The races
The English races have put their etiquette in writing, to the centimetre, and enforce it at the gate. Paris recommends more than it imposes. In either case, better to know the text before choosing what to wear.
What the institutions publish
- Ascot Racecourse (Royal Ascot). In the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, hats are compulsory for women: a headpiece is accepted only if its base measures at least 10 cm in diameter, and fascinators are prohibited except for those under 17.
- Ascot Racecourse (Royal Ascot). In the Royal Enclosure, dress straps must be at least 2.5 cm wide, and strapless, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, backless halterneck and spaghetti-strap dresses and tops are prohibited, as are sheer fabrics.
- Ascot Racecourse (Royal Ascot). With the black, grey or navy morning coat, a black or grey top hat is compulsory and may be removed only in a restaurant, a private box, an enclosed external seating area, a terrace, a balcony or a garden, any customisation of the top hat (coloured ribbons, feathers, ornaments) being prohibited.
- Henley Royal Regatta. In the Stewards' Enclosure at Henley, women must wear a dress or skirt with a hemline falling below the knee, or trousers with a jacket or blazer, or a trouser suit, entry being refused to anyone whose dress does not comply.
- Henley Royal Regatta. Telephones may be used to check race results in the Stewards' Enclosure, but one must step outside the enclosure to make or receive a call.
- France Galop. For the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp, France Galop recommends elegant but relaxed dress, notes that hats are always welcome and advises avoiding heels too high for walking comfortably around the racecourse.
Each rule is taken from the document published by the institution, consulted at its official address on 27/08/2026.
Custom, according to the house
One checks one's enclosure before dressing: each has its own code, and one does not pass freely from one to another. One bets with discretion and wins with composure. And one keeps one's binoculars for the track, not for the stands.
On the radar