Royal Ascot Dress Code
Rich traditions, British elegance, strict dress codes — the three pinnacles of Royal Ascot.
And while some enclosures are more prestigious than others (we're looking at you, Royal), you need to dress to impress while sticking to the non-negotiable dress codes of each one. So, allow us to help you do just that in our Royal Ascot Style Guide.
Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure is the most formal enclousure at Royal Ascot. You're required to wear eitger a black, grey, or navy morning suit with a waistcoat and tie (no cravats or bow ties).
You also need to wear a black or grey top hat, except from if you're indoors or in a private area. Black formal shoes and socks covering the ankle are also required.
What To Wear In The Royal Enclosure
Queen Anne Enclosure
While not as strict as the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure maintains an elegant, formal dress code.
As for the suit itself, you can wear morning dress, but a full-length two- or three-piece suit is also allowed. Combine that with a collared shirt, and you won't miss the mark.
Like the Royal Enclosure, your socks should cover your ankles, and a tie is required.
Village Enclosure
Smart but slightly more relaxed, the village enclosure requires a jacket, collared shirt, and trousers. We also recommend wearing a tie.
Morning suits aren’t necessary, but trainers and sportswear are NOT allowed.
Socks must still cover the ankle, but you can add a touch of quirkiness up top, as bow ties and cravats are permitted here.
What To Wear In The Village Enclosure
Windsor Enclosure
"Parties and picnics" is the vibe inside the Windsor Enclosure, the least formal of them all. There isn't a strict dress code, however, you're encouraged to dress in smart daywear. Think blazer with chinos or a lounge suit.
If ties aren't your thing, don't worry — they aren't required here. However, polished shoes are ideal for staying comfortable and stylish all races long.
Whether you're indulging in the finest things of life in the Royal Enclosure or living it up with a picnic on the trackside lawns, Royal Ascot guarantees an experience like no other. And with us at Rathbones Tailor, sticking to the often-strict dress codes is as easy as brushing your teeth.
What are you waiting for? The races are about to begin.
Royal Ascot Suit Hire FAQ
Which colour top hat, grey or black?
Honestly doesn’t matter, personal preference.
When invented, the grey top hat was christened ’The Ascot’ and only worn in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.
What Shouldn’t I Wear To Royal Ascot?
Each enclosure has its own dress code, but generally, casualwear such as jeans, trainers, and T-shirts is prohibited.
Leave the fancy dress and Nike Tech at home!
Do you have to be in the Royal Enclosure to wear a morning suit?
Absolutely not. You can wear a morning suit no matter the enclosure in which you’re spending your day.
As we say at Rathbones Tailor, you can never be overdressed.
Do I have to wear a top hat?
The only place you must wear a top hat is in the royal enclosure. You can remove your top hat when at a bar or restaurant within the royal enclosure.
When should I order my Royal Ascot outfit?
We say the sooner the better as Royal Ascot is our busiest week of the year.
What if I’m attending more than one day of racing? Do I need to pay more?
No! You’ve hired the suit for 8 days, how many times you wear it is up to you. Sleep in it if that’s your thing. Bit hot in the summer though.