What to Wear to the Goodwood Revival

Vintage Style Without Looking Like Fancy Dress

The Goodwood Revival is unlike almost any other event in the British calendar. The cars may be the headline attraction, but the clothes are a huge part of the experience. Goodwood celebrates the style of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, and while period dress isn't generally compulsory, the majority of visitors embrace it. Gentlemen accessing the central Paddock do need a jacket and tie.

For Roomten, that's particularly interesting because so much of what we consider classic menswear today developed during these decades.

Start With Tailoring, Not Costume

Our approach would be to take inspiration from the period rather than attempt to create a theatrical costume. Think about the men whose clothes defined these decades. High-waisted trousers. Pleats. Generous lapels. Tweed sports jackets. Flannel. Knitted ties. Club blazers. Trench coats. Harrington jackets. Loafers and brogues. Most of these garments still have a place in a modern wardrobe.

The 1940s Look

For a 1940s-inspired outfit, we'd consider fuller-cut trousers with a higher rise, perhaps with double pleats and turn-ups. Combine them with a tweed or wool jacket, shirt and tie. Earthy browns, greens and greys work beautifully. A waistcoat can complete the look without making it feel overly theatrical.

The 1950s Look

The 1950s allow you to become slightly cleaner and sharper. A beautifully tailored single-breasted suit, high-waisted trousers and knitted or patterned tie immediately evoke the period. Alternatively, separate trousers with a sports jacket create a more relaxed paddock feel.

The 1960s Look

Moving into the 1960s allows a slimmer silhouette. Trousers become narrower and jackets cleaner. A sharp navy blazer, tailored trousers, loafers and knitted polo can provide a subtle nod to the period without looking like costume.

Tweed at Goodwood

Few fabrics feel more at home at the Revival than tweed. Herringbones, gun-club checks, Donegal textures and traditional checks all work superbly. A Roomten made-to-measure tweed jacket can also continue to be worn long after Goodwood is over. That's the difference between period-inspired tailoring and fancy dress.

Don't Forget the Weather

Goodwood is an outdoor event. A tweed jacket, field coat, raincoat or traditional mac can therefore be both stylish and practical. Goodwood itself encourages visitors to embrace period style, but the event is still outdoors in Britain — practicality matters.

The Roomten Revival Look

Our ideal Goodwood Revival outfit might be: A brown herringbone tweed jacket, high-waisted grey flannel trousers with double pleats and turn-ups, blue shirt, knitted tie and brown brogues. Add a flat cap if it suits you. Nothing about that outfit needs to be costume. And that's precisely why it works.

Create Your Goodwood Revival Outfit

Talk to Roomten about made-to-measure tweed jackets, trousers, waistcoats and period-inspired tailoring for the Goodwood Revival.