We have had a number of clients ask which of our designs are, and are not, suitable for the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot 2016.

Royal Ascot’s Dress Code for the Royal Enclosure states that:

“Hats should be worn; however a headpiece which has a base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat.

“Fascinators are not permitted ; neither are headpieces which do not have a base covering a sufficient area of the head (4 inches / 10cm).”

Without Ascot providing a definition as to what (in their eyes) constitutes a headpiece and fascinator, confusion has set in with a number of attendees – particularly those who will be attending the event for the first time – as to what the difference is between the two.

Based on our experiences of Royal Ascot, and in keeping with the views of a number of high-profile milliners, our interpretation of their Dress Code is that Ascot defines a fascinator as any headpiece with a base measuring less than 4″ (10cms) in diameter.

So, if you are left wondering which of our designs meet the Royal Enclosure dress standard, ignore the descriptions if they say ‘fascinator’ or ‘headpiece’ and just look for anything in our shop that has a button (aka solid round) base.

Why? All of our button bases have a diameter of approximately 14cm – 4cm more than the minimum requirement for a headpiece that can be worn in the Royal Enclosure.

In addition, all of our designs – whether they have a button base or attach with a headband or other means, meet the Dress Code requirements for both the Queen Anne and Windsor Enclosures.

Happy shopping!

xxx

P.S. Don’t forget to check our Royal Ascot Shipping FAQs before you purchase to help ensure you select the best shipping option