The Moss guide to the UK’s biggest horse racing events

Horse racing is a national institution. From the fancy enclosures of Royal Ascot to the pint-fuelled crowds at Cheltenham Festival, we all love placing a flutter on an outsider and roaring at Thoroughbreds as they thunder down the final furlong.
Away from the actual racing, these events always pose a few questions. ‘Which enclosure should I choose?’ ‘What’s a fascinator?’ ‘Why does my acca never hit?’ and – the one we’ve all googled at least once – ‘what to wear to the races?’
While you’ll have to find the answers to some of those questions yourself, we will help you solve the last one. Here are the need-to-knows about dress codes at the season’s biggest races.

Taking place across four days in March, Cheltenham Festival is the first major event of the racing calendar. While there is no official dress code, guests are encouraged to dress sharply – you will probably look out of place if you show up in joggers and a hoodie.
With 28 races in total, Cheltenham is very much a horse racing event that happens to have a festival atmosphere, not the other way round. We recommend channeling this spirit by opting for tweed, corduroy, flannel or any fabric with sporting roots.
Location: Evesham Rd, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 4SH, UK

The Grand National

The Grand National, which is held in early April, is one of the most historically important races in the world. Gruelling and fraught with risk, the course’s notorious fences have been causing sharp intakes of breath among spectators since the race was first run in 1839.
Despite the race's storied heritage, you don’t have to watch the heart-stopping action in traditional tails and a top hat, as the Grand National has no formal dress code. However, bright style reigns at Aintree, so aim to stand-out rather than blend in. If a colourful suit feels a bit much, express yourself through the bold designs of our Italian ties.
Location: Ormskirk Rd, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS

The Epsom Derby

First held in 1780, the Epsom Derby is one of the oldest major races to still be run. The Derby’s historic influence is far reaching – it’s why there’s a ‘Derby’ in Kentucky Derby – and victory is steeped in prestige.
A dress code is only enforced in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand, where men must wear black or grey morning dress with a top hat. Elsewhere, guests tend to opt for smart attire befitting the traditions of the event. There’s also the option of viewing the race from The Hill, a free-to-enter outdoor area where the vibe is very laidback – often a good choice if the June event has good weather.
Location: Tattenham Corner Rd, Epsom, KT18 5LQ

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot, a five day event in mid-June, is the jewel in the crown of British horse racing. The marquee race, the Gold Cup, coincides with Ladies’ Day, creating a quintessentially British sense of pageantry. Expect lots of Union flags, sightings of Royals, and fascinators that give the wearer’s neck a workout.
Unsurprisingly, dress codes at Royal Ascot are strict and vary by enclosure:

Royal Enclosure

If you’ve got tickets to the ultra-exclusive Royal Enclosure, you probably already know that men must wear grey, navy or black morning dress and top hat. Socks must cover the ankle.

Queen Anne Enclosure

The Queen Anne Enclosure is Ascot’s most esteemed public enclosure. The dress code calls for a two- or three-piece suit with a collared shirt and necktie. The material and colour of your jacket and trousers must match. Again, make sure socks cover the ankle.

Village Enclosure

The rules of the Village Enclosure are largely the same as Queen Anne’s (including the sock part). However, you can wear a jacket and trousers – or chinos – as separates, as well as a bow-tie or cravat.

Windsor Enclosure

The Windsor Enclosure has no official dress code. Given the surroundings, guests are still encouraged to dress in a manner befitting the occasion. Avoid jeans, trainers, and shorts. There is one rule – fancy dress is not permitted.
To ensure you’re dressed appropriately for your chosen enclosure, book a Royal Ascot styling appointment at a Moss store. Visit our store finder to find your nearest location.