Founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, Royal Ascot has long stood as a centrepiece of the British Summer social calendar, captivating racegoers for over three centuries. As one of the most prestigious events in the global social and sporting calendar, Royal Ascot annually draws 300,000 attendees to celebrate the finest in horse racing and fashion.
For Oliver Brown, Royal Ascot is the main highlight of our year. As the official Top Hat licensee of Royal Ascot for the eighth year in a row, and the proud owner of the world’s largest collection of antique silk top hats and morning wear, Oliver Brown offers everything you could possibly need for the occasion. Please note that the week leading up to the event is our busiest period, so we highly recommend planning ahead. This will give you ample time to explore all of the different options that we offer and ensure that you find the perfect look.
As an official licensee with 25 years experience of serving Ascot racegoers, we are experts in guiding you on the dress code for whichever enclosure you may attend. We have a wide range of attire to ensure you’re dressed impeccably for every single one.
The Royal Enclosure
The Royal Enclosure is where sartorial excellence truly takes centre stage. With its strict dress code, this exclusive area demands a perfectly polished look, which our experts at Oliver Brown can help you achieve.
As stated on Royal Ascot’s official website, gentlemen’s dress code for this enclosure is ‘Morning dress of black, grey or navy material’. Navy was in fact a more recent addition, with Ascot officials updating the dress code in 2020. So, if you’re looking to add a modern touch to your morning wear, navy is the perfect choice. We have stylish options for all three colours - browse our collection of morning wear here, featuring a range of different morning coats and striped morning trousers.
The website further states that men must wear a waistcoat and necktie (bow-ties and cravats are not permitted), items which pose a great opportunity to add a pop of colour to the ensemble. We have multiple waistcoat options available; single and double-breasted styles, classically cut in a range of wool, silk and linen, all in an array of colours, from blues to pinks and greens. We encourage you to embrace the colourful palette that morning wear offers.
Inspired by King Charles’ love for a grey morning suit, we launched our three-piece Highgrove Morning Suit in Plain Grey. Richard Fuller, our general manager comments “King Charles wore his grey morning suit to royal weddings, and to Ascot, so we had many customers looking for that shade of grey. We took inspiration from this royal bespoke suit and created the Highgrove morning suit, based on our successful Mayfair shoulder, a double front facing pleat on the trouser and a silk slip on the waistcoat.” Cut in 100% wool from one of Britain’s finest mills, Dugdale Bros & Co, this suit is the ideal choice for the Royal Enclosure.
A black or grey top hat is also mandatory, though it may be removed within a restaurant, private box or enclosed external seating areas like terraces, balconies or gardens. Our founder, Kristian Ferner Robson, comments that “you must wear your top hat one inch above your ears, with no jaunty angles - don’t tilt it or wear it towards the back of your head”.
As aforementioned, we have the world’s largest collection of top hats which are available for hire or purchase. We have a range of different types available, but the most desirable and traditional for Royal Ascot is an antique silk top hat. Browse our collection here. It’s important to note that customised top hats with any sort of feathers, coloured ribbons or embellishments are not permitted in this enclosure.
Black dress shoes must be worn, where we recommend a traditional polished black Oxford shoe. The accompanying socks must cover the ankle to adhere to the dress code. All of our morning wear is available for purchase and hire - explore our hire site here.
Queen Anne Enclosure
Though the dress code for the Queen Anne Enclosure at Royal Ascot is slightly more relaxed compared to the strict requirements of the Royal Enclosure, it still calls for great elegance and formality.
Gentlemen in this area are required to wear a full-length two or three piece suit, where the jackets and trousers should be of a matching material. We offer an extensive range of suiting options, from traditional to contemporary styles, in the finest wool blends from some of Britain’s most renowned mills. Opt for our double-breasted Cadogan Suit, or keep it classic with our single-breasted Eaton Suit, both available in a selection of colours. Should you want to go for the ultimate royal style, remember that morning wear is still permitted in this area.
The website further specifies that a collared shirt and necktie are required, paired by smart shoes and ankle-covering socks to complete the look.
Village Enclosure
As for the Village Enclosure, the dress code adopts more flexibility while maintaining a formal and sophisticated look. The official website states that a ‘suit jacket or blazer (which can be of a different material to the trousers)’ is required, accompanied by a ‘full length trouser or chino’.
We offer a wide range of jackets for you to explore, for Ascot however we recommend our versatile Eaton Jacket, available in an array of colours and fabrics to suit your preference. Alternatively, our Unstructured Jacket is a suitable option, crafted from 100% wool and featuring an unlined design which molds to your natural body shape.
Our Brompton Chinos make a good option for this enclosure, which come in an array of colours from olive, to brick red. This should be paired with a collared shirt, necktie, bow tie or cravat.
As always, smart shoes and socks must be worn that should cover the ankle.
Windsor Enclosure
In regards to the dress code, the Windsor Enclosure offers a much more relaxed atmosphere in comparison to the other enclosures, though guests are still encouraged to wear smart daywear. A jacket and collared shirt is encouraged, for that touch of Royal Ascot elegance - though not mandatory.
While there is no official dress code in the Windsor Enclosure, please note that that in adherence with the official Royal Ascot website, the following are not permitted within any of the enclosures;
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Novelty patterns and fabrics (including, for example; slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery) - you are permitted to wear patterns of a patriotic nature however, for example, a national flag.
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Trainers
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Denim
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Leggings
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Shorts
To ensure your most elegant appearance and comply with Royal Ascot etiquette you must avoid the prohibited attire listed at all costs. Visit the official website here to read more.
From the strict standards of the Royal Enclosure to the more relaxed yet refined dress codes of the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, each area presents an opportunity to showcase your personal style while adhering to the timeless traditions of the event. Let Oliver Brown help you look your absolute best this coming June, no matter where you’re seated. With our many years of Royal Ascot expertise, we’ll help you navigate the dress codes with confidence.
Our collection is available for both hire and purchase, with options to shop online or in-store. We also offer bespoke and made-to-measure services, if you’re looking for that personalised touch. We invite you to visit us for a personal fitting, where our expert team will ensure you find the perfect fit for the event. Our stores are located in Chelsea, St James’s, City of London and Chester.