Whether you’re attending the Cheltenham Festival in March, dressing for Royal Ascot in June, or just trying your luck at a local meeting, you’ll need the right men’s race day outfit.

While dressing up isn’t mandatory at most venues, it’s undoubtedly part of the day for most racegoers. However, race day fashion has its unique style and mastering the art is far from easy.

From tweed suits with striking designs to bold blazers paired with smart trousers, we’ll guide you through what to wear and what to avoid at the races this year to help you nail the perfect race day look.

Is There a Men’s Race Day Outfit Dress Code?

Some racecourses have specific dress codes for prestigious meetings, while others have none. Overall, there’s been a drive to make racing more accessible and inclusive, and The Jockey Club no longer has a formal dress code in place at any of its 15 venues.

Even so, certain courses still employ dress codes for the big meetings and in certain enclosures. For men, this may mean a morning coat or a specific type of jacket. It’s always best to check the rules for the racecourse you’re attending before picking out your men’s race day outfit.

Although formal dress is rarely compulsory, this doesn't mean that there aren't specific rules at specific venues. If you turn up in fancy dress or sportswear or the wrong outfit, you may even be refused entry.

The main thing to remember is that your average racegoer enjoys dressing up, especially when attending Royal Ascot, the Grand National, or one of the iconic meetings. So, leave your jeans and trainers behind and don’t be afraid to dig out your best outfit, even when it isn’t mandatory.

Whether you’re attending a jumps meeting at Newbury or The Derby at Epsom, these men’s race day outfits will ensure you’re race day-ready throughout 2025.

Men’s Race Day Outfits: Dressing for the Weather

We can’t overstate it, but the weather will be a major factor in your choice of men’s race day outfit. Racing takes place all year round in all conditions where four seasons in one day isn’t uncommon.

For instance, March weather for the Cheltenham Festival is notoriously unpredictable, so you’ll want to prepare for rain and bracing winds with clothing that keeps you warm and dry. When it’s cold and wet, you may want to substitute the business-like navy suit for a country-inspired look featuring heavier fabrics. You could also add some finishing touches like a waistcoat, brushed cotton shirt, cravat, and baker boy cap that deliver strong race day vibes.

That said, summer racing is a different experience and commands lighter suits in brighter fabrics that keep you comfortable and confident. Just remember, racing provides the ideal opportunity to express your personality. While smart attire is the norm, dressing bold is encouraged.

Find the Perfect Men’s Race Day Outfit

Whether you’re backing a favourite, taking drinks in the winners’ enclosure, or on a day out with your mates, you’ll want to put your best foot forward at the races.

We’ll help you create some classic racing combinations designed for any occasion and all kinds of weather:

1. Timeless Tweeds

Behold your men’s race day outfit hero – the trusty tweed suit. Tweed is engrained into the very fabric of racing society, whether it’s a full tweed suit or a statement jacket. Tweed is hugely on-trend again with more variety of bold colours, checks, and designs than ever before.

To really rock the race day look, consider a classic two-piece or timeless three-piece tweed suit with strong, peak lapels. You’ll capture the seasonal mood in an olive green tweed suit, or go for something traditional like a classic brown tweed suit with a subtle check. Also, if you planning on wearing multiple layers but fear you’ll overheat, lightweight lambswools are a practical choice.

2. Classic Sports Jacket with Trousers

From Aintree to Ayr, you’ll look every bit the true country gentleman by donning a classic sports jacket and trouser combination that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any race meeting. Men’s sports jackets and blazers are extremely versatile thanks to the wide selection of colours, fabrics, and designs to suit every taste, allowing you to truly express your individual racing style.

We recommend chunky tweeds as an ideal material for sports jackets and blazers which you could pair with a matching waistcoat for a day at the races. Trousers should also me made from heavier twills or cotton fabrics which you’ll thank us for on a cold day. Similarly, jackets made from thinner fabrics are often more comfortable when attending summer race meetings. The important thing is to match your trousers accordingly, so heavier twills and cotton fabrics to partner a tweed jacket, or lightweight chinos or linen slacks when the weather warms up.

3. Breeze-busting Overcoats

If you’ve felt the icy wind blowing down Cheltenham’s Cleeve Hill as it chills your bones, you’ll know what a game-changer a solid overcoat can be. Most racing happens outdoors, so unless you’re going in the middle of a heatwave, a reliable jacket or coat could be your biggest win of the day.

In terms of style, you won’t go far wrong with a classic Crombie overcoat which comes in a range of sizes, designs, and cuts. As well as looking incredibly stylish, you’ll create a protective barrier against the wind and cold air and stay warm and cosy. Modern overcoats also come in a variety of colours from camel and navy to vivid greens to match the rest of your outfit. No matter which racecourse you’re attending, you’ll always be on-trend with the rest of the racing community in a snug-fitting overcoat, and it also fits effortlessly into your wardrobe.

4. Footwear to Boot

Finding stylish race day footwear that’s both practical and comfortable can be tricky, especially in unpredictable weather. A smart pair of shoes or boots are essential for completing your men’s race day outfit. But, when you’re spending most of the day on your feet, your footwear must be strong and comfortable enough to stand up to the challenge.

If you’ve chosen to wear a tweed suit in earthy colours, consider brown footwear or pair with leather Chelsea boots which are a great wardrobe essential and can be worn all year round. If you’ve opted for a traditional three-piece suit, then a pair of classic brogues with their subtle patterns work equally well for any formal or casual occasion.

It’s worth bearing in mind that some racecourse car parks are on grass, so if you’re driving you’ll need suitable footwear for the race day conditions. Just remember, race day footwear should be as practical as it is stylish, or you could end up with sore feet and blisters as well as empty pockets.

5. Complementary Caps and Hats

Some would argue that no men’s race day outfit is complete without a stylish cap or hat. They’ll finish off your country gentleman look and come in wide range of fabrics and colours to complement any racing ensemble.

Flat caps and baker boy caps have boomed in recent times as racegoers emulate the fashion styles of yesteryear while also keeping warm. Men’s flat caps go with most racing attire with options in classic tweeds and check patterns to complement your distinguished tweed suit. Alternatively, a traditional baker boy cap may work better with a festival outfit when creating a sophisticated look.

Choosing the right car or hat will add polish to any men’s race day outfit. Just be aware that some race meetings call for specific headwear, such as the traditional top hat worn at Royal Ascot every year.

6. Don’t Forget the Accessories

Your men’s race day outfit is almost complete and your tweed suit, matching waistcoat, brushed cotton shirt, stylish shoes, and baker boy cap are ready to go. However, whether you’ve gone for a classic look or a more country feel, it’s important to add those finishing touches by adding some well-chosen accessories that elevate your race day attire.

Consider wearing a tie and pocket square to match your suit or blazer, or add a modern, trendy twist with items that clash with the rest of your outfit. Alternatively, go the whole hog and wear a tweed tie and pocket square that complement’s your classic three-piece suit.

So, whether it’s flat racing at Newbury or over the jumps at Newcastle, our ultimate horseracing style guide will help you create your perfect race day ensemble. Remember, what you wear to Cheltenham may not necessarily be what you’ll wear to Royal Ascot, so always check the rules before you leave home.

Men’s Race Day Outfits: What to Wear to the Big Meetings

We’ve explained how most racecourses adopt a relaxed dress code to attract more visitors. But if you’re attending one of the premium meetings in the horse racing calendar, you’ll need to follow the fashion etiquette.

Cheltenham Festival: Be Sensible, Be Bold

Cheltenham is something of a fashion extravaganza, so you’ll need to up your game. The Festival is in March in the glorious yet exposed Cotswolds, so tweeds and heavier fabrics are your friend, especially if you’re spending most of the time outside in the piercing wind.

Pair a textured wool-blend coat with dark trousers, a crisp white shirt or crew neck knit for a winning combination. Checked suits with strong patterns are also a popular choice with Cheltenham Festival goers. Much of the grounds around the racecourse are on grass, so comfortable, waterproof footwear is preferable. Finally, March can be a wet month, so take a tailored raincoat and a brolly just to be safe.

Grand National: Classic is Best

Arguably the most famous horse race of them all, the Grand National is globally renowned and watched by millions every year. To look the part, go for a smart-casual approach such as a sharp blazer and trousers, or a sports jacket and chinos. Pop a pocket square in for a touch of class, or pair a tartan tie with a neat, collared shirt.

Grand National day footwear should be formal and comfortable, and headwear is encouraged, so a baker boy cap fits the bills. As the race takes place in April, the weather can still be hard to predict, so come prepared with a suitable coat or jacket to protect you from the elements.

Royal Ascot: Pomp and Ceremony

As far as men’s race day outfits go, Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of sartorial elegance. There’s no formal dress code for general entry, but a traditional morning suit in black, grey, or navy is the done thing for most attendees. That means a tailored suit jacket with matching trousers, a plain white shirt underneath a waistcoat, a complementary tie and a pair of patent leather shoes. For added sophistication, a traditional top hat is optional.

If morning suits aren’t your thing, a classic navy or charcoal suit is also acceptable. Remember to keep shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories stylish but simple as there are no prizes for overdoing it in the fashion stakes. And if you’re lucky enough to grab a ticket in the Royal Enclosure, you will require a morning suit – you won’t get in without it. Finally, Royal Ascot takes place in June, so prepare for warmth and summer showers.

Epsom Derby: Summer Vibes

Also held in June, the Epsom Derby is an opportunity to showcase your personality with a splash of style and flair. Here, sleek suits are king, with lightweight fabrics and linen the ideal choice in the warmer weather.

Refine your sophisticated men’s race day outfit with pops of colour such as a pocket square or necktie, while a slim-fitted shirt and pair of classic leather shoes or loafers finish off your look. Finally, a Panama hat will protect you from the sun and add another element of raceday charm.

So, whether you’re backing a favourite in the betting ring, gallivanting around the winners’ enclosure, or on a day out with your mates, you have all the information you need to dress for any racing occasion.

Need More Men’s Race Day Out Inspiration?

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