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Royal Ascot 2025

Royal Ascot Dress Code 2025: What to wear

Updated on Jun 11, 2025

Â© Photo Healy RacingRoyal Ascot offers unmatched pageantry and sporting excellence in equal measure as one of Britain's most treasured summer sporting traditions.

From the pomp and ceremony of the Royal procession that precedes racing each day of the meeting, to the high fashion and style of the racegoers, Royal Ascot is a race meeting simply unmatched.

Below we are outlining the dos and don'ts in relation to the Royal Ascot dress code, allowing racegoers to plan the perfect afternoon at the world's most iconic mixture of fashion and racing.

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Royal Ascot hats

One of the biggest decisions ahead of Royal Ascot is which hat to choose. There are different expectations for different parts of the racecourse, with fascinators not permitted in some areas.

Fascinators only cover part of the head and are not permitted in the Royal Enclosure, while hats must have a base of four inches in diameter and cover all of the head with a large brim.

Royal Ascot dresses

There are certain requirements for dresses when going to visit Royal Ascot. Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee and shoulder straps must have a minimum width of 2.5cm.

Trouser suits must be matching in both material and colour. Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and also comply with the shoulder strap requirements.

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Royal Ascot gents

For the men, their morning dress "must be of black, grey or navy material, and "include a waistcoat and necktie and a black or grey top hat" while "black shoes worn with socks covering the ankle".

Dress Code in full

Â© Photo Healy RacingThe Royal Ascot dress code holds true across all enclosures and is upheld to add to the pageantry and unique traditions of the meeting.

There are some exceptions, for overseas visitors and military personnel, while there are also rules for juniors and a detailed list of what not to wear!

Ladies

A dress or top and skirt, with shoulder or halter neck straps (lace and chiffon fabrics are permitted, no minimum length)

Trouser suits are welcome and should be of matching material and colour

Jumpsuits should fall below the knee and comply with the above strap requirements

A hat, headpiece or fascinator

Gents

A suit jacket or blazer (can be of different material to the trousers)

A full-length trouser or chino

A collared shirt

A necktie, bow tie or cravat (patterns of a patriotic nature, for example a national flag, are acceptable)

Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle

Juniors

Those aged 10-17 should dress in accordance with either of the above dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory. Juniors under the age of nine should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie with their trousers and shirt.

Overseas visitors & military personnel

Visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country or Service Dress. If your National Dress does not include a hat or headpiece, then you do not need to wear one. Religious headdress is permitted in place of a hat or headpiece.

Serving military personnel are welcome to wear Service Dress or equivalent.

Dress code — banned list

Certain items are prohibited and these policies are enforced — beware the banned list!

Dresses and tops that are: Strapless or one shoulder, Off-the-shoulder or bardot, Sheer (defined as any type of fabric that is see-through / entirely transparent)

Visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist)

Cravats, bow ties and neckerchiefs

Fancy dress, novelty patterns and fabrics

Trainers, denim, leggings & shorts

Branded or promotional clothing

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