How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

Ensure a photo finish at the country’s most picturesque racecourse with summer tailoring for any enclosure.

Words: Harry Jackson

The Qatar Goodwood Festival — better known as Glorious Goodwood — is upon us for another year. Set over five days, the festival remains one of the flat-racing season’s most eye-catching events and a highlight of any gentleman’s summer calendar.

Described as the most picturesque racecourse in the country Goodwood is nestled amongst the rolling hills of Sussex, and this year’s event is set to be another exciting prospect for racing enthusiasts. The line up boasts a plethora of G1 performers across the 5 day spectacular on the South Downs, including a world-class field at the £1 million Sussex Stakes and the newer Qatar Goodwood Cup worth £500,000.

This 200 year old event is full of history. Style has always been important at Goodwood Racecourse — and this year is no different. With that in mind, Gentleman’s Journal has put together a guide to help you look your best.

How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

Jackets to leave you fancied

Dress codes that demand a jacket are the bane of the summer event season, especially as the mercury and heart-rate rise. But how does a gentleman stay cool without looking like an extra from Miami Vice? Linen. The loose, porous weave conducts heat away from the body and it is a fabric which will give your tailoring a more relaxed finish. Even if your normal racing look is more Del Boy than Delmonte, the linen jacket is a must. We’ve picked some of our favourites.

Pair these jackets with single pleated chinos or linen trousers for a summery but smart feel.

How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

Shirts to wear each way

Our advice for shirts is to go for understated, soft, breathable and classic. A high quality natural fibre summer shirt is incredibly versatile and will leave you feeling more comfortable in the warmer months. Our pick of shirts will look just as at home at Glorious Goodwood as on a sunny terrace in the Balearics.

How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

Show your colours with a bright tie

How to avoid looking like you just stepped off the 18:06 from Cannon Street? Colour. Fit in with the colourful runners and riders with a bright tie. This shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity to dust off that garish school 2nd XV tie however. Leave the striped polyester job with that mysterious stain at the bottom of your wardrobe.

How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

The right shoe, whatever the going

A bad pair of shoes can wrong-foot even the surest contender. The adage ‘no brown in town’ is worth following — but you’re in the rural South Downs now. To that end, finish your Glorious Goodwood look with a pair of quality brown loafers. These classic shapes are a million furlongs away from your accountant’s curly loafers and, treated with care, will go the distance.

How to dress for Glorious Goodwood

A thoroughbred watch is a must

Whether you’re concerned about missing the start of the six furlong calvary charge Stewards Cup or just keeping an eye on last orders there is no excuse not to have a beautiful watch. To make sure you’re not pipped at the post, we suggest a timepiece with a small seconds timers on the face. And these watchmakers have the heritage and élan to match the striking surroundings.

Qatar Goodwood Festival runs from 30th July to 3rd August. Visit the Goodwood website to find out more.

Further Reading