Royal Ascot - morning attire to hire

Royal Ascot is nearly upon us and it’s time to bring out the dapper in you.

If you are lucky enough to be going in to the Royal Enclosure then wearing morning dress attire is obligatory, and to gain entry in to the enclosure there are certain dress codes that must be adhered to. However you will still be able to find acceptable ways to add individuality to your attire by means of colour in your tie, waistcoat and shirt as long as they are the softer subtle hues.

Moss Bros Hire's Royal Ascot collection

The Morning Coat: 

So called because in the nineteenth century, it started as a riding coat which was worn by gentlemen out on their morning ride. The curved front edges were designed to keep the coat from flapping around the rider’s knees, and the two back buttons allowed the wearer to fasten the tails up out of the way. It certainly has come a long way from its starting line to passing the most formal of winning posts.

Royal Enclosure Rules not to be broken:

Can only be black or grey, no other colour is acceptable in the Royal Enclosure. Black is the most popular.

If wearing a black morning coat the trousers must be either striped or houndstooth.

If wearing a grey morning coat, the trousers should match the coat in colour and fabric like a suit.

Moss Bros Hire has ‘Ascot Collection’ especially designed to meet the dress code for the races. So it’s a safe bet that you’ll get it right wearing this:  

Moss Bros Hire Royal Ascot collection

Morning coat: Pure new wool and light in weight so if the day turns out to be a scorcher then you’ll stay cool, but if it’s a cooler day then it’ll keep you warm. The coat has a royal-blue satin lining and the distinctive Royal Ascot emblem embroidered on the inside pocket.  Also has the traditional single link button.

Waistcoat: single breasted in traditional dove grey with 5 buttons

Trousers: Traditional wool-blend single pleat grey stripe trousers

Check their website www.mossbroshire.co.uk for hire prices.

To buy, the whole morning attire of coat, waistcoat and trousers is £499.

To complete the look they also have:

 Royal Ascot tie

Black top hat: 100% fine fur felt with black satin trim. Was £219 now £199.

Also comes in grey: was £219 now £179. Again 100% fine fur felt with black satin trim

Moss Bros Hire Lingfield

If you fancy a grey day then Moss Bros Hire has the Lingfield, a classic grey morning coat with matching trousers.

Oliver Brown is also taking starting orders for Royal Ascot hire.

Morning coat: 100% black herringbone wool 10/11oz weight perfect for the summer.  To buy £395

Waistcoat: can only hire the single breasted in buff or grey. 100% wool

Trousers: 11/12 oz grey and black striped 100% wool. Half lined, side adjusters. To buy £135

Top Hat: Black polished felt with 6 ½ inch crown £25 extra to hire for the day

Tie: Dark grey and silver dogtooth woven silk tie £40 to buy only

For hire prices see their website www.oliverbrown.org.uk

For the Grandstand, you don't have to wear a morning coat but it still could be fun to do so and here there are are no rules!