Most people like to wear their best bib and tucker for a day out at the races – or do they?
Opinion has been divided on the topic for many a year now, but in the main both men and women make some sort of effort to wear something different from their daily clothes at the races.
Jockey Club – Dress As You Please!
As recently as February 2023, The Jockey Club announced that formal dress codes were no longer be in place at any of its 15 racecourses as part of a drive to make horseracing more “accessible and inclusive”.
Instead of restricting racegoers from watching the action in certain enclosures based on what they are wearing, British racing’s largest commercial organisation and employer encourages visitors to “dress as you feel most comfortable and confident”.
The change took place with immediate effect and followed a review of dress codes and feedback from racegoers.
Royal Ascot – Dressing Up Is Part Of The Tradition
Of course there will always be bastions of tradition in UK horse racing and somewhere that will never bow down to external pressures is Royal Ascot.
Formal dress is an integral part of the whole pomp and ceremony of the Royal meeting and scenes from its five days of hobnobbing are beamed around the world.
Foreign audiences cannot get enough of it and the socialites thrive on it. You do have to admit though, it does look good and is all incredibly British, even if a tad eccentric in many respects.
Each Royal Ascot enclosure has a different dress code. To explore the dress codes in full click here.
Glorious Goodwood – Panama Hats And Summer Dresses
At Goodwood they embrace a quintessentially British style – whether that’s high fashion or something more classic, it’s all about a relaxed yet chic look. The Festival is known for a distinctive style - linen suits, Panama hats and chic dresses are de-rigeur.
Ever since King Edward VII relaxed the dress code in the 19th century, Goodwood has enjoyed a carefree holiday vibe, unlike any other racecourse.
Aintree Races - The Ladies Love To Dress
Aintree Ladies Day has taken some unwarranted press down the years, mainly by London-based journalists and photographers wanting to take the “proverbial” out of women simply enjoying themselves at the races.
Despite the removal of its formal dress code in 2023, racegoers still dress up in their finest for Aintree’s Ladies Day.
Aintree is always a spectacle of colour for all three days of the Festival, with many using their trip as an opportunity to showcase their favourite raceday look. Check out all our latest Grand National betting here!
Dressing For the Races – General Etiquette
It must be remembered however that the relaxation of the dress code at some racecourses does not mean it is a free pass to wear anything you please.
One should avoid inappropriate or offensive outfits, as anything deemed vulgar or derogatory may be refused entry. You should also avoid wearing team colours and sports kits.
At the end of the day, wear something you feel comfortable in and enjoy your trip to the races, more so if you are successful with your horse racing betting.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*
