What Is the Dress Code at Henley Royal Regatta?
Written rules enforced at the entrance to the Stewards' Enclosure, no imposed code in the Regatta Enclosure: what to wear, and what custom adds.
Last updated 6 October 2026 · 4 min read
The Henley Royal Regatta dress code depends on the enclosure. In the Stewards' Enclosure, the regatta requires gentlemen to wear a lounge suit, or a jacket or blazer with trousers, with a tie or, if preferred, a cravat; ladies wear a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee, or a jacket or blazer with trousers, or a trouser suit. A hat is customary for ladies, without being compulsory. Children aged 10 and over follow the same code, and shorts, leggings, tracksuits and jeans are excluded for all. Entry is refused to anyone not correctly dressed. In the Regatta Enclosure, no dress code is imposed; many come in a club blazer.
The overall answer: one enclosure, one set of rules
At Henley, attire in the Stewards' Enclosure is not merely a matter of taste: it is a condition of entry. The regatta asks its members to make the dress code known to their guests, as admission is refused to anyone not suitably dressed. In the Regatta Enclosure, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and no code is imposed.
What follows reflects the rules published by the regatta for the current edition. They may change from one year to the next: we review them with you ahead of 2027.
Stewards' Enclosure: gentlemen
The rules call for a lounge suit, or a jacket or blazer worn with trousers, with a tie or, if preferred, a cravat. Shorts, leggings, tracksuits and jeans are excluded.
Custom adds its colour: many wear their rowing club blazer, often striped or edged, with the matching tie; others, a classic navy blazer. The straw boater is a classic of the river. Plan an outfit you will be happy to wear all day: in July, the heat by the water can be strong.
Stewards' Enclosure: ladies
The rules call for a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee, or a jacket or blazer worn with trousers, or a trouser suit. Shorts, leggings, tracksuits and jeans are excluded. The length is read strictly: a dress that stops at or above the knee does not meet the rules.
A hat is not compulsory, but it is customary. Lawns and riverside pontoons call for stable shoes rather than slender heels, and a light jacket or wrap is useful at the end of the day.
| For | Required or permitted | Excluded |
|---|---|---|
| Gentlemen | Lounge suit, or jacket or blazer with trousers; tie or cravat | Shorts, leggings, tracksuits, jeans |
| Ladies | Dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee; jacket or blazer with trousers; trouser suit; hat customary, not compulsory | Shorts, leggings, tracksuits, jeans |
| Children aged 10 and over | The enclosure's code, as for adults | Shorts, leggings, tracksuits, jeans |
Regatta Enclosure: no imposed code
The regatta imposes no dress code in the Regatta Enclosure, where the atmosphere is informal and relaxed. Many nonetheless enter into the spirit of the event, in a club blazer, a cap or rowing kit.
Smart daywear, light and comfortable, remains the right choice: you sit in the open grandstand or by the water, walk on grass, and the July sun can be strong.
| Enclosure | Gentlemen | Ladies |
|---|---|---|
| Stewards' Enclosure | Lounge suit, or jacket or blazer and trousers; tie or cravat | Dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee, or jacket and trousers, or trouser suit; hat customary |
| Regatta Enclosure | No imposed code; club blazer customary | No imposed code; smart daywear |
Hospitality, phones and other enclosure rules
Hospitality packages follow the rules of the enclosure to which they give access: optional access to the Stewards' Enclosure means its dress code applies. In the Stewards' Enclosure, making or receiving calls is not permitted; phones are for photographs, messages and results. Bags there are limited to the size of cabin luggage.
Everywhere, no food or drink may be brought in, except small bottles of water in hot weather, according to the regatta.
Preparing your attire: blazer, hat, alterations
The blazer is made or bought from a London tailor; the boater and the hat likewise. We arrange the appointments in London, the fittings, the alterations and the delivery of the pieces to your hotel or house.
A useful precaution: plan a change of outfit for a second day, comfortable shoes for the lawns, sun protection and an umbrella — the English summer has its surprises. The chauffeur keeps everything on board.
Key points
Stewards' Enclosure: a lounge suit or blazer and a tie or cravat for gentlemen; a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee, a jacket and trousers or a trouser suit for ladies; a hat by custom; no shorts, leggings, tracksuits or jeans. Regatta Enclosure: no imposed code. TGZ Conciergerie, an independent house with no affiliation to Henley Royal Regatta, and no official status whatsoever, prepares your attire along with the rest of the stay, on quotation.
Frequently asked questions
No. In the Stewards' Enclosure, the regatta states that a hat is customary for ladies, without being required. In the Regatta Enclosure, no code is imposed.
Below the knee: the rules call for a dress or skirt with a hemline below the knee. A jacket or blazer with trousers, or a trouser suit, are also permitted.
Yes, in the Stewards' Enclosure, with a lounge suit, or a jacket or blazer and trousers; a cravat is permitted in place of a tie.
No. It is a widespread custom, especially among former rowers, but the rules accept any lounge suit or any jacket with trousers. A classic navy blazer is entirely suitable.
Not in the Stewards' Enclosure, where shorts, leggings, tracksuits and jeans are excluded for all. In the Regatta Enclosure, no code is imposed.
In the Stewards' Enclosure, children are admitted from the age of 10 and follow the same code as adults. In the Regatta Enclosure, no code is imposed.
No: calls are not permitted there. Phones may be used for photographs, messages, emails and race results.
Take it further
Correct attire, ready on your arrival
Tell us your enclosure and your days: we prepare your attire along with the stay — blazer, boater or hat, alterations, delivery of the pieces, chauffeur —, on quotation.