The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day at the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (16–20 June, 2026) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat will complement your dress for Royal Ascot, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.
Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody – and read our tips on how to choose.
Best hats for Royal Ascot 2026: all budgets and styles
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hobbs Bella Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Snoxells Sloane Plate Hat
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
River Island x Edwina Ibbotson Beige Premium Sasha Polka Dot Boater Hat
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Karen Millen Asymmetric Disc Fascinator
Specifications
Colours:: Pink, navy, blush, cobalt, ivory, black, blue, neutral or green
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Vivien Sheriff Showjumper Luxury Hat
Specifications
Colours:: Ivory/brights or bespoke
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
John Lewis Margot Down Brim Occasion Hat
Specifications
Colours:: Yellow, navy or sorbet
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Phase Eight Statement Fascinator
Specifications
Colours:: Navy or pale pink
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
John Lewis Camille Medium Boater Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hats By Cressida Statement Hat
Specifications
Colours:: 25 options
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Bev’s Yellow And Black Hatinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Lipsy Polka Dot Oversized Bow Fascinator Hat
Specifications
Colours:: Black or cream
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Derby Diva Hats Kentucky Derby Hat
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Accessorize Statement Bow Disc Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Vixen Crinkle Swirl Fascinator
Specifications
Colours:: Blue or pink
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Coast Lisa Tan Origami Flower Fedora
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Whiteley Melody Upturn Feather Trim Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hats By Cressida Saucer Hat
Specifications
Colours:: 31 options
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Young Hat Sinamay Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Phase Eight Flower Pillbox Fascinator
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hats By Cressida Large Hat
Specifications
Colours:: 16 options
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
The Head Bloomer Millinery Pink Flower
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hats By Cressida Statement Hatinator
Specifications
Colours:: 40 options
How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot
For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?
The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.
Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…
If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.
Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
