What to Wear to the Races: Complete Men's Style Guide

From Surrey's Epsom Derby in the UK to Shelbyville's Indiana Derby in the US, what you wear to the horse races matters. Although wearing casual attire is okay for local horse races, the outfit you wear to top-tier races not only matters, it's absolutely mandatory to dress well. 

Race day is one of the few remaining events where men are genuinely encouraged to dress up. Your outfit, whether Country-Smart or Formal, should be all about refinement, polish, and a touch of flair. 

With our guide, there's no need to stress or worry whether your race day outfit is up to snuff. To help you perfect your attire, we walk you through dress codes, essential pieces, accessories, and seasonal considerations.

We also answer the specific race day questions that readers ask most frequently. The Tie Bar helps you dress confidently and look sharp whenever you're off to the races.

Understanding Race Day Dress Codes

Dressing well is a major component of race day culture. While it may feel like overkill at other events, dressing well at the races is expected. In fact, dressing boldly is encouraged at many racecourses.

Although you can dress casually for local races, be assured – there is a dress code for upscale horse racing events. Most racecourse dress codes fall between Smart Casual and Formal. 

If ever in doubt about a dress code, the safer option is always to dress up rather than dressing down. Before you commit to an outfit, do your research and investigate the racecourse's website for dress code specifications.

Race Day Attire by Formality 

What to wear to the races will depend on the type of race day and your specific enclosure. As we mentioned before, be sure to check the race track's website for various enclosure and special race day dress codes. Wearing the wrong outfit can result in embarrassment and entry refusal.

Ticketed viewing areas and hospitality zones typically include Casual, Premier, and Exclusive enclosures, each with their specific dress code. Hospitality lounge enclosures usually have the strictest dress codes while general admission zones are generally casual.

Formal Race Days and Premium Enclosures

Historic or special race days and premium enclosures require formal attire. Unless ultra-formal attire like Morning Dress is required, men wear a well-fitted two or three-piece suit in classic colors, a crisp dress shirt, a silk tie, polished dress shoes, and a pocket square.

The Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot requires Morning Dress, the strictest race day dress code. At this enclosure, men wear a dark single-breasted tailcoat, a contrasting neutral color waistcoat, gray and black stripe high-waist trousers with suspenders, a crisp white dress shirt, a silk necktie, and highly polished black leather dress shoes.

Other Royal Ascot enclosures aren't as formal as The Royal Enclosure. The Royal Ascot Queen Anne enclosure requires two- or three-piece suits. The Village Enclosure requires jackets and dress trousers. Silk ties and bow ties are always worn at these enclosures.

The accessories worn with formal dress codes carry real weight and are not optional. For example, a pocket watch, lapel flower, and a top hat are worn with Morning Dress. 

SHOP RACE DAY ESSENTIALS

Smart Casual and General Admission Race Days

When planning what to wear to the races, men who attend more relaxed race days or casual enclosures can go with a polished and sharp Smart Casual outfit. Wear a crisp button-down or dress shirt, chinos or tailored trousers, and leather shoes. Although optional, a jacket will elevate your outfit.

You can add personality, style, and flair to your Smart Casual race day outfit with color and pattern. Select interesting textures and well-tailored fabrics. Create intentional outfits with patterned dress shirts and knit ties.

Essential Pieces for a Race Day Outfit

When organizing what to wear to the races, male outfits are built from four essential pieces... 

• The suit, blazer, or sport coat: Choose suits and jackets in seasonal fabrics. Tweed and herringbone suits work well for winter races – linen and cotton for summer. Classic navy blazers always provide a terrific canvas for well-chosen, artful accessories throughout the year. 
  
• Dress shirts: From white to micro-patterns, a crisp, well-fitted dress shirt is essential to your race day outfit. Check out how a dress shirt should fit. 
  
• Trousers and chinos: Dress pants will always look sharp for any race day dress code. For warm weather race days, chinos are a good option with a Smart Casual outfit.
  
• Footwear: Make sure your shoes are polished and well-maintained and choose your footwear carefully. Consider the conditions – rainy weather, hours standing, wet grass?
  
  • Wear leather Oxford or brogue dress shoes with your suit or blazer. Go with rubber soles instead of leather soles. Waterproof leather dress shoes are a wise choice for winter and spring.
    
  • Chelsea boots, chukka boots, monk straps, and loafers work well with Smart Casual race day dress codes. 
    

Accessories That Complete a Race Day Look

Dressing for race day is when you can let your accessories genuinely shine. Almost more than any other occasion, the horse racing culture rewards color, pattern, style, and personality.

• Ties: Beautiful silk ties in classic or seasonal colors are ideal for Formal race day wear. Floral ties and yellows or pink solids are a great choice for warm-weather races. 
  
• Pocket Squares: One of the most effective ways to add race day personality and flair is with pocket squares. Take a look at various ways you can fold a pocket square. 
  
• Tie Bars: Men love wearing tie bars because they're both functional and refined. Wear a tie bar on race day to not only look polished but to ensure your tie remains in place.
  
• Hats: No matter the level of formality, a hat is a defining race day accessory. Wear a Panama or linen flat cap for summer meets. Tweed and felted merino wool flat caps and fedoras are traditionally worn in cooler months. A top hat is worn with Morning Dress for the most formal UK events.
  
• Dress Socks: Premium enclosures do not allow men to wear shoes without socks. Choose dress socks with good cushioning for all day race track comfort. 
  

Dressing for the Season

Race day seasons dramatically shape both the fabric of your outfit and your color choices...

• Warm-weather races (Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, Epsom Derby). Choose lighter, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Stay comfortable in well-tailored summer-weight wool jackets and light poplin chinos. Go with lighter tone neutrals and spring or summer colors. Bring a Panama hat to complete your look and provide sun protection.
  
• Cold-weather races (Cheltenham, Grand National). Wear suits, jackets, and trousers tailored in textured wool, tweed, or checks. Include a warm merino wool base layer. Add a sturdy overcoat or trenchcoat, and if the venue is wet, wear waterproof footwear. Umbrellas are strictly prohibited at race track enclosures and grandstands.
  

Race Day Attire FAQs

How do I know if the race I'm visiting is formal?

It's easy to find out if the race you're visiting is formal. Go to the racecourse's official website and locate their dress code rules. Most racecourses clearly publish enclosure and race day-specific dress codes.

The general rule is that premium enclosures and major race days lean toward Business Casual or Formal wear. US race tracks usually have less formal dress codes than UK racecourses. For example, Kentucky's Churchill Downs upper tier enclosures require Business Casual for most meets.

Formal Morning Dress is required for men in the Royal Enclosure at the Royal Ascot meet in June. Otherwise, men usually wear a suit or jacket, a collared shirt, and a tie to Ascot horse races.

General admission and smaller meets tend toward Smart Casual attire. Adding a blazer will always elevate your Smart Casual outfit. 

It's always wise to check the racecourse website because many tracks ban entry if attendees show up in certain types of clothing such as athletic wear, team wear, frayed and worn denim, or sandals.

What should I wear to the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is where race-goers notch up their look to another level. Some men go all out in colorful bold print suits and inventive accessories. Others underscore a classic tailored look with traditional seersucker suits and straw boater hats. 

Whether you prefer a modern look oozing with pizazz or are more comfortable with classic styling, add springtime flair to your Kentucky Derby outfit. Do wear a suit or jacket and dress pants, but make the outfit pop with a bold printed dress shirt, an expressive colorful tie, or fun plaid pants.

The Kentucky Derby has been all about festivity and fashion for over 150 years and your outfit can help keep the tradition alive! Have fun creating a stylish look that expresses who you are.

What should I wear to Royal Ascot or Cheltenham?

Royal Ascot or Cheltenham attire will depend on the specific racecourse dress code and the enclosure from which you'll be viewing the race. The weather will also play a role in what you wear. The Cheltenham jump season runs late October to January. Royal Ascot takes place in warmer weather on June 15-19, 2027.

The Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot requires Morning Dress – a tailcoat, waistcoat, dress shirt, formal trousers, necktie, and top hat. Other Ascot premium enclosures accept a formal suit. The Village Enclosure at Ascot accepts a jacket and dress pants.

Cheltenham doesn't enforce a strict dress code. Smart Casual is acceptable but many men enjoy wearing British traditional heritage style that includes a two- or three-piece tweed, herringbone, or wool suit in muted earth tones; a white or check patterned shirt; a wool knit tie; waterproof leather brogues or boots; a wool flat cap; and a waterproof oil cloth jacket or trench coat.

Can I wear jeans to a horse race?

You can wear jeans to casual local racetracks or in relaxed general admission areas. In the world of horseback riding, jeans are de rigueur, right? But in the racetrack world, tradition and formality have ruled for several centuries. Jeans can be controversial. In fact, denim of any kind (shirts, vests, hats, etc.)  is prohibited at some race track enclosures such as the Turf Club at Del Mar Racetrack and Turf Terrace at Saratoga Race Course.

Never wear jeans to premium enclosures, box seats, fine dining restaurants, or membership rooms. Also, major historical race days like the Kentucky Derby or the Cheltenham Cup prohibit jeans. Race track officials are trained to look attendees over from head to toe. Even if your jeans are stylish, well-fitted dark wash, you will be refused entry to top-tier enclosures and on special race days.

If you're planning to enjoy the races in an enclosure or on a special race day, don't let a simple slip like wearing jeans ruin the fun and excitement. 

Find Your Race Day Look at The Tie Bar

As you plan your race day outfit, keep a few key points in mind:

• Dress for the enclosure's formality level
  
• Special and historical race days require a dressier, more formal look.
  
• Consider the weather. Do you need waterproof footwear and outerwear?

If you're unsure about a racecourse's dress code, always dress up rather than down – and check their official website for dress code expectations. Choose well-tailored seasonal fabrics in order to remain comfortable all day. Accessorize your outfit with key pieces that highlight your style, flair, and personality. 

Whether you're off to Ascot or Churchill Downs, The Tie Bar has a range of quality ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and accessories that will create a smart and stylish race day outfit. Find your unique race day look at The Tie Bar!

SHOP RACE DAY ATTIRE