What should men wear to Royal Ascot 2025?
Men attending Royal Ascot 2025 should follow the official dress code for their enclosure. For the Royal Enclosure, this means wearing a traditional morning suit. That includes a black or grey morning coat with tails, formal striped trousers, a waistcoat, a shirt with a collar, a tie, black shoes and a top hat. Other enclosures like Queen Anne, Village and Windsor have slightly more relaxed rules, but still expect a smart appearance. We help our clients get every detail right so they can walk through the gates feeling confident and comfortable.
Here's What We Have Covered In This Article
Why What You Wear to Royal Ascot Matters
Royal Ascot is one of Britain’s most celebrated social occasions. It is a week where tradition, style and social etiquette all meet on the same track. What you wear is a way to show respect for the occasion and enjoy the day feeling your best. Fielding and Nicholson supports clients who want to get their look right, whether it is their first Ascot or their fifteenth.
What Are the Dress Codes for Each Ascot Enclosure?
Royal Enclosure: What does formal morning dress include?
This is the most formal part of Ascot. Men are expected to wear a morning coat in black or grey, striped trousers, a waistcoat, tie and top hat. Shoes must be black and polished. Every piece matters. It is all about smart lines, correct proportion and comfort that lasts throughout the day.
Queen Anne Enclosure: Formal Yet Flexible
You still need to dress properly, but there is more choice. A full matching suit is the minimum, along with a collared shirt and tie. The suit can be navy, grey or another classic shade. Shoes must be formal. You can show more personality here, whether that is through your choice of tie, pocket square or fabric texture.
Village Enclosure: Stylish with a Relaxed Vibe
Think smart but not stiff. A jacket and trousers are required, along with a shirt and tie. Trainers, jeans or anything casual are not allowed. This is the place to wear lighter fabrics and maybe explore colour more. A linen jacket or pastel tie works well here.
Windsor Enclosure: Smart Daywear Essentials
This area does not have a formal dress code, but racegoers still make an effort. A blazer with smart trousers and a shirt works perfectly. Add a tie if you like, and finish with polished shoes. It is less about strict rules and more about presenting yourself with care.
Pro Tip: “Always check your enclosure rules before buying or commissioning a suit. The Royal Enclosure has stricter requirements that differ from the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures.”
Key Elements of Men’s Ascot Attire
The Morning Coat: Traditional Cut and Shape
A morning coat is long at the back and cut away at the front. It is usually black or grey and should fit close to the body without being tight. We use light wool or blended fabrics to keep things comfortable in June. The coat shapes the rest of the outfit, so it is worth getting right.
Waistcoat Pairing: Classic and Contemporary Options
Traditional waistcoats are pale grey or cream, but navy, dove blue or even soft yellow are popular too. They give you a chance to show some character. A double breasted waistcoat with peak lapels can look very smart, especially with a tie in a contrasting colour.
Trousers: Stripe Patterns and Proper Fit
Striped trousers are the standard for the Royal Enclosure. They are usually grey with black stripes and should sit well on the waist with a clean line down the leg. Braces are often better than a belt and keep the look clean. We always select breathable fabric to manage warm summer days.
Shirts and Collars: Crisp and Structured
White is safest, but pale blue or pink can work well too. The collar should hold its shape and sit neatly under the jacket lapels. French cuffs with cufflinks add a sharp finish. A high quality cotton shirt will stay fresh and structured throughout the day.
Book Your Bespoke Ascot Suit
Attending Royal Ascot? Let Fielding and Nicholson help you get it exactly right. Book a fitting for a suit that meets the rules and feels like you.
Accessorising with Precision and Personality
The Top Hat: Does it Still Matter at Ascot?
Wearing a top hat might feel unusual at first, but it remains a symbol of status and tradition. It should sit comfortably and look in proportion. Black is the standard choice, though grey can be suitable. At Fielding and Nicholson, we offer guidance to help you choose one that fits properly and suits your stature.
Pocket Squares, Ties and Cufflinks
These are small details, but they complete the look. A silk tie in a solid colour or subtle pattern adds polish. Match or contrast it with a pocket square in linen or silk. Cufflinks can be classic, engraved or even coloured, depending on your style. If you are looking for design ideas, visit our style advisory page where we explore combinations that work well.
Footwear: Smart and Properly Finished
Shoes should be plain black lace ups. Oxfords or Derbys are best. They need to be clean and well polished. Avoid anything chunky or too casual. A proper pair of socks in a dark tone will keep the line from trousers to shoes neat and continuous.
Seasonal Fabrics and Practical Adjustments
Ascot takes place in June and weather can shift quickly. Lightweight wool, mohair or wool silk blends keep you cooler. Our suits often include discreet internal pockets for storing a flat rain cover. We can also add subtle features like breathable linings or umbrella loops without changing the overall design.
Get Expert Outfit Advice for Royal Ascot Dress Codes
Need a refined look for the Royal Enclosure or a Queen Anne enclosure? Our consultants will guide you through every detail.
Women’s Style at Ascot 2025
What are the dress rules for women at Royal Ascot?
For the Royal Enclosure, dresses should be just above the knee or longer. Straps must be at least one inch wide. Midriffs must be covered. A hat or headpiece with a base of at least ten centimetres is required. In the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, the guidelines are more relaxed, but the overall style still leans towards smart occasion wear.
Style Trends – Polka Dots, Florals and Mocca Mousse
This year, fashion is leaning into personal expression. Polka dots and florals are popular again, while colour trends include soft matcha green and Pantone’s Mocca Mousse. Designer Daniel Fletcher, who continues as Royal Ascot’s creative director for 2025, has encouraged racegoers to make thoughtful choices that feel personal and considered.
Millinery Matters – Choosing the Right Headwear
A headpiece or hat is often the highlight of a woman’s Ascot look. It should balance with the outfit and feel secure. Structured hats and headpieces with sculptural designs remain favourites. Matching or contrasting accessories like gloves or belts can add a clear sense of direction to the full outfit.
Ascot Style Tips from Our Tailoring Experts
How do you choose fabric for Ascot?
Start with the season. Ascot falls in early summer so breathable cloths like lightweight wool, high twist mohair blends and wool silk mixes work best. They drape well but help keep you cool. We also offer cotton suiting and unlined options to reduce heat retention.
Why fit matters more than ever
An Ascot suit is worn for an extended day with walking, standing and sitting all part of the experience. A jacket that fits across the shoulders with smooth movement through the sleeves makes the difference. We allow for flexibility at the waist and vents that hold shape but allow easy movement. Your comfort is not an afterthought, it is considered at every stage.
Style that speaks for itself
You want something formal but not too stiff. We often suggest adding contrast stitching or personalised embroidery under the collar or inside the lining. A bold lapel roll or functional buttonholes with colour contrast thread can also offer subtle distinction. These touches do not shout, but they do speak to people who notice details.
Need Accessories for Your Ascot Outfit?
From silk waistcoats to pocket squares and top hats, complete your outfit with personal touches that stand out.
Personalised Stories: Tailoring Ascot Memories
A first-time client preparing for Royal Ascot
One of our recent clients came to us for his first Royal Ascot appearance. He wanted to follow the rules but still feel like himself. We helped him choose a charcoal morning coat and added a navy waistcoat to break the look with quiet confidence. The result was classic with a fresh edge.
The details that made it personal
We included working cuffs and a burgundy silk lining, and stitched a discreet family crest into the inside pocket. The suit followed the Ascot dress code exactly, but it also told a story. These are the kinds of details that go beyond the day itself.
What’s Trending in Ascot Style for 2025?
Which colours are popular this year?
Greys and navy still lead, but charcoal and slate tones are becoming more common. These colours are strong without being stark. We have also seen more interest in dusty rose and olive as accent tones in waistcoats and accessories.
Sustainable choices and vintage influence
There is growing demand for cloths with lower environmental impact. Wool from traceable sources, recycled silk blends and vintage-inspired buttons or lining fabrics are popular. Clients appreciate garments that look sharp and also reflect values.
Pro Tip: Book your bespoke fitting at least eight weeks in advance of Royal Ascot. This ensures enough time for multiple fittings and any final adjustments, especially if your body shape changes.
Common Fashion Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing a jacket that pinches at the shoulder or trousers that sit too low can make even the best fabric look wrong. Avoid suits that are too slim or too baggy. Bright socks or novelty ties might seem fun but they take away from the formality. Sports watches with metal bands can clash with morning wear. And forgetting your tie or showing shirt sleeves that are too long are small errors that change how the outfit comes together.
Grooming Essentials for Race Day
Hair should be styled neatly and facial hair should be trimmed. A fresh shave or clean beard line sharpens your appearance. Skin should look hydrated and clean, so consider moisturiser and a good night’s sleep. Use cologne sparingly. And remember, polish your shoes the night before.
The Fielding and Nicholson Experience
From the first consultation, we focus on what matters to you. We book appointments to suit your schedule and take the time to listen. We measure properly, offer advice on cloth and cut, and plan your fittings with room for fine tuning. Our team is trained to offer practical ideas that work for your comfort, body shape and occasion.
Whether you are dressing for Royal Ascot or planning a morning suit for weddings or formal events, we make sure it fits well, lasts and feels right. Visit our tailoring consultation page to arrange your first fitting.
Final Thoughts: Dress for the Day You Want to Remember
Dressing for Royal Ascot is about more than meeting expectations. It is about feeling ready. Feeling proud. Feeling like yourself, just a bit sharper. At Fielding and Nicholson, we take pride in making clothes that suit the occasion and the person. Because the right outfit does not just change how you look. It changes how you feel.
FAQs – Dressing for Royal Ascot with Confidence
Can I wear navy to Royal Ascot?
Yes, navy is a smart and accepted colour for suits and waistcoats, especially outside the Royal Enclosure.
Are colourful waistcoats allowed?
They are, as long as the colour and cut remain respectful of formalwear. Pale yellow, dove blue and soft green are popular choices.
What happens if I do not follow the dress code?
You may be refused entry to certain enclosures. Always check the rules for your ticket type.
Are top hats still mandatory?
In the Royal Enclosure, they are strongly encouraged. In other enclosures, they are optional.
How far in advance should I book my bespoke suit?
We recommend booking at least eight weeks before the event to allow for multiple fittings and final adjustments.
