What to wear to the Grand National 2027

The official policy

The Grand National Festival has no formal dress code. The Jockey Club nevertheless asks visitors to leave fancy dress and sportswear at home and avoid team colours or sports kits. That combination gives you considerable choice without making every outfit suitable. A themed group should check its clothing against the request before travelling, rather than assuming that a relaxed policy means costumes are welcome.

The advice below is our opinion on dressing comfortably for an outdoor raceday. A suit, dress, skirt or hat can be part of your outfit if you enjoy wearing one. The published Festival policy does not set a compulsory hat size, heel height or suit requirement. Choose something that works from the outward journey to the trip home.

Dress by enclosure

For Festival Zone, outdoor terraces, roof viewing areas and grandstand seats, start with the general Festival clothing policy. The official enclosure comparison does not publish separate formal clothing requirements for each of those ticket types. Read the description and any terms supplied with your chosen ticket, particularly when booking a restaurant or hospitality package.

The Embankment is specifically described as having a relaxed dress code. It is an outdoor enclosure, and the official description says its ticket does not give access to the main course. Your clothing decision should therefore allow for the time you intend to spend outdoors. Do not choose this ticket expecting to move into another enclosure whenever you want shelter.

Our suggestion for an outdoor terrace or roof ticket is to prioritise your outer layer. A reserved covered seat, such as West Tip, changes the viewing arrangements but does not remove the walk to the entrance or movement around the venue. For hospitality, ask about your particular package if you have a clothing question, and read the information sent with your booking.

Plan for April conditions

Check the forecast shortly before departure and make your outfit adaptable. An April date does not tell you whether your visit will be warm, cold, wet or windy. A light layer under a jacket and an outer layer you can comfortably carry give you options when moving between the journey, outdoor viewing and indoor facilities.

Try the layers together before packing. Check that your coat closes over the clothes underneath and that your sleeves allow you to reach your phone or ticket. If rain is forecast, consider how the outer layer works with your hat and bag. A beautiful outfit becomes awkward if you need to hold several loose belongings whenever you move.

Think about the periods when you will be standing still. Walking to the entrance can feel warmer than waiting for a race, so dress for both. Keep a warmer layer available for leaving after the afternoon programme rather than packing it somewhere you cannot reach.

Footwear that lasts all afternoon

Our advice is to wear shoes you have already walked in for a useful length of time. Test them on stairs and outdoors with the socks or tights you intend to use. Give the fit more attention than how the shoes look while you are standing still. A small discomfort at home can become distracting over a whole afternoon.

Look at your entrance, viewing area and travel plan before choosing footwear. A journey using public transport includes walking beyond the venue itself; a car journey still includes the route from parking to admission. Avoid planning around being able to sit down whenever your feet need a rest.

For grass or wet approaches, consider the stability and grip of the sole. Narrow heels can be difficult on soft ground. If you prefer a heel, test its balance and your normal walking pace beforehand. A flat shoe or comfortable boot is a sensible option when it suits your outfit and the forecast.

Outfit ideas for women and men

For women, trousers with a blouse or knitwear and a jacket are a practical starting point. A dress or skirt can work equally well when you choose the outer layer and shoes at the same time. Check the hem while sitting down and walking, and make sure the combination allows you to move at your usual pace.

For men, try trousers, a shirt and a jacket, adding knitwear if the forecast calls for it. A suit is a choice for visitors who want to dress up; it is not a compulsory part of the published general policy. Check the jacket fit over any extra layer and make sure the shoes are comfortable before the day.

These are outfit suggestions rather than rules about who may wear particular clothes. Start with the pieces you like and already own. You do not need a new wardrobe to enjoy the racing, and avoiding an untested outfit can make the practical decisions easier.

Hats, headpieces and small accessories

If you want a hat or headpiece, try it with your hairstyle and outer layer. Turn your head, walk around and check that it stays secure without constant adjustment. Consider how you would carry it if you decide to remove it. The official general policy does not require everyone to wear a hat.

Keep your bag manageable for the full journey. Put your ticket, phone, payment method and any medication you need somewhere easy to reach. Check the venue’s current admission and bag information before bringing anything beyond everyday personal belongings. Clothing guidance alone cannot answer whether a particular item will be admitted.

Gloves, a scarf or a small extra layer can be useful depending on the forecast. Choose accessories that can be secured in a pocket or bag when removed. Leave enough room to keep essential items organised rather than filling the bag with several outfit changes.

Match your outfit to the journey

The official travel page says car parking must be booked in advance. If you are driving, sort the parking and entrance details before deciding what to carry. Keep any spare shoes or coat in a place where you can reach them when returning to the car, while taking what you need for the afternoon into the course.

For rail travel, check the operator’s journey planner before leaving and allow time for your final connection. Wear the shoes you intend to walk in, and keep your hands free enough to handle your ticket and bag. Save the return details where you can find them quickly instead of relying on remembering a platform or departure.

Agree a meeting place with companions before you split up. If someone needs a slower walking pace, include that in the outward and return plan. Keep the clothing you need for the journey home with you until you are safely on your way.

Before you leave

Look at the forecast, read your ticket information and try the complete outfit once more. Check the requested restrictions on fancy dress, sportswear and sports kits. If your clothing raises a specific question, contact Aintree before travelling. This is especially useful for a themed group or an unusual hospitality booking.

Use our Aintree enclosure comparison to choose the viewing arrangements that suit your day, then plan the outfit around those arrangements. The Grand National guide covers the Festival dates and travel, and the first-raceday guide explains the sequence of an afternoon at the races. Give the practical test as much attention as the photograph.

Plan your next step