How to ace the dress codes at Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Henley.

The British summer season has always understood that sport and style are inseparable. Wimbledon is as much about what you wear as who wins. Ascot has dress codes that predate living memory. And Henley – well, Henley has always rewarded a man who knows his blazer from his boarding jacket. Here's how to dress for all three.

1. Royal Ascot

When: 16 to 20 June 2026

Dress code: Morning dress in the Royal Enclosure (black or grey, top hat, waistcoat, tie). Lounge suit and tie in Queen Anne and Village enclosures.

Sock rule: Socks are mandatory — you will be turned away without them.

LSC recommendation: Simply Sartorial in Ebony Black or Cannon Ball Grey for the Royal Enclosure; Jermyn St. Houndstooth for everywhere else.

Royal Ascot has enforced a dress code for over 300 years, and it shows no signs of relaxing. The enclosure you're in determines the rules – and they're worth knowing before you arrive.

In the Royal Enclosure, it's morning dress only: black or grey, waistcoat, tie, and a top hat. No exceptions, no negotiation. The Queen Anne and Village enclosures are less exacting – a well-cut suit and tie will see you right. One rule applies everywhere: socks are not optional. You will be turned away without them.

In the Royal Enclosure, stay close to the dress code with a ribbed sock in Ebony Black, Cannon Ball Grey or Earl Grey from the Simply Sartorial range. Elsewhere, the occasion rewards quiet personality – a Jermyn St. Houndstooth in a muted tone, or a bolder colour if you're feeling confident. Just keep it deliberate. Ascot rewards the man who's clearly made a decision, not the one who's just grabbed whatever was closest.

2. Henley Royal Regatta

When: 30 June to 4 July 2026

Dress code: Jacket and tie or lounge suit in the Stewards' Enclosure; smart casual in the Regatta Enclosure.

Sock rule: Bold is encouraged — this is the one occasion where colour earns its place.

LSC recommendation: Simply Sartorial in Saffron or a patterned sock from the Jermyn St. range.

Since 1839, Henley Royal Regatta has set the standard for relaxed British elegance – blazers, boaters and the kind of Pimm's-fuelled afternoon where effort is expected but should feel effortless. In the Regatta Enclosure, men lean into rowing club stripes and chinos; those in the Stewards' Enclosure are held to a stricter standard of lounge suit or jacket and tie.

Henley is the one occasion where a bold sock is not just permitted – it's practically encouraged. The atmosphere is convivial, the colours are bright and the dress code leaves room for personality. A pair of Simply Sartorials in Saffron works beautifully against navy chinos; if you're reaching for a patterned blazer, keep the sock clean and colourful rather than competing with it.

3. Wimbledon

When: 30 June to 13 July 2026

Dress code: Smart casual in most areas; jacket and tie required in the Members' Enclosure.

Sock rule: No hard rule, but the occasion rewards restraint – clean block colours to offset the bold striped blazers

LSC recommendation: A crisp white or cream sock, or a subtle stripe if you want a quiet nod to the courts.

Murray Mound (or Henman Hill, for the traditionalists), Pimms in hand, strawberries and cream at the ready, Centre Court set for legends. There’s no place like Wimbledon. A linchpin of the summer calendar. 

As the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon’s not just a sporting event – it’s a sartorial moment. What you wear has almost become as important as the tennis itself. And the unwritten rules are key here.

For courtside style, think summer suiting: a lightweight blazer, tailored trousers, and relaxed refinement. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the Members’ Enclosure, note – ties are a must.

And when it comes to socks, leave the whites to the players. Courtside is your chance to bring some colour to the game. Go pastel with Simply Sartorial in shades like Skye Blue, Butter Yellow or Dusky Pink, keep it classic with French Blue, or try something a little more playful with a pattern like Spot of Style in Lavender, or Shaken & Stirred in Sage or Blue.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for Royal Ascot?

The Royal Enclosure requires morning dress — a black or grey morning coat, waistcoat, top hat, and tie. The Queen Anne and Village enclosures require a lounge suit and tie. Socks are mandatory in all enclosures.

What colour socks should you wear with morning dress?

Stick to classic, solid colours – black, cannonball grey or navy, or for something softer, light blue of pale pink. Morning dress is a precise uniform and the sock should complete it quietly. Simply Sartorial in Ebony Black or Cannon Ball Grey or Skye Blue and Dusty Pink will tick the box.

Is there a dress code at Wimbledon?

There's no enforced dress code for general admission, but the Members' Enclosure requires jacket and tie. The occasion has always rewarded smart casual – clean, considered, nothing too casual.

What do men wear to Henley Royal Regatta?

In the Stewards' Enclosure, jacket and tie or a lounge suit is required. The Regatta Enclosure is smarter casual. Henley has a long tradition of bold blazers, chinos and boaters – and it's the one summer event where a bold or colourful sock is actively encouraged. We love a Houndstooth or a bright Simply Sartorial ribbed sock.

Can you wear trainers to Henley?

Not in the Stewards' Enclosure. Smart shoes are expected. In the Regatta Enclosure the rules are less strict, but clean leather shoes or loafers are the right choice.

What socks should I wear to a summer garden party?

The same principles apply – match the formality of the occasion. For black tie or morning dress, keep it dark and plain. For smart casual, a subtle pattern or confident colour is fair game. The sock is the last detail most men think about, and often the one people notice.