- Expert at NEXT offers tips on dressing for the race day, whatever the dress code
- UK searches for 3-piece-suits up 23% compared to last month
- Trending colours, cuts and styles for men’s suiting this spring/summer
Last month marked the start of the 2024 racing season with the annual Cheltenham festival and with April seeing the return of the infamous Grand National festival at Aintree, it’s unsurprising that UK Google search demand for ‘3-piece-suits’ has risen by 23% compared to last month.
Whilst days out at the races are synonymous for many with donning your best suit and tie, the strict dress codes associated with many big race meets are being relaxed, with The Jockey Club removing outfit restrictions, and replacing them with assurances that racegoers should wear whatever they feel comfortable in.
Despite dress codes relaxing, a study carried out by the menswear team at NEXT found that 71% of men would still want to dress up for the race day¹. With this in mind, the menswear experts have compiled their ultimate suit styling advice with suggestions of race day outfits whatever your style or formality preference, as well as recommendations on how to feel most comfortable in your outfit throughout the day, no matter the weather.
“When it comes to choosing a suit for an event like a wedding, christening or the races, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Temperature and comfortability are key things to think about, as well as the level of formality required and colours that may be off limits (weddings usually), as well as colours that you like and that suit your skin tone and colouring.
“It’s also important to think about wearability, are you happy to invest in a suit you will likely only wear for this one occasion or do you want a suit to work hard in your wardrobe, for work and play, to be worn together but also to be worn as separates.”
Choose the right colour for you
“Popular colour choices for suits are typically, grey, black and navy blue, so if you’re investing in a suit that you’ll want to wear for multiple occasions throughout the coming years, these make versatile choices. If you’re looking to opt for something lighter for the summer months, consider colours such as cream, stone or pale blue. These pair well with a crisp white shirt – either open collared or with a complementary coloured tie.
“If you do opt for a lighter suit, note that these are more susceptible to highlighting spillages and stains, so you might need to make a little extra consideration for a day at the races.
“If you’re struggling to decide on a suit colour, a good way to find a shade that suits you is to look at your skin tone. A cool skin tone (with undertones of blue) is well suited to cooler shades – such as charcoal grey, black and deep blues. A warmer skin tone (with undertones of yellow) is more suited to cream and beige, or dark greens. Those with dark, contrasting features may find that darker coloured suits are too harsh on them, whilst those with lighter colouring may suit deep, rich tones.”
Look out for length
“When it comes to style and fit, this is often down to personal preference. But, if you’re trying a suit on, a good tip is to look out for length. A well fitting suit jacket should be long enough to cover your rear and the edge of the sleeve should lie somewhere between the two knuckles on your thumb. The shoulder pads of the jacket should end at the edge of your shoulder, so that the material sweeps down your arm without fitting too tightly.
“The correct trouser length is up for debate and is largely trend and personal preference led – some people prefer a shorter leg length that shows the ankle, whilst others prefer the more classic length, whereby the hem rests on the top of your shoe. Regardless, a good guide is to ensure room for movement – a suit trouser that is too tight can feel very uncomfortable.
“It’s also wise to remember that generally if the occasion calls for a suit there will usually be photos and you don’t want to look like you’re bursting at the seams from the wrong angle”.
Suit style
“The most popular choice when it comes to formalwear for men is the classic two piece suit, with one in five (18%) saying this would be their outfit of choice for the races, closely followed by the slightly more formal three piece suit, favoured by 17% of men.
“For summer events, a linen suit is a popular choice as they are more breathable than a classic wool or cotton. Waistcoats and three piece suits might sound less appealing in warm weather, but they can help to maintain a smart, polished look if you’re planning on taking your suit jacket off.”
Footwear choice
“Typically most men (55%) would choose to wear a formal shoe for a race day to complement suit trousers, but for some comfort is key, as one in five (18%) would prefer to wear trainers for an event, a popular styling choice for men and women when it comes to tailoring.
“If you are choosing to style a suit or shirt and trousers with trainers, the best way to keep it looking clean and smart is to keep the colours simple. Occasion dependent, you could always switch up a shirt for a suit jacket, trousers and a crisp, good quality t-shirt. Opt for a plain coloured suit in shades like navy, stone or grey – all of which are best paired with a clean white trainer. Typically a court-style trainer pairs best with a smart trouser rather than a sportier shape, which helps to keep a structured feel to the outfit.
“For those keen to wear a more formal shoe like a brogue or Oxford style, complementing the colour of your suit is key. Typically black shoes will go with any suit colour. However, if you’re opting for a lighter coloured suit in blue, stone or grey, a tan coloured shoe makes a really sophisticated choice.”
The team at NEXT have shared their top tailoring and suit picks for men for the upcoming races season:
Marvin Humes collection
Neutral Slim Fit Waffle Texture Suit Jacket – £84 Available in regular length, chest sizes 34-50
Neutral Slim Fit Waffle Texture Suit Trousers – £45 Available in regular length and waist sizes 28-44
Marvin Humes collection
Wool Donegal Suit Jacket, Stone – £110 Available in short, regular and long length and chest sizes 34-38
Wool Blend Donegal Suit Trousers, Stone – £59 Available in short, regular and long length and waist sizes 28-44
Also available in Blue, Brown, Dark Blue, Grey, Light Grey and Taupe. Waistcoat (not pictured) also available.
Neutral Edit Relaxed Wrap Front Suit: Jacket – £99 Available in regular length and chest sizes 34-38
Neutral Edit Relaxed Wrap Front Suit: Trousers – £50 Available in regular length and waist sizes 28-44
Trimmed Check Suit Jacket, Green – £110 Available in short, regular and long length and chest sizes 36-58
Also available in grey
Trimmed Check Suit Trousers, Green – £59
Available in short, regular and long length and waist sizes 30-52
Also available in grey Trimmed Check Waistcoat, Green £59
Available in regular and long length and chest sizes 34-58
Also available in grey
Burgundy Red Two Button Suit Jacket – £60 Available in short, regular and long length and chest sizes 34-38
Burgundy Red Suit Trousers – £35 Available in short, regular and long length and waist sizes 28-40
For more race day tailoring inspiration or to shop men’s race day suits, visit the NEXT website.