If you’re heading to the races, there’s no better feeling than throwing on a well-fitted suit and making sure you look your best. Fashion at the races is almost as important as the horse racing itself, after all. Whether it’s an annual tradition or your first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, finding the perfect suit for the races doesn’t need to be such a challenge.
At Slater Menswear, we’ve got a wide range of race day suits that are perfect for any weather, from 3-piece suits to timeless traditions, we’ve got you covered.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE AT THE RACES?
A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to express your personality. When choosing your ensemble, it’s important to respect the dress code of each race day. While smart attire is a must for the majority of racing events and dressing bold is encouraged, you should always do your research before committing to an outfit.
Although it's not compulsory for formal dress, this doesn't mean that there aren't specific rules that you must follow. Fancy dress and activewear aren’t recommended for any racing event and if you turn up in the wrong outfit, it could lead to an embarrassing entry refusal. Therefore, it’s essential to brush up on the appropriate attire for the days that you attend.
THE DO'S
GET A SUIT THAT FITS
A tailored suit allows you to get the fit you deserve. Paired with a slim or tailored fit shirt, this style of suit is the ultimate style choice for formal events closely followed by slim fit suits.
The timeless tailored fit never goes out of fashion and it won’t fail to flatter your physique. The high-quality materials will be cut exactly to your measurements and give your suit more structure. This means it won’t hang from your shoulders and will accentuate your best features instead, making you feel confident and comfortable.
CONSIDER THE FABRIC FOR THE DAY
While the British weather can be unpredictable at times, having a rough idea of what to expect on your day at the races is a must before you decide on your outfit. The material your suit is made from will have a big impact on how comfortable you feel during the event.
A material you should consider is tweed. Due to it being coarse, thick and waterproof, it’s usually the suit material of choice during the colder months. However, a lightweight tweed constructed from a variety of fabrics is an excellent choice for a summer racing event. A lighter colour, a cotton shirt and linen suits are also highly recommended for the warmer weather.
WEAR A THREE-PIECE SUIT
If you plan to make an impact while feeling comfortably smart, then you should go for a three-piece suit for your day at the races. You can never be too overdressed at the racetrack and this is a classic style that will be appreciated by many.
Contemporary and modern in terms of fit, with this suit, you will be able to take off your jacket and still look sharp and dapper thanks to the addition of a stylish waistcoat. Ensure you match your suit with a crisp white shirt, smart shoes and a contrasting tie to finish.
EXPERIMENT WITH COLOUR
The racetrack is a fun and exciting place, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colour when putting together your ensemble. It makes perfect sense to get creative with your colour scheme.
Think pastels for summer days and tropical colours for seaside racetracks, and leave the dark traditional hues — like navy blue and hunter green — for the formal race courses that are strict on business formal attire. Whether you prefer a matching three-piece and a colourful tie or a mix and match jacket and trouser combination, stand out from the crowd by adding some colour.
ACCESSORISE WITH SUNGLASSES
Animal Print Sunglasses - £12.00
Adding some accessories to your racetrack ensemble is highly recommended. As well as looking smart and contemporary, they can provide a practical element too.
While cufflinks, ties and pocket squares are often the go-to accessory when styling a suit, a pair of timeless sunglasses could be a useful and dapper addition to your outfit, especially during the summer. Think classic aviator or round-frame styles that will perfectly complement your suit.
Add a pop of colour to a neutral suit with a bright or patterned pair of sunglasses. This will add unique and subtle detail to your race day attire without being too overpowering.
THE DON’TS
PICK AN OUTLANDISH PATTERN
If you’re planning to get creative and experiment when putting together your outfit for a day at the races, you should avoid picking outlandish patterns. These suits can look informal and out of place, which could lead to you giving the wrong impression and being turned away.
Instead, go for timeless and stylish patterns, such as stripe, check or subtle floral designs. Always stick to a neutral shade for your shirt to calm down the colour palette and counterbalance your look. You can experiment with brightly coloured or patterned accessories but always keep it classy.
GO CASUAL
Smart dress is often the accepted dress code for racegoers. While formal attire may not be compulsory or mandatory at the event you’re attending, dressing up to the nines is considered to be part of the race day experience and is typically recommended for these occasions.
When it comes to the races, a casual look would consist of a tailored shirt and blazer paired with chinos or smart trousers for men and a clean pair of shoes to finish. However, this is usually as casual as things should get and you must do your research before attending in this clothing.
WEAR CLASHING SOCKS AND HAVE THEM ON SHOW
You should avoid wearing socks consisting of clashing patterns or colours. Ideally, your socks should be a neutral colour. Gentlemen who want to add a splash of colour to their outfits may match their socks to their tie and pocket square, but this is as far as it should go.
Luxury Seven Pack Dress Socks - £7.00
Whether you go for matching or neutral socks, you should avoid having them on show with a pair of ill-fitting trousers. Fortunately, you don’t need to wear socks with many smart shoes suitable for the races, such as loafers. However, some events require men to wear socks, such as the Royal Ascot.
WEAR A TUXEDO
Regular Fit Black Two Piece Dinner Suit - £120.00
When picking out a suit for your day at the races, don’t wear a tuxedo. The races aren’t the right event for this attire and the dinner jackets will be too heavy for the summer weather.
Going to the racetrack should be a fun experience, so you don’t want to look too smart and uncomfortable.. If you’re opting for more of a classic look, select a white shirt and a coloured or subtly patterned tie.
FORGET YOUR BELT
Black Reversible Belt - £12.00
During your day at the races, you will be walking around to the betting windows, the paddock and more. Wherever you plan to wander, you don’t want to be hanging onto your pants the entire time, so always remember to wear your belt on the day.
Even the best-fitted trousers can slip off your hips when you’re on the move. You know what size bottoms will fit you best so make sure you go for that size and avoid wearing regular and super skinny fits, as there is no place for this kind of look at the racetrack.
START DRESSING FOR THE RACES
Now that you know the top 10 do’s and don’ts of what to wear to the races, you can put your newfound knowledge to the test. Find a suit that fits, materials perfect for the weather and accessories to match your style with our race day suits section at Slater Menswear.
See our style inspiration page for even more expert fashion advice.
