THE HISTORY OF CHELTENHAM RACES FASHION AND FABRIC FROM TRADITIONAL TO MODERN STYLE
Image source: Calico Laine – Created In-house
A Celebration of Elegance and Evolution
The Cheltenham Festival is much more than a prestigious horse racing event—it is a showcase of sartorial elegance and a celebration of timeless fashion. For decades, the festival has drawn attention not only for its thrilling races but also for its iconic style statements. Fashion at Cheltenham is steeped in history, tradition, and continuous evolution that reflects broader trends in British society.
Racegoers have always considered Cheltenham a place to express individuality and sophistication. From classic tailoring and heritage fabrics to bold modern interpretations, race day fashion has become a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation.
Victorian Roots: The Birth of Race Day Style
The origins of race day fashion at Cheltenham can be traced back to the Victorian era. In those days, attending the races was a formal affair. Gentlemen wore tailored suits and long overcoats, while ladies dressed in full skirts, lace blouses, and elaborately adorned hats. Fabrics played a crucial role in the visual appeal of these ensembles, with heavy tweeds, wools, and velvet being among the most common materials.
This era saw the emergence of intricate detailing—ribbons, brooches, gloves, and elegant parasols became essential accessories. Women took pride in the craftsmanship of their garments, often measuring fabric meticulously using a tape measure to ensure perfect tailoring at local dressmakers or textile stores.
1920s–1940s: The Age of Glamour and Structure
As the 20th century progressed, the rigid formality of Victorian fashion gave way to more stylish and expressive attire. The 1920s introduced flapper-inspired outfits with dropped waistlines, feathered headbands, and luxurious materials such as satin and silk.
During the 1930s and 40s, fashion at Cheltenham became more structured. Tailored blazers, calf-length skirts, and fur-trimmed outerwear took centre stage. The post-war years brought renewed enthusiasm for dressing up, with racegoers embracing brighter colors like emerald green and royal blue, breaking free from the drabness of wartime clothing.
Hats remained an important part of the outfit. Millinery evolved to include more artistic designs—often decorated with ribbons netting, and feathers, sometimes even hand-crafted with fabric paint to add personal flair.
1950s–1970s: Vintage Glamour Meets Practicality
The 1950s marked a return to feminine silhouettes—cinched waists, full skirts, and structured coats. Inspired by Dior’s “New Look,” women brought sophistication and glamour to the races, with dresses crafted from delicate satin, floral prints, and lace. A popular palette included rich hues like purple fabric, velvety blue, and earthy browns, often accented with a contrasting ribbon belt.
Men began experimenting more with fabrics too—corduroy fabrics and patterned scarves became common among racegoers. The texture and durability of corduroy made it ideal for combining style with practicality in the unpredictable British weather.
By the 1970s, fashion at Cheltenham began to diversify. It was no longer solely about tradition; attendees started to blend vintage influences with contemporary elements. Flared trousers, bold accessories, and colorful outerwear became part of the race day fashion narrative.
1980s–1990s: Statement Style and Celebrity Influence
The influence of British royalty and celebrities became increasingly visible in the 1980s and 90s. The late Princess Diana, known for her impeccable sense of style, inspired a generation of racegoers. Fashion leaned towards sharp tailoring, coordinated separates, and sophisticated coats in luxe fabrics.
Bright colors like emerald green, royal blue, and velvety blue were frequently seen on both men and women. Designers began to explore bolder patterns and textures, incorporating these into race day wardrobes. Fabric paint and embellishments were used to customize accessories such as handbags and gloves, allowing individuals to stand out while still adhering to traditional codes of elegance.
Modern Day Cheltenham Fashion: Where Tradition Meets Trend
In contemporary times, fashion at Cheltenham is a rich tapestry woven from both history and modern innovation. While the roots of traditional race day attire remain, today’s racegoers embrace a more expressive and diverse approach to styling.
Stylish trench coats, faux fur collars, patterned scarves, and handcrafted accessories are now common sights. Textile stores have seen a surge in demand for high-quality materials as more people choose to design their own race day outfits—a trend fueled by sustainability and the desire for unique, personal garments.
Custom-made clothing is now celebrated. Home sewing enthusiasts use everything from corduroy and satin to tulle and lace to bring their fashion vision to life. Thread, ribbons, and trimmings are used to embellish jackets, skirts, and headpieces, while DIY millinery kits offer the chance to create statement hats and fascinators. Some even personalize garments using fabric paint, creating wearable art for the races.
Timeless Tips for Recreating Race Day Elegance
If you're inspired by the vintage glamour of past decades or intrigued by modern chic race day fashion, you can recreate classic Cheltenham styles effortlessly with a few simple touches:
- Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for premium textiles like satin, corduroy, wool, or crepe. These fabrics offer both structure and fluidity, perfect for tailored coats or elegant dresses.
- Add Accessories Thoughtfully: From lace gloves to ribbons on hats and belts, accessories help tie your outfit together.
- Mix Old and New: Try combining a vintage purple fabric dress with a modern emerald green coat or a royal blue fascinator.
- Craft Your Look at Home: With a little creativity, a tape measure, and the right materials from your local textile store, you can design a show-stopping outfit. Don’t be afraid to incorporate net curtains for sheer layers or fabric paint for unique details.
- Focus on Details: The right thread, buttons, and trims elevate your outfit from simple to stunning.
Sustainability and Slow Fashion at the Races
There is a growing awareness among racegoers about the environmental impact of fast fashion. Many now choose to upcycle old garments, source fabrics responsibly, or sew their own attire. This shift has made local textile stores and fabric retailers like Calico Laine even more essential for those seeking quality, longevity, and personal expression.
By using high-quality materials and sewing tools, you can create timeless outfits that last well beyond a single season.
Bringing Your Vision to Life with Calico Laine
If you're feeling inspired to craft your own Cheltenham-ready ensemble, Calico Laine is your go-to destination. With a vast range of dressmaking fabrics, haberdashery, and millinery supplies, our online store supports every step of your creative journey—from selecting satin, corduroy, or purple fabric, to choosing the perfect thread, ribbons, or tape measure to finish your creation.
We also offer everything from fabric paint for custom touches to net curtains and trims for adding volume or sheer layers. Whether you want to embrace vintage elegance or a bold contemporary style, our wide collection ensures your outfit will be both striking and uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Fashion at the Cheltenham Races has come a long way—from strict traditionalism to today’s celebration of creativity and individuality. It remains one of the few events where attendees continue to honour heritage while embracing modernity.
Whether you’re planning to recreate a 1940s silhouette or debut your own trendsetting creation, one thing is certain—Cheltenham fashion is about making a statement with confidence and style. And with the right fabric, tools, and inspiration, you can design a look that turns heads, tells a story, and stands the test of time.
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