.
What Do Men Wear to the Horse Races?
Some racecourses have specific rules for enclosures or members’ areas, so it’s worth checking in advance. Let’s review some of the main events and answer your burning question: “What do men wear to the horse races?”
What Men Wear to Cheltenham
There’s no official dress code, but that doesn’t mean anything goes – leave your jeans and t-shirts at home, please. The typical style at Cheltenham is classic British country with a refined edge.
A tweed suit or blazer is a popular choice, which will also keep you warm in the unpredictable March weather. Here, you can get away with a turtleneck or a shirt with no tie if you like. Go for earth tones, like moss greens or browns, to complement the countryside setting.
What Men Wear to the Grand National
While there isn’t a formal dress code, racegoers are encouraged to dress for a “smart occasion.” The Grand National is a huge event and draws a fashion-conscious crowd, so you'll want to look sharp.
A two-piece suit in a spring-friendly fabric like linen-blend or lightweight wool works well. A crisp shirt, tie, and polished shoes are musts. Bolder colours and patterns are more common here than at Cheltenham, so if you’ve been looking for a moment to wear a statement blazer or tie, now is the opportunity.
When planning your outfit, factor in a warm coat just in case the weather takes a turn – you never know!
What Men Wear to Royal Ascot
If there’s a day to pull out all the stops, this is it. It’s the most formal event in the racing calendar, with a strict dress code. Here, tradition reigns supreme.
In the Royal Enclosure, you'll need a morning suit in black or grey, complete with waistcoat, tie, black shoes, and a black or grey top hat In the Royal Enclosure, you'll need a morning suit in black or grey, complete with waistcoat, tie, black shoes, and a black or grey top hat — no exceptions.
In the Queen Anne or Village Enclosures, a suit with a shirt and tie is required, but there is more flexibility with colour and fabric. A jaunty hat adds a nice finishing touch and can keep you dry from any unexpected summer showers.
What Men Wear to Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby blends tradition with a relaxed summer vibe. You want to look sophisticated, but you can add a touch of flair to let your personality shine.
For those in the Queen’s Stand, the dress code is formal: a black or grey morning suit, top hat, and polished black shoes are expected.
If you’re in the Grandstand or other enclosures, the rules are looser, but style still matters. A smart suit and tie are the standard. This is a great place for a summer-weight suit in linen or cotton, especially in lighter colours.
Jazz up your outfit with a pocket square or a Panama hat if you feel like it needs a little something more.
What to Wear to the Horse Races as a Man
Whether you're heading to a winter meet or the Royal Ascot, a well-thought-out outfit can make you stand out from the crowd. Here are some key pieces when considering what to wear to the races.
Three-Piece Suit
A three-piece suit is a timeless choice for the races, and a nod to tradition that never feels out of place. We recommend tweed for its versatility and ability to span seasons. Heavier tweeds are perfect for cooler jump season events, while lightweight tweed blends work well for spring or early summer meets.
Shirt
Your shirt is your foundation. It should be well-fitted and seasonally appropriate. Opt for cotton in cooler months and lightweight linen when the sun is out. White, pale blue, and soft pink are classic colours that pair well with all suit styles. Just be sure it complements, not competes with, your jacket and tie.
Tie
A tie is essential for most race-day looks, except for more relaxed events like Cheltenham. Choose a tie that adds personality without shouting for attention. Navy, burgundy, and forest green are elegant, race-appropriate choices.
For summer events, consider a linen or silk tie, maybe with a subtle pattern. If you’re attending with a date, coordinating your tie colour with their outfit is a thoughtful and stylish gesture.
Pocket Square
A pocket square adds a touch of polish and individuality to your look. You don’t have to match it perfectly to your tie. Instead, pick up a colour from your shirt, tie, or jacket to tie the look together.
Again, if you’re attending with a partner, see if you can find a pocket square that echoes their outfit.
Smart Shoes
Finish your look with a well-made pair of shoes. Brogues or loafers are safe bets depending on the weather and venue. Leather is a classic option, but suede can look great in drier conditions.
Don’t forget the socks. Go for something dark that complements your suit (avoid white athletic socks at all costs) and make sure they're long enough to cover your ankle.
Accessories to Wear to the Races
The devil is in the details, and the right accessories can really elevate your look. Here are some ideas.
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Cufflinks: The finishing touch for your shirt, silver, gold, or equestrian-themed designs work especially well.
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Lapel pin: A great way to elevate your blazer if it’s a solid colour or material. Keep it subtle.
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Belt: Choose a sleek leather belt that matches your shoes, but avoid oversized buckles or logos.
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Sunglasses: They’re practical and stylish. Stick to timeless frames like aviators or wayfarers.
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Watch: A classic timepiece completes the look without overpowering it.
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Hat: Optional but traditional. Opt for a top hat or Panama for formal meets, or a tweed flat cap for country races.
What Not to Wear to the Races
When planning your outfit, leave these in the closet:
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Jeans: While some argue that smart jeans are okay, they’re simply too casual a choice for race day, even in more relaxed enclosures.
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Shorts: A definite no. Races call for smart, tailored trousers, no matter what.
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Anything overly casual: T-shirts, hoodies, or trainers are huge no-nos. You might find yourself being asked to leave.
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A tuxedo: Too formal and mismatched for daytime racing events.
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Loud prints or novelty patterns: Keep it classic, as bold looks can come off as gimmicky.
Final Tips for Looking Smart at the Races
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Wear a tailored suit that fits you well. A good fit is everything, it makes even a simple outfit look sharp.
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Go for a timeless and elegant look. Classic always beats trendy when it comes to race day.
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Choose your fabric and outfit to match the weather. Tweed, linen, or wool, dress with the season in mind.
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Don’t forget about comfort. You’ll be on your feet and outdoors all day, so dress smart, but stay comfortable.
Shop Suits for the Horse Races at Tweedmaker
For race day style, you can’t get more sophisticated than a well-cut tweed suit. At Tweedmaker, our suits are crafted with timeless style, elegant colours, and attention to detail.
Whether you're braving the chill at Cheltenham or enjoying the sun at Ascot, we have a range of fabric weights to suit every season, so you’ll look sharp and feel comfortable, no matter the weather.
Ready to look the part? Explore our collection and find your perfect race day suit today.
