Gentlemen – What to Wear to the Qatar Goodwood Festival

Situated in the Sussex Downs, 10 miles from the coast and north of Chichester, Goodwood Racecourse is part of the historical and picturesque Goodwood Hall Estate along with a racing circuit, an aerodrome, golf courses and Rolls Royce headquarters. Its most famous racing event is the Qatar Goodwood Festival (lovingly known as Glorious Goodwood) Held this year from Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 2nd August 2025.

Hawes & Curtis – Official Menswear Partner

Hawes & Curtis is the Official Menswear Partner of Goodwood Racecourse and offers a range of outfits for all enclosures and dress codes: from luxury Italian suits and silk ties to relaxed cotton polos and chinos.

Official Dress Code for the Richmond Enclosure 

Gentlemen (and boys aged 16 and over) are required to wear a suit jacket, long sleeved collared shirt and a tie, along with full-length trousers. Sportswear and fancy dress is not permitted.

Back in 1906, trend setter King Edward VII established the quintessential summer code for men that is still associated with the Glorious Goodwood Festival to this day: the linen suit and Panama hat. We say: Although the wearing of a linen suit and the Panama hat is not obligatory to enter into Goodwood’s Richmond Enclosure, it is a fine tradition and makes any gent look sartorially chic. Linen is ideal in hot weather as this natural lightweight fabric is loosely woven allowing air to circulate freely and the skin to keep cool. It also dries quickly and suits a looser fit style which is more comfortable in hot sticky climates than the more tailored suits. Plus the style is great for most body shapes. 

All prices are correct at time of publishing.

Most gents will don a single breasted suit so to stand out in the crowd choose the double breasted style such as Hawes & Curtis Double Breasted Italian Suit – 1913 Collection in 100% cream linen. £499.00 for the suit jacket and £180.00 for the suit trousers. Style this earthy warm cream shade with either the crisp clean look of a white shirt; an elegant tonal look with creams, ivory and beiges or a cool fresh look with pastels. We’ve chosen their Non-Iron Pink Twill Classic Shirt in pastel pink £69.00  It’s double cuffs means cufflinks are in order. Rose Gold Wire Knot Cufflink in rhodium coated brass £39.00. Bring more depth with a tie in a darker colour such as their Burgundy & Pink Micro Paisley Tie 100% silk £39.00 and Rose Pink Paisley Italian Silk Pocket Square – 1913 Collection £29.00 This 100% silk pocket square gives two options: a paisley print on one side and a dogtooth pattern on the other. Linen suits and loafers are a sartorial match made in heaven so pair with Tan Italian Suede Penny Loafer £169.00. Also available in brown.

Pure linen is renowned for wrinkling but this is part of the charm of a linen suit. However if you  prefer a sharper look then a linen blend is the solution. Linen blend suits are less prone to creases, are softer to the touch and less expensive than a suit made from 100% linen. Hawes & Curtis Italian Linen-Cotton Slim Fit Suit – 1913 Collection is made of 60% linen and 40% cotton. Available in light cool shades of pale grey, beige, white and pale blue. £329.00 for the suit jacket and £150.00 for the suit trousers. A crisp summer print for a shirt is the stripe especially in light colours such as their  Non-Iron Blue & White Bengal Stripe Slim Shirt in 2 ply 100s cotton £69.00. Also available in pink/white and navy/white. The shirt has double cuffs which mean you can add a touch of bling with a pair of cufflinks. Round Cufflinks – Smokey Mother of Pearl Detail made of rhodium coated brass with cultured smokey mother of pearl inlays. £49.00 Continue the cool look with  Square Jacquard Italian Silk Tie 1913 Collection 100% silk in silver with a touch of blue £49.00. A pocket square always adds a dapper touch Paisley Handkerchief 100% silk in pale blue but available in various colours. £45.00. Put your best loafer foot forward in  Beige Suede Tassel Loafer £169.00 Also available in brown.

The Panama Hat:

Whether you opt for the traditional linen suit or just a smart jacket and tie, the hat to be seen in is the Panama hat. Surprisingly the Panama hat doesn’t originate from Panama but Ecuador. Many factors endorsed the name: Panama was the international point where goods from South America would be taken before being shipped to Europe and the USA; workers on the Panama Canal wore them for shade and when visiting the Panama Canal construction President Roosevelt was seen wearing one. But probably the main reason was when the hats were sold in the Paris World Fair in 1855 by a Frenchman living in Panama. Ecuador was not mentioned as a participating country, so the hat became known as Panama’s. Hawes & Curtis Panama Hat is in ivory with a thick black ribbon band. £129.00. There is also a selection available to purchase via Hats & Caps – The Goodwood Shop including the Red & Yellow Ribbon Goodwood Panama Hat  with the hatband in Goodwood’s racing colours of red and yellow. £135.00

Official Dress Code for the Gordon Enclosure 

During Qatar Goodwood Festival, all racegoers are encouraged to dress in a smart and elegant way, bringing a sense of style suited to the occasion of racing at Goodwood. This dress code also applies to the following hospitality areas within the Gordon Enclosure: Sussex Roof Garden and Sussex Lounge Club. 

Check in to this enclosure wearing Hawes & Curtis Beige Windowpane Check Blazer 1913 Collection 60% linen 40% wool £399.00,  Also available in grey. Team with earthy tonal shades: Sand Tailored Trousers – 1913 Collection 57% cotton 43% linen blend so less likely to crease £159.00,  Men’s Tan Leather Belt £45.00 and Stone Italian Suede Loafer – a more casual loafer £139.00. Then add a burst of sunshine with  Yellow Plain Repp Pocket Square in 100% silk £25.00 and an Orange Pure Linen Slim Shirt in 100% pure linen. Also available in various colours ranging from pale to bright.  £75.00.  Although the linen shirt is not as crisp as the cotton shirt, it has the advantage on hot summer days due to its moisture wicking properties allowing sweat to evaporate quickly. Plus it says relaxed elegance rather than corporate chic.

Be adventurous with a brighter coloured jacket such as Hawes & Curtis Brick Herringbone Blazer – 1913 Collection in a rich red brick tone. 50% linen 50% silk £399.00  Contrast with  Navy Tailored Trousers – 1913 Collection £159.00 57% cotton 43% linen. Add Navy Suede Leather Belt £45.00. If deciding on a cotton shirt, go for a floral pattern for that smart casual vibe rather than the corporate workwear look. White & Purple Floral Slim Curtis Shirt  in 100% cotton £69.00 Complete the look with Dusty Pink Paisley Handkerchief in 100% silk  £25.00 and Navy Suede Loafer Shoes £169.00

Official Dress Code for the Lennox Enclosure 

The Lennox is their most relaxed enclosure and has no formal dress code. However, they do encourage all racegoers to dress for an afternoon’s racing at the world’s most beautiful racecourse but also comfortable clothing suitable for enjoying a picnic with friends and family. 

The  polo shirt says smart casual when worn with cotton chinos Knitted Cotton Polo Shirt with Short Sleeves in 100% light green cotton £69.00 Various colours available. Dusty Olive Cotton Stretch Slim Fit Chinos £69.00 97% cotton with 3% spandex for that gives a little stretch. In various colours. Pair with Olive Plaited Stretch Belt £39.00 Step out in Green Italian Suede Loafer £139.00 Bring along a lightweight jacket such as Linen Bomber Jacket in 100% sand linen £199.00 Also available in navy.

Smart shorts are acceptable especially if paired with a shirt Dark Navy Cotton Stretch Chino Shorts 97% cotton 3% spandex for that little stretch,  £59.00 Also available in various colours Blue & White Stripe Slim Shirt with button down collar 100% linen £75.00 Also available in beige/white, khaki/white and navy/white stripes. Don’t forget a belt – Navy Plaited Stretch Belt £39.00 Team with a smart pair of trainers such as Navy Suede Tonal Sole Trainers £139.00. A jumper is a good idea just in case the day becomes chilly Dusky Pink Half Zip Merino Jumper £79.00 100% merino wool

Hawes & Curtis images provided by Hawes & Curtis

Background image of Goodwood provided by Canvas.com

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