Race day style come rain, shine or cold.
RACE DAY STYLE COME RAIN, SHINE OR COLD
Words: A Fozzard
Horseracing season can be a bit of a minefield. Does your outfit meet the dress code? Have you tied your tie properly? Is your suit a bit ‘too much’? On the one hand you need to meet traditions, but on the other hand you want to get some of your own style across, which can tricky.
If you’ve bagged yourself a ticket to Royal Ascot, Newmarket or Cheltenham, you’re also probably hedging your bets about the weather. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re physically melting in a heavy tweed suit, or wearing white linen when the heavens decide to open.
So what should you wear? Read on to find out.
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE RACES WHEN IT’S HOT
The best option for hot days at the races is a linen suit, as this material is famously airy. Our linen-blend suits are woven with a slight stretch to help them bounce back from creasing, coming in versatile hues of blue and stone. Khaki tones and double-breasted styles are also in the mix, offering bolder, on-trend alternatives that still look and feel smart. By contrasting with indigo or stone chinos, you’ll get more wearing options from your race day outfit. Finish with a pair of lighweight loafers to allow your feet room to breathe.
SHOP LINEN SUITS
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE RACES WHEN IT’S RAINING
There’s no reason why you can’t look race-day appropriate in the rain when you wear a Performance suit. Their wool-rich fabric makes these suits breathable but they have a secret superpower – an invisible Teflon coating that repels water and stains (even handier when a drink is always within a metre-radius). It means water will run off your suit in droplets, rather than soaking through. Go for one in a bright shade like aqua to stand out or choose something more understated like a milled grey or bottle green.
You should also be able to get away with a smart raincoat at the races, especially if it’s tailored. It’s a lightweight layer that keeps your suit in fine form, and you can easily carry it if the sun comes out later.
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WHAT TO WEAR TO THE RACES WHEN IT’S COLD
Suits in heavier fabrics like flannel and tweed will help keep you warm and they’ll look the part with their on-trend take on traditional styles. You can find tweeds in pastel shades, like our mauve flannel, that will still feel summery even when the event falls on an unseasonably chilly days. Elevate the look by teaming it with a pure silk tie, hailing from the esteemed Bottinelli mill.
Choosing a three-piece suit will give you the extra layer of warmth you need at your core. Wearing it over a flannel or thick cotton shirt and warm socks can also make a huge difference to your body temperature.
As for outerwear, there should be no reason why you can’t wear a suitably smart overcoat, especially if it’s tailored to be worn over a formal suit and in a classic colour like black or navy.
