One of the most famous race meets in the world and a highlight of the British sporting calendar, Cheltenham Festival boasts a rich history. But what to wear?
Like all other prestigious horse-racing events, Cheltenham Festival has its own traditions – including a unique dress code. With that in mind, it’s important anyone attending Prestbury Park during the four days in March is well aware of the Cheltenham Festival dress code.
Is there a dress code for Cheltenham Festival?
The governing body of Cheltenham Festival, The Jockey Club, doesn’t have a set-in-stone dress code for the Festival. It is, however, commonplace for people to dress smartly when attending Cheltenham. Unpredictable British weather in March can present some challenges for those choosing between outfits, but the prestigious jump-racing event is still a venue packed with well-dressed spectators.
Important etiquette when dressing for Cheltenham
The dress code is less formal than some other high-profile racing events around the country, but it’s important to note that fancy dress is banned in the Club Enclosure.
Jeans can be worn at Cheltenham Festival, but it is generally better to err on the smarter side; and there is a trademark ‘Cheltenham look’ with lots of tweed, traditional hats, and earthy colours. Notably, sportswear and any form of offensive clothing must be avoided or you risk being refused entry and missing the action entirely!
Suggested festival attire by day
Plenty of Cheltenham attendees may be wondering what to wear for their day at the Festival. We don’t all have the luxury of attending the whole week, so it’s good to learn about what the dress code is on each day.
Days one, three, and four tend to see similar style choices from spectators. Countryside style is favoured, with lots of tweed, wool, and chinos on show. British tailoring is popular among the crowds, but it’s important to be practical when choosing your Cheltenham attire given the potentially chilly and rainy conditions you may face.
Cheltenham Style Wednesday dress code
Day two of the Festival is Style Wednesday – formally known as Ladies Day. Timeless and vintage fashion are the name of the game, and the Slow Fashion awards recognise passed-down and borrowed items.
Think sophisticated elegance mixed with British countryside fashion. There’s a combination of glamour with the usual Cheltenham look. Outfits on Ladies Day tend to be more eye-catching than the other three days of the festival, but the majority of spectators remain in keeping with the general style of Cheltenham Festival.
Even since The Jockey Club has relaxed its formal dress code for the Festival, Ladies Day remains the standout day for fashionistas at Cheltenham. It is when decisions might lean more towards glamour over practicality, regardless of the weather forecast.
Importantly, though, there are no strict rules to abide by if you are attending Style Wednesday. Attendees are simply encouraged to “dress as you feel most comfortable and confident”.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Day dress code
Despite being the day of the Festival’s most famous race, there is no formal dress code for Gold Cup day. The Best Mate Enclosure often has some spectators in fancy dress – though it mustn’t be offensive or inappropriate – and some fans might wear jeans.
In the Tattersalls Enclosure and the Club Enclosure, attire is generally more formal: men are likely to be in chinos or suit trousers with button-up shirts and jackets, while a decent percentage will don a well-fitting suit; with dark greens and browns proving particularly popular.
Layering up is crucial, with many women in attendance often opting to wear tights under trousers and doubling up on jumpers. All spectators are encouraged to opt for practicality with their footwear choice due to the conditions in the enclosures and around the venue, too.
Is there a dress code for the Cheltenham enclosures?
No fancy dress is allowed in the Club Enclosure or hospitality suites. These are the top tier viewing areas at the Festival, so expect to see smart and formal wear from attendees. Men are usually in suits, with women commonly wearing dresses. There are plenty of fascinators on show, too.
Tattersalls Enclosure is a little less formal. But we’d suggest perhaps playing it safe by going smart-casual – you can get away with a relatively smart pair of jeans if the rest of the outfit is sharp!
The Best Mate Enclosure is the most relaxed of the three. This is where dressing to ‘feel your best’ is most prevalent, with spectators prioritising warmth and comfort over bank-breaking style. Some spectators here will even opt for fancy dress.
What not to wear to the Cheltenham Festival
Sports shirts, including replicas, are not allowed at Cheltenham Festival. Fancy dress is only allowed in certain areas, and cannot be worn in the Club Enclosure or hospitality.
Perhaps most importantly: consider the weather conditions. Be prepared for rain and make sure you have enough layers to avoid feeling the cold too much. Be smart with your footwear choices, given the likelihood that there will be mud under foot. With mud inevitable around the course, it’s also best to steer clear of white or cream clothes, as they could quickly be ruined.
