Dressing for Goodwood Revival: A Gentleman's Guide
Few occasions celebrate British style and tradition quite like the Goodwood Revival. More than a motorsport festival, it is an immersive step back in time, where heritage racing meets the fashion of a bygone era. Since it was first held in 1998, the Revival has been as much about dress as what you watch, with guests embracing an unofficial dress code inspired by the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
We understand that true style lies in respecting tradition while tailoring it for the modern gentleman. With our heritage craftsmanship and expertise in formalwear, we are perfectly placed to guide you through dressing for the Revival - ensuring you strike the right balance between the authenticity of the era and contemporary polish.
Image from Goodwood's official website
Understanding Goodwood Revival
The Goodwood Revival is a celebration of the golden age of motor racing, bringing to life the style and spirit of the 1940s, through to the 1970s. Set against the historic backdrop of the Goodwood Circuit, where legends of the sport once raced, the festival sees road racing cars and motorcycles that would’ve competed during the circuit’s original period return to the track, recreating the thrill and authenticity of the era.
Image from Chichester Society
While Goodwood Revival does not adopt an official dress code, guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the era in their attire - and it is this collective commitment that makes the Revival so unique.
Authenticity is always preferable to costume. The aim is to take inspiration from the era, where carefully chosen tailoring, heritage fabrics, and classic accessories come into play. We champion investment pieces that not only feel at home at Goodwood but also become timeless additions to a gentleman’s wardrobe.
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From the 1940’s through to the 1970’s men’s fashion saw a lot of changes. The post-war years of the ’40s favoured sharp, military-inspired tailoring, while the ’60s Mod movement introduced slim-fit suits and sleek, streamlined jackets. We draw on this golden era of style with a wide selection of finely tailored suits and enduring pieces.
Tweed is a fabric that has been around for a long time, but became particularly popular during the second world war during the 1940’s, where it was championed as a sturdy every-mans fabric that was both fashionable and practical. By the 1960s, amid a revolution in the fashion scene, tweed was reinvented once again, cementing its place as both fashionable and timeless.
It is this heritage that makes tweed an excellent choice for the Goodwood Revival. Our collection spans trousers, gilets, breeks, jackets, and caps in a spectrum of cool, warm, and earthy tones. New for the season, we have introduced a capsule collection crafted from our exclusive Highland Check Tweed, created in collaboration with F. Beesley. For an elegant Revival look, we recommend pairing the Eaton jacket in this Highland Check with the matching pleated trousers - a true nod to the sleek style of the 60’s.
Breeks are a quintessential choice for revival style, that take inspiration from aristocratic English tastes. Originally used for field sports and hunting, they found their way into fashionable wardrobes during the 1920s and have become synonymous with country elegance. Our breeks are available in a array of tweeds, including our new highland check. For an authentic revival look, pair them with a classic knitted jumper - our cable knit cotton cashmere crew necks, available in navy, beech brown, tangerine orange and sky blue, bring a layer of warmth and a pop of colour to the ensemble.
Suiting & Accessorising
A well-cut suit is timeless, though the details of cut and fit have shifted considerably over the last century. From the broad-shouldered, double-breasted silhouettes with wide peak lapels of the mid-20th century to today’s slimmer, single-breasted styles, tailoring has continually evolved. We offer both contemporary and more traditional designs to suit many occasions, however, for the Goodwood Revival, we believe our Clarence Suit most effectively channels the classic elegance of the era.
Cut from our classic block yet enriched with influences from bespoke tailoring, it features raised, roped shoulders, a wider peak lapel, and a half-canvassed chest piece - hallmarks of refined English tailoring. With its distinctly 1950s and 1960s character, the Clarence Suit perfectly captures the spirit of the Revival while remaining relevant for today’s gentleman. Pair it with one of our Tattersall Check Shirts and Grenadine Silk Ties to complete the look.
While a full suit is undeniably sharp, styling separates can create an equally refined and distinctive look. A tweed jacket worn with our corduroy trousers and a contrasting single-breasted waistcoat beautifully reflects the character of the golden age. Explore our selection of waistcoats online here - note that shades of green, beige and navy offer an ideal palette for the occasion.
We have a wide range of accessories that embrace the spirit the occasion - vibrant ties and pocket squares, paisley print scarves, trilby hats and tweed flat caps. Don’t be afraid to embrace patterns, they add character and flair - great for making a statement amongst the crowd. In regards to footwear, our new penny loafers in chocolate suede are the most ideal option for a day of walking around in comfort and style. Crafted by Joseph Cheaney & Sons, they are one of the few English heritage shoemakers to still handcraft every pair from start to finish on home soil - they bring a proper touch of British heritage to your revival outfit.
Revival style should live beyond the weekend. When cared for properly, these pieces will serve you for years to come, whether at country pursuits, seasonal gatherings or more formal affairs. Combining genuine heritage with modern tailoring creates a look that feels authentic - timeless pieces are more than just costumes for a weekend, but enduring staples you’ll return to again and again.
Shop our collection online, or visit us in stores where our expert team can help you achieve your perfect revival look. And most importantly - enjoy the weekend!
