If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Royal Ascot this year (16–20 June 2026), we’re here to help with the ultimate guide to the Royal Ascot dress code for each enclosure.
It would be awful to arrive at Royal Ascot in an outfit that does not meet the dress code and be turned away as a result, so we’ll cover everything from the length of dresses suitable for Royal Ascot, to the accepted width of straps, dos and don’ts for the gents and what young racegoers should be wearing, too.
Do you need to wear a big hat? Can you wear a fascinator instead? How about a jumpsuit? Does he need a tie? We’ve got all your questions answered and if you need some inspiration, we’ve got some tips for dressing at Royal Ascot, too.
Royal Ascot dress codes
Each of the Royal Ascot enclosures has slightly different rules about what you can and can’t wear, so if you have your Royal Ascot tickets and know which enclosure you need to be dressing for, jump straight down to your dress code using the links below. If not, this dress code explainer might help you narrow down where you’d like to spend your day.
Guests of the Royal Enclosure are required to follow the strictest dress code.
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The Royal Enclosure dress code
The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code and is by invitation only, so congratulations if you’ve got yourself a ticket. Guests in this enclosure are encouraged to embrace the elegance and fashion with their own individual style, providing it is in keeping with the dress code.
Ladies
Headwear must be worn. Hats are preferred, but a headpiece that has a solid base of four inches (10cm) or more in diameter is allowed as an alternative. This selection of hats for Royal Ascot are all compliant.
Dresses and skirts should fall just above the knee or longer, and midriffs should not be on show. Straps should be at least one inch thick – strapless, off-the-shoulder and halter-neck styles are not permitted. Lace and chiffon materials are accepted.
Jackets and pashminas are allowed, however, the dress underneath still needs to comply with the Royal Enclosure dress code.
Trouser suits are welcome but should be full length and both the material and colour should match.
Jumpsuits are allowed, but should fall below the knee and match the same strap regulations as dresses.
Gentlemen
Morning dress must be worn and must be either black, grey or navy. This includes a waistcoat and tie (bow ties and cravats are not permitted).
Top hats should be worn (black or grey) but customisation, such as coloured ribbon, is not allowed.
Novelty waistcoats and ties are not permitted, but discreet patterns and those of a patriotic nature (for example, a national flag) are acceptable.
Shoes must be black and socks must cover the ankle.
Children
Girls (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the ladies’ dress code, however, there is no size restriction on headwear.
Boys (aged 10–17) should dress in accordance with the gentlemen’s dress code or wear a dark-coloured lounge suit with a shirt and tie.
The Queen Anne Enclosure requires formal dress.
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Queen Anne Enclosure dress code
While not as strict as in the Royal Enclosure, the dress code in the Queen Anne Enclosure is formal and should be followed with confidence.
Ladies
Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times.
Dresses or tops must have shoulder or halter neck straps. Garments with an open-back style are permitted as long as they aren’t strapless, off-the-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer fabrics are not permitted, but there is no minimum dress or skirt length.
Trouser suits and jumpsuits must fall below the knee and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Trouser suits must also be of matching colour and material. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.
Gentlemen
Suits (two or three-piece) must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jackets and trousers should be of matching colour and pattern. Jeans and chinos are not permitted, but morning dress is an option.
Ties should be worn at all times – bow ties, cravats and neckerchiefs are not permitted.
Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.
Children
Girls (under 17) should be dressed for a formal occasion (smart summer dresses, for example). Hats, headpieces or a fascinator may be worn but are not compulsory.
Boys (aged 10–17) should wear a suit or jacket with a shirt and a tie.
Boys (aged nine and under) should be dressed smartly but are not required to wear a jacket or tie.
While the Village Enclosure has a more relaxed dress code, most guests still take the opportunity to dress up.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Village Enclosure dress code
Although less formal than the Royal and Queen Anne Enclosures, the Village Enclosure still requires that you dress in a manner than befits a formal occasion.
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Ladies
Ladies are encouraged to dress in a manner appropriate for a formal occasion.
Hats, headpieces or fascinators should be worn at all times. Smaller hats or fascinators are recommended in this enclosure.
Dresses or tops should not be strapless, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder or have a Bardot neckline. Midriffs must be covered and sheer straps are not permitted. There is no minimum length.
Trouser suits must be full length, of matching colour and material, and must adhere with the dress neckline and strap regulations. Jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Shorts of any kind are not permitted.
Wedges and block heels are recommended over stilettos as this enclosure is a grassed area.
Gentlemen
Jackets are required and can be of a different material to the trousers.
Trousers must be full length and worn with a collared shirt. Jeans are not permitted.
Ties must be worn at all times – bow ties and cravats are accepted.
Socks must be worn and cover the ankle.
Shoes should be smart and trainers of any style are not permitted.
Children
Juniors (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with either of the above adult dress codes although hats, headpieces and fascinators are not compulsory.
There is no formal dress code in the Windsor Enclosure.
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Windsor Enclosure dress code
There is no formal dress code in this enclosure, but smart daywear is encouraged. Hats and fascinators are recommended for ladies, while it’s recommended that gentlemen wear a jacket, collared shirt and full-length trousers.
What not to wear at Royal Ascot
There are some things that are not permitted on site at all at Royal Ascot, even in areas that do not follow a formal dress code. Racegoers should not wear fancy dress, novelty patterns or fabrics – this include clothing with slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand logos or cartoon imagery.
Likewise, trainers, denim, leggings and shorts are not permitted within any dress code.
Other things to bring to Royal Ascot
It would be remiss not to mention also packing the following:
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