What To Wear To The Races - Men

Knowing what to wear at the races can be a difficult task, and although there is no real dress code set for a day at the races (although it can be wise to check on the racecourse's website to see if there is one beforehand) it is usually a nice time to let off a bit of steam and show off your dress sense. This article will help you decide on what outfit to wear to a day at the races, with differing options depending on what type of racing it is you're attending.
Flat Racing (Summer Months)
As mentioned, there is no real compulsory dress code for when you go to the races. However, especially in the summer months with the flat turf racing, a lot of the racegoers tend to dig out their best attires and look good whilst enjoying a day out. Nine times out of ten most men will wear at least a shirt and smart trousers when heading to a summer flat meeting, but depending on the weather could also depend if they go fully suited and booted. During the hot summer months suits may not be comfortable, but you can still look very smart with a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes.
One of the main meetings that tends to attract the full piece suits is Royal Ascot, where depending on which enclosure you go into will depend on what you have to wear, but the minimum is usually a traditional suit of some kind. However, that is all on the Ascot website, who offer thorough guides on what to wear and what not to wear.
Jumps Racing (Winter Months)
For the jumps meetings, because they are usually set in the winter months of the UK, it does make things a little more tricky. However, most racecourse policies tend to be dress accordingly for the weather forecast. That doesn't mean you can’t dress up nicely, it just suggests that you take a waterproof coat or umbrella when visiting to keep yourselves dry and comfortable.
Tweed suits are very popular among men when going to a jumps meeting, they tend to be a little heavier than normal suits as well, so they do give you that extra warmth. As well as waistcoats and tweed flat caps, which are very popular at any top jumps meeting, which once again give you that extra bit of protection from the unpredictable UK weather without having to wear a waterproof raincoat or carry an umbrella around.
As mentioned this is not compulsory, and we would strongly advise checking the weather forecast before attending, as that can be a huge help for the winter months racing.
Tips To Enhance Your Race Day Attire
Footwear - A day at the races can be full on, and it tends to take up the whole day, so a nice comfortable pair of shoes will be the most important item of clothing you can invest in. Make sure they are comfortable, fit in with your full attire and if new are broken in, as there would be nothing worse than rubbing shoes whilst you are trying to enjoy your day.
Coats/Jackets - Depending on what meeting you are planning to attend and which time of year it might be, if it is the winter months at a National Hunt meeting then a raincoat will be crucial as you never know what the weather might be. It doesn't have to be waterproof, but just anything that fits with your attire and will help keep you dry should it rain. If you are attending a flat summer meeting, then jackets are not a necessity - however, if you are going suited and booted, the jacket tends to be the main focus point of the suit, so it is always good to take one.
Hats - Again, this one will only really be needed if attending a National Hunt meeting, if you can’t take a raincoat, then a hat, most likely a tweed flat cap could be your best friend. It will keep your head dry from any rain that there might be, as well as keep you warm should the temperature drop while you are there. Top hats can be a necessity if going to certain enclosures at Royal Ascot, but all that information is on the racecourse website. Panama or Fedora hats can be popular at the summer meetings also, especially Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood, which is another way to protect yourself from the sun should there be any.
Sunglasses - For the summer months, some race meetings can really attract the sun, and if you are reading racecards, betting slips or the bookies boards then the sun might cause some issues. A pair of sunglasses can be your best friend as it will save you squinting constantly which might cause headaches, whilst they can also adding a bit of style to your look.
Ties - These aren't absolutely needed when attending the races, but they can accompany your look very nicely, especially if you are going all dressed up suited and booted. Be sure they match the look, as they can be the feature point of your outfit.

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