Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Race Day Style Guide!
What To Wear To Cheltenham Festival?
The impending Cheltenham Festival, Tuesday 12th of March 2024 - Friday 15th of March 2024, is one of the biggest dates in the horse racing calendar. Whether it's your first time attending or you are a seasoned regular, our style tips are well worth a look. When you attend an event which celebrates the very best of racing with the finest horses, jockeys, owners, and trainers battling it out for the highest honours and over £4.5 million of prize money, you need to look the part.
As with any race meet, Cheltenham Festival presents the perfect opportunity for men to showcase their personal style, whether it be discreet or daring. 2023 saw a revision to The Jockey Club dress code. There is now no formal dress code at any of their 15 racecourses, which include Aintree and Cheltenham. This doesn't mean that you can't look your best or dress traditionally. You simply have more freedom of choice. The style stakes are still high. The ladies will be on their game, so let's not let the sartorial side down. If you want race day outfits for men, race day inspiration, or want to know what a man should wear to Cheltenham Festival, read on...
What Should Men Wear To Cheltenham Festival?
Because of the smart country set which Cheltenham Races attracts, one of our many tweed style three piece suits for the races is bang on the money to mark you out as a gentleman of style. As well as the traditional variations of greens and browns, we have modern designs and slim-fits in colours and shades you could previously only dream of. Be as bold or subtle as you want with anything from a simple herringbone to a multi-tonal pattern.
If a tweed style is not for you, we also have a couple of contemporary checked three pieces which will make you stand out for all the right reasons. If you want a suit for the horse races, a check of our suit range is a must. Whether you're a modern man or love the classics, whether you prefer bright colours or muted tones, browse our full suit range and find your dream suit today.
Since there's been an adjustment to the dress code, there's no reason at all why you can't style a little less formal and yet keep your look sharp. Especially at an outdoor event such as Cheltenham, you might want to mix it up a little. Wearing your suit jacket and waistcoat with a well pressed slim-fitting pair of chinos, or jeans, is the fashion forward way to go! Read our Smart Casual Race Day Style Guide For Men for all the semi-formal outfit advice you need for your day out. Enjoy a day of style, comfort, and fun in your smart-casual raceday outfit for men.
Martez Grey 3-Piece Suit, SUAVE OWL White Shirt
The weather at the Cheltenham Festival tends to be cold, damp and unpredictable, so an overcoat can be a smart choice. While function is paramount, it should not be at the expense of form, so make sure your coat compliments the rest of your outfit. You can do this by making sure it matches the neutral colours of your outfit, present in your footwear or suit colour. However, that doesn't mean you can't be bold with your coat choice if you want to be. If you know you'll be outside for most of the day and are not keen on suiting up, one of our stylish formal overcoats with a shirt and waistcoat or tie will keep you above the benchmark.
To finish off your effortlessly stylish race day outfit you absolutely must don footwear to fit. A simple Oxford or Brogue style shoe or boot can never fail you. Accessorise for the Great British weather with Harris Tweed flat caps and gloves and lambswool scarves.
For all your raceday options, visit our Cheltenham Festival Suits collection!
Raceday Style Tips For Men
Take care to ensure the waistcoat is as well fitted as your suit jacket. Your waistcoat should cover the bottom of your shirt and the waistband of your trousers. It should be snug, but the buttons shouldn't be strained - you want to be able to list your arms with comfort. It should lay smoothly against you. Importantly, make sure you leave the last button undone! Our staff in store are always happy to help you find your perfect fit.
Be sure to compliment the suit/blazer and personalise your look with tie or bow tie and pocket square. Don't forget that there are many ways to arrange your square and tie your tie knot, we are big fans of the statement eldredge knot.
Don't let the cold compromise your style. Layer up with a thin thermal underlayer and no-show socks which nobody will ever see!
Lastly, for more information on best to wear a specific suit (and how to get plenty of rewear), read our How To Wear blogs for all the knowledge you need on the Elwood, Cody, Dion, and Ted suits.
Stick with SUAVE OWL and you'll pick a winner every time! Follow our Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok for more race day style ideas.