Men's Cheltenham Outfits: What to Wear to the Races
From supreme horse racing action to spectacular entertainment and gala-inspired celebrations, the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most prestigious equestrian events of the year.
An electric atmosphere follows four magnificent days of racing, seeing the industry’s most esteemed trainers, jockeys and horses showcase their talent and rewrite sporting history.
However, as any racegoer knows, Cheltenham’s competition isn’t solely confined to the tracks; it’s also an opportunity for country fashionistas to dress to impress.
Whilst your bets may be unsuccessful, your race day look can still be a winner with these Cheltenham Festival outfits for men. If you’re wondering how to dress for Cheltenham Races, read on for our top Cheltenham fashion tips, including dress code information and this year’s schedule.
Table of contents
- When is Cheltenham races?
- The Cheltenham Festival dress code
- What to wear to Cheltenham Races in March
- Cheltenham Race Outfit Ideas with Brocklehursts
When is Cheltenham races?
This year, Cheltenham Races runs from Tuesday, March 12th, till Friday, March 15th.
The first day is Champion Day, which kicks off the event with hurdle races and steeple chases. The day’s feature race is the Unibet Champion Hurdle, which occurs at 15:30.
Champion Day is followed by Style Wednesday, traditionally known as ladies’ day. This is followed by St Patrick’s Thursday and finally, Gold Cup Day, which sees racers compete in the event’s premier race, The Gold Cup Steeple Chase, for a chance to win the Cheltenham gold cup.
What time does Cheltenham Races start?
Cheltenham Races starts at 10:30 on each of the event’s four days, with the first races starting at 13:30 and the last at 17:30.
Though the first races don’t begin until 13:30 each day, it’s essential to plan your day to allow plenty of time to arrive, get into the venue and go through security. Doing so will ensure you get the most out of your experience – you might even catch a glimpse of the jockeys as they enter the racecourse!
How many races at Cheltenham Festival?
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most anticipated racing events of the year, featuring a grand total of 28 races meticulously spread across four enthralling race days. This means there are seven enthralling races to be seen each day.
The Cheltenham dress code
Cheltenham Races does not have an official dress code. However, event attendees are advised to dress smartly without compromising practicality, considering the unpredictable March weather.
You should avoid wearing fancy dress or a specific club kit, as the festival may turn you away if your outfit is deemed inappropriate or offensive.
What to wear to Cheltenham Races in March
While Cheltenham has no official dress code, effortless country styling embodies the event, with attendees wearing signature pieces that celebrate the best country clothing and its associations with British sporting history.
Our men’s Cheltenham outfit guide is filled with sophisticated country garments to help you put together a winning look. However, if you need some inspiration, read on for a selection of our race-day style guide favourites for men!
The Tweed Hacking Jacket
First created in the 18th century, the tweed Hacking jacket is steeped in British sporting history. It was traditionally worn by gentlemen for riding, making it the perfect companion to a day at Cheltenham races.
With its classic country styling, luxurious detailing and impeccable finish, Brocklehursts’ Keepers Tweed Sporting Jacket is an excellent choice for any country gent. This traditional hacking jacket is designed using 100% wool to keep you comfortably warm throughout the day, whilst its sophisticated finish ensures a truly refined look. It also features two slant and breast pockets to secure your race cards in style!
Brocklehursts Keepers Tweed County Jacket
Due to its neutral colouring, you can style this sporting jacket with various colours to create a put-together look.
The Sports Jacket
Like most men’s country garments, the Sports Jacket is infused with equestrian history, making it a prestigious choice for Cheltenham Races. It is modelled on the original Hacking Jacket style and is a popular choice for men’s country fashion, whether attending the races or partaking in equestrian sporting events.
Traditional tweed fabric never looks out of place at equestrian events, especially those as prestigious as Cheltenham. That’s why the Higham Tweed Jacket by Brocklehursts is a magnificent choice for any country gent.
Brocklehursts Higham Tweed Jacket
The Brocklehursts Higham Tweed Jacket features a sharp, tailored finish that is guaranteed to impress. It is skilfully crafted using 100% pure wool, offering a smart and hard-wearing layer that makes a luxurious impression in any setting.
We recommend styling this sporting jacket with matching trousers and brogues for an on-trend, distinguished look!
The Tattersall Check Shirt
With its traditional print and quintessential British styling, the Tattersall check shirt is the perfect men’s shirt for Cheltenham Races. This traditional country shirt belongs in every gent’s wardrobe, offering a classic and sophisticated look that can be dressed up or down to suit any season, style, or event.
The Tattersall shirt’s name is derived from the check-patterned blankets draped over horses at Tattersall’s horse market in the eighteenth century. Today, the garment’s distinctive pattern and weave have become an iconic race day look.
Brocklehursts Edlington Modern Tattersall Shirt
Brocklehursts Edlington Modern Tattersall shirt is perfect for any event or occasion; pair with a tie for smart styling, or wear with an open-collar for a more casual look.
Looking for more styles? Our Tattersall shirts come in a stylish selection of colours, including blue and green, green and yellow, and navy and red, so you can easily find the perfect shirt to complete your Cheltenham festival look in our collection.
Tweed Trousers
Whether worn alone or with a matching tweed jacket, Brocklehursts Matlock tweed trousers are the perfect way to make a statement at this year’s festival. They are designed using 100% wool, ensuring long-lasting durability, style and comfort. Moreover, their traditional tweed finish instantly elevates any country clothing outfit.
Brocklehursts Matlock Tweed Trousers
To ensure a distinguished look, it’s essential to choose a well-fitting pair when choosing tweed trousers. Our Cheltenham races men’s outfit ideas guide offers a sophisticated selection of men’s trousers in various sizes and styles, making putting together your race day look easy.
A Covert Coat
A classic style piece, the Covert Coat is a timeless choice for Cheltenham races mens fashion. It was originally designed as a riding coat. However, due to its iconic design that fuses practicality with luxury, it is now a go-to fashion staple that belongs in every man’s wardrobe.
With its impeccable attention to detail, classic back vent and traditional tailoring, the Brocklehursts Tweed Covert Coat is the perfect companion to the Cheltenham Festival. Its classic Tweed finish will set the tone of your outfit perfectly, encapsulating the best of British country fashion.
Brocklehursts Tweed Covert Coat
Style this Covert Coat with a knotted scarf to add warmth without compromising your sophisticated Cheltenham look.
What not to wear at Cheltenham races?
Although there is no official Cheltenham Festival dress code, the event provides the perfect excuse to wear your best attire. Men typically wear suits to the races, while jeans and trainers are usually avoided. However, casual clothing is allowed, with organisers stating that wearing what you feel comfortable in is best.
Fancy dress outfits are prohibited in some areas of the racecourse, such as Hospitality, restaurant facilities or the Club Enclosure. Although some fancy dress is permitted in all other areas, inappropriate or offensive outfits may mean you being denied entry.
Cheltenham Race Outfit Ideas with Brocklehursts
Whilst no gold cup is awarded for Cheltenham’s best dressed, the Cheltenham festival is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress and celebrate the best of British country clothing.
Our Cheltenham Races outfit ideas guide offers a supreme selection of country wear staples, so whether you’re searching for a complete country-style outfit or a staple piece to tie your look together, we’re confident you’ll find styles to suit you at Brocklehursts.
Shopping for a different event? Our men’s country clothing range is filled with sophisticated garments to suit various occasions and events, whether venturing into the great outdoors, partaking in sports, or attending a wedding. Shop the complete collection today at Brocklehursts!
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