Giddy up gents. Our men’s race day outfit ideas are odds on to turn heads and bag yourself a winner.
Getting dressed up for the races is a special occasion. However, knowing what to wear isn’t always easy.
Whether you’re planning on a mid-March marvel at the Gold Cup in Cheltenham or strutting your stuff at Ascot in the summer, we have the perfect race day attire to attract attention, authority, and respect.
From casual race outfits to race day suit ideas, we can assure you that all bets will be off! There’ll be just one winning title awarded to you on race day, and that will be the most refined, distinguished, and honourable gentleman.
Men’s race day outfits
Race day suits
Let’s not beat around the bush. Race days are a golden opportunity to unzip the suit covers and blow the dust off our lapels. Looking our best on race day comes as part and parcel with the occasion.
One of our favourite race day looks is the three-piece suit? Think, Peaky Blinders. Tommy Shelby and co don’t just bring trouble on race day. Oh no, it's the fashion that has really left a mark.
Thanks to Peaky Blinders, this 1920s style has become timeless, influencing the fashion culture of the UK since the series release back in 2013. Therefore, this 1920s three-piece doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon.
Complete with a pocket watch and a flattering flat cap, you can try to contend with the smouldering gaze of Cillian Murphy. It’s a true and honest bet for men’s racewear. “By order of the Peaky Blinders.”
Vintage fashion has become increasingly fashionable with more celebrities showcasing used garments on catwalks and a-list events in recent times. But it’s also a much more sustainable and affordable way of shopping. It literally is the ‘recycling’ of the clothes shopping world.
The vintage three-piece passes all aspects of the horse racing dress code, whether your trackside or high up in the stands. For men’s racewear, it doesn’t get any better.
Casual race day outfits
Now, being dressed to the nines is not everybody’s prerogative come race day. For some, toning it down a tad will leave them feeling less bashful and more comfortable to enjoy the day’s spectacle.
So, if the vintage three-piece is a bit too rich for your preferences, why not treat yourself to a race day suit of a more casual nature.
We recommend this slim-fit chequered grey suit from the Moss Boss eco category. Sensible, smart and sharp, this tidy eco-friendly suit is made from 45 recycled plastic bottles, 99% post-consumer recycled polyester, and fastens with natural Corozo-nut buttons.
Versatile with shirts, t-shirts, and turtlenecks, this adaptable monochrome patterned piece is ideal for horse racing wear, all-year-round.
A stylish, sophisticated and at times flamboyant choice of casual racewear stands strong in the form of the chino. Combining a colour of chino to contrast with your jacket and shirt yet still blend will help you stand out from those all-in-one suit stylists.
This multi-coloured trend for men has generated popularity at the races over recent years for being more casual, charismatic, and captivating on the eye.
Race day shoes
To compliment your race day suit, smart or casual, you'll need a sharp pair of shoes to walk confidently to the betting ring.
Nothing compels a man to act more confidently than the shoes on his feet and the prize in his eyes. Confidence is key on race day. It can be the difference between winning big and losing. So, take that gamble and invest in some quality.
Researchers from the University of Kansas report that people can judge 90% of someone’s personality by the shoes on their feet. Therefore, if you want to make sure you set the right impression on race day, wear a pair of shoes that best convey your winning personality.
The ideal shoe to accompany your race day suit is the classic Oxford. We recommend our best-selling two-tone Chestnut Oxfords. This winning style suits any race day colour combination and is a very stylish choice for the race day gentleman.
Alternatively, another Oxford shoe that will perfectly align with the London Moss Bros monochrome suit is ‘The Doctor Oxford’. These stunning celebrations of a blue calf and midnight hi-shine leather will seamlessly shine below the sky blue overcheck of the suit trousers and jacket.
All Percy Stride footwear is 100% Goodyear Welted construction from the finest traditional cobblers of Northampton, UK. The quality construction means the shoes are built to last, providing you with perfect racewear footwear, year after year, season on season.
Race day hats
This horse racing outfits guide would not be complete without an elegant headpiece. Come now, gents. Race day hats are not only reserved for the ladies.
As the cherry on top, a stylish hat will tie the whole racing attire together and help you combat the summer sun.
Like our shoes, we’re at one with tradition and therefore recommend a classic 100% wool green trilby hat from Cotswold Country Hats. This trilby offers comfort, style and a purpose, keeping the sun off your face and neck.
Alternatively, add a vintage feel to your look with a baker hat.
Race day sunglasses
Last but not least, sport some sophisticated sunglasses. Even during colder months, you can’t anticipate the rays produced from a clear sky. If we’re hoping for perfect riding conditions, it’ll be contradictory to not at least bring some shades in your chest pocket, just in case.
Deflect the glare of the sunshine and cover any signs of over celebration had at the champagne tent with your day’s winnings.
For the casual race day outfit, we recommend a pair of oval Ade Acetate from Proof Eyewear.
Handcrafted from cotton acetate and sustainably sourced wood, these shades are water and sweat resistant with polarised reflective lens – UVA/UVB 400 protection.
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