Royal Ascot Dress Code 2026: What to wear this year across each enclosure

As the biggest flat racing festival of the summer draws ever closer, one topic that always gets plenty of attention is the Royal Ascot dress code. To make things easy, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know before heading to the famous Berkshire meeting.

With five days of top-class racing on offer, thousands of racegoers will be making their way to Ascot in June.

If you’re planning to be among them, here’s your complete guide to the 2026 Royal Ascot dress code.

With four different enclosures available, it’s important to remember that dress requirements vary depending on where you’re watching the action. That’s why we’ve broken down the rules for each enclosure below.

Did you know? There will be a record £19.4 million in Royal Ascot prize money in 2026

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Royal Enclosure Dress Code 2026

The Royal Enclosure has the strictest dress code on the racecourse, which is no surprise given that entry is by invitation only.

If you’re fortunate enough to be attending in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot racecourse, make sure you follow these requirements.

Ladies

• Headwear must be worn. This can be either a hat or a headpiece with a minimum base diameter of four inches (10cm)
• Dresses and skirts should sit no higher than just above the knee
• Midriffs must not be exposed
• Strapless and off-the-shoulder outfits are not permitted
• Jackets and shoulder coverings are allowed
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits are permitted but must be full length

Men

• Morning dress is required and must be black, grey or navy
• A waistcoat and tie must be worn. Bow ties and cravats are not permitted
• Top hats should be worn and must be either black or grey

Queen Anne Enclosure Dress Code 2026

While not quite as strict as the Royal Enclosure, the Queen Anne Enclosure still requires a formal standard of dress and the rules should not be overlooked.

Ladies

• Racegoers are encouraged to dress in a formal and appropriate manner
• Hats, fascinators or headpieces should be worn at all times
• Dresses and tops must have straps
• Open-back styles are permitted, but strapless and off-the-shoulder designs are not
• There is no minimum hemline requirement
• Shorts of any kind are not permitted
• Trouser suits and jumpsuits must fall below the knee and follow the same strap requirements

Men

• Full-length two-piece or three-piece suits must be worn with a collared shirt
• Jackets and trousers should match
• Jeans and chinos are not permitted
• A tie must be worn. Bow ties and cravats are not allowed
• Socks must be worn and should cover the ankle.
• Footwear should be smart, with trainers not permitted

Village Enclosure Dress Code 2026

The Village Enclosure offers a slightly more relaxed approach, although Ascot still expects guests to dress in a smart and formal manner.

Ladies

• Hats or headpieces are encouraged, with smaller hats often recommended.
• Dresses and tops should not be strapless or off the shoulder.
  There is no minimum skirt or dress length.
• Trouser suits must be full length and matching in colour.
• Shorts are not permitted.
• Wedges and block heels are often a more practical choice than stilettos.

Men

• A jacket is required, although it does not have to match the trousers.
• A collared shirt must be worn.
• Shorts and jeans are not permitted.
• Ties must be worn at all times, although bow ties and cravats are allowed.
• Shoes should be smart, while socks must cover the ankle.
• Trainers are not permitted.

Windsor Enclosure Dress Code 2026

There is no formal dress code in the Windsor Enclosure, although smart daywear is strongly encouraged.

Gentlemen are recommended to wear a jacket with a collared shirt.

Royal Ascot Dress Code 2026: What NOT To Wear

The following items are not permitted at Royal Ascot:

• Fancy dress
• Novelty patterns or fabrics
• Clothing featuring slogans, phrases, promotional messaging, brand slogans or cartoon imagery
• Trainers
• Denim, leggings and shorts

Royal Ascot Race Schedule 2026

Tuesday 16th June 2026

• 2:30pm: Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1, 1m)
• 3:05pm: Coventry Stakes (Group 2, 6f)
• 3:40pm: King Charles III Stakes (Group 1, 5f)
• 4:20pm: St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1, 1m)
• 5:00pm: Ascot Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 2m4f)
• 5:35pm: Wolferton Rated Stakes (Listed, 1m2f)
• 6:10pm: Copper Horse Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m6f)

Wednesday 17th June 2026

• 2:30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2, 5f)
• 3:05pm: Queen’s Vase (Group 2, 1m6f)
• 3:40pm: Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2, 1m)
• 4:20pm: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1, 1m1f)
• 5:00pm: Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (Class 2, 1m)
• 5:35pm: Kensington Palace Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m)
• 6:10pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed, 5f)

Thursday 18th June 2026

• 2:30pm: Chesham Stakes (Listed, 7f)
• 3:05pm: King George V Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m3f)
• 3:40pm: Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2, 1m3f)
• 4:20pm: Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1, 2m4f)
• 5:00pm: Britannia Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m)
• 5:35pm: Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3, 1m1f)
• 6:10pm: Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 7f)

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Friday 19th June 2026

• 2:30pm: Albany Stakes (Group 3, 6f)
• 3:05pm: Commonwealth Cup (Group 1, 6f)
• 3:40pm: Duke of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m3f)
• 4:20pm: Coronation Stakes (Group 1, 7f)
• 5:00pm: Sandringham Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m)
• 5:35pm: King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2, 1m3f)
• 6:10pm: Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 5f)

Saturday 20th June 2026

• 2:30pm: Norfolk Stakes (Group 2, 5f)
• 3:05pm: Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2, 1m3f)
• 3:40pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1, 6f)
• 4:20pm: Jersey Stakes (Group 3, 7f)
• 5:00pm: Wokingham Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 6f)
• 5:35pm: Golden Gates Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 1m2f)
• 6:10pm: Queen Alexandra Stakes Handicap (Class 2, 2m5f)