The best hats for Royal Ascot not only comply with the strict Royal Ascot dress code but make you stand out from the crowd and feel glamorous, too. Everyone loves to dress up for a day at the races, but the Royal Ascot meeting (17–21 June, 2025) is synonymous with fashion, elegance and style, which makes your outfit choice even more important. The best hat will complement your dress for Royal Ascot, too, putting the finishing touch to your outfit.
Raceday hats can be awkward to greet friends in, there’s a high chance of ending up with a glaring, sweaty forehead, and at some point during the day your heart will skip a beat as you make a dash back to the loo where you left it. So if you’re going to put yourself through the trial of choosing and wearing a hat to go racing this summer, we say make it a goody – and read our tips on how to choose.
Best hats for Royal Ascot 2025 for all budgets and styles
LK Bennett Willow Black and White Mesh Hat
LK Bennett Willow Black and White Mesh HatKaren Millen Asymmetric Disc Fascinator
Karen Millen Asymmetric Disc FascinatorColours: Pink, navy, blush, cobalt, ivory, black, blue, neutral or green
Phase Eight Flower Pillbox Fascinator
Phase Eight Flower Pillbox Fascinator LK Bennett Lucy Cream Fabric Wide Brim Fascinator
LK Bennett Lucy Cream Fabric Wide Brim FascinatorKaren Millen Feather Detail Fascinator
Karen Millen Feather Detail FascinatorColours: Pink, black, blush, cobalt, green, ivory, navy or red
LK Bennett Elowen Bow Fascinator
LK Bennett Elowen Bow FascinatorColours: Metallic cream or navy
Phase Eight Pleat Bow Hat
Phase Eight Pleat Bow HatHats By Cressida Statement Hat
Hats By Cressida Statement HatColours: 25 options
Bev’s Yellow And Black Hatinator
Bev’s Yellow And Black HatinatorAccessorize Statement Bow Disc Fascinator
Accessorize Statement Bow Disc Fascinator
Vixen Crinkle Swirl Fascinator
Colours: Blue or pink
LK Bennett Ayla Pearl Fascinator
LK Bennett Ayla Pearl FascinatorColours: Pink or white
Whiteley Melody Upturn Feather Trim Fascinator
Whiteley Melody Upturn Feather Trim FascinatorJohn Lewis Hailey Woven Downturn Brim Hat
John Lewis Hailey Woven Downturn Brim HatColours: Pearl or navy
Hats By Cressida Saucer Hat
Hats By Cressida Saucer HatColours: 31 options
Phase Eight Blush Fascinator
Phase Eight Blush FascinatorTushi Round Fascinator
Tushi Round FascinatorColours: 64 options
Karen Millen Pleated Spiral Trim Fascinator
Karen Millen Pleated Spiral Trim FascinatorColours: Navy, ivory, black or blush
LK Bennett Eileen Fascinator
LK Bennett Eileen FascinatorColours: Pink, lavender or red
Hats By Cressida Large Hat
Hats By Cressida Large HatColours: 16 options
The Head Bloomer Millinery Pink Flower
The Head Bloomer Millinery Pink FlowerHats By Cressida Statement Hatinator
Hats By Cressida Statement Hatinator Colours: 40 options
How to choose the best hat for Royal Ascot
For most equestrians, Royal Ascot is an opportunity to ditch the horsey attire and don a posh frock (or a top hat for the men). For the ladies, a hat can add personality to an outfit, but what are the secrets to getting it right?
The meeting famously has strict dress codes to adhere to – particularly in the Royal Enclosure where hats or headpieces should have a base of at least four inches (10cm) or more in diameter. You might think this rules out a lot of options, but there are plenty of fascinators that are designed with these dimensions in mind.
Unless you are fortunate to have access to a personal stylist, choosing an exquisite hat can be a tricky decision, so here are some tips for choosing the right hat for you…
- If you’re petite, a delicate feather fascinator or smaller headpiece (not wider than your shoulders) tilted to one side will work well.
- Tall ladies will carry off a larger brimmed hat more easily.
- If you have a round face, opt for a headpiece that sits at a slant (such as a beret) with a design, such as long feather quills or flowers, to add height and elongate your face.
- Ladies with a heart or oval-shaped face are lucky enough to be able to wear almost any shaped hat.
- If you are choosing a hat that is made on a hairband, opt for one that can easily be disguised in your hair — this is often achieved by having silk that matches your hair colour wrapped around the band.
- If you have a side parting, wear your hat on the side that your hair parts so that you have the fullest side of your hair on show.
- If you want to be the centre of attention, bright against blocks of darker tones will definitely turn heads. No one shies away from bright at Royal Ascot, but there are plenty of softer pastel options available, too.
- Botanical leaf and floral designs are always popular and are well-suited to this outdoor occasion.
- Avoid going overboard with accessories — a statement necklace with a detailed headpiece will look fussy so opt for one or the other.
You might also like:
Our pick of dresses for Royal Ascot – all still in stock
Dressing for Royal Ascot – avoid a fashion faux pas with H&H’s complete guide
Off to the races at Ascot? Here’s where to stay
A beginner’s guide to betting
If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
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