What to wear to Crufts 2025

Crufts 2025 is officially upon us and with it comes the dilemma of what to wear. 

If you’re showing at Crufts for the first time, one of the first questions you’ll probably have is, “What should I wear?” Even though Crufts is a championship show, and the most prestigious dog show in the world, this isn’t the time for casual dog-walking attire. It’s your moment to shine, to step onto the iconic green carpet with pride, and to reflect the significance of the occasion.

In the world of dog showing, it’s customary for handlers to dress smartly for the ring. Think of it like the equestrian world—top riders never show up in dirty jodhpurs or a mismatched jumper. They wear practical yet polished outfits that complement both themselves and their horse. Similarly, as a handler, your attire should be neat, well-fitted, and suitable for the occasion.

While the judge isn’t evaluating your outfit, it’s still important to wear something that complements your dog. Looking through photos of Best of Breed winners in Our Dogs, you’ll rarely see a handler with their winning dog who isn’t dressed appropriately for the event. A well-chosen outfit can help present you and your dog at your very best.

Ladies’ style guide for Crufts

Crufts is all about striking the right balance between comfort and style. Avoid the temptation to wear clothes that are too tight or restrictive—they’ll only make you hot and uncomfortable. Instead, aim for a look that combines smart with casual, so you feel both confident and at ease.

The great news is that Crufts has no official dress code, giving you flexibility in your choice of outfit. Rather than buying something specifically for Crufts, choose pieces that you can also wear to other championship shows throughout the year.

Key pieces for your Crufts look

A blazer, jacket, or a tailored coat? An elegant blazer, jacket, or coat will be the key piece to invest in. If you’re wearing a skirt, consider choosing one that matches for a coordinated look. If you prefer trousers, you have a wide range of styles and colours to choose from—pick one that makes you feel confident. Just remember, the colour of your outfit should contrast with your dog’s coat, so their outline remains visible.

Skirts or trousers? A classic option is the skirt suit. Not only is it professional and timeless, but it’s also easy to move in when chosen in the right fit. If you’re showing a smaller breed, however, avoid long skirts that might get in the way of your dog. Since you’ll need to move around and bend down, make sure the skirt isn’t too tight or too short—you don’t want to unintentionally give the spectators a different kind of show!

If you’re like me and not a fan of skirts, trousers or smart jeans are perfectly acceptable alternatives. Just be sure to choose a pair that’s the right length and fit. You don’t want trousers that are too tight or too short, nor do you want wide-leg options that are overly long or flowing, as they might become distracting.

Sensible footwear? When it comes to footwear, flat shoes are a smart and practical choice. Avoid court heels, stilettos, or sandals—they’re not comfortable enough for all-day wear and aren’t suitable if you need to move quickly. Since you’ll be on your feet for most of the day, comfort is key.

Opt for shoes with a good tread to avoid slipping, as it’s easy to lose your footing, whether walking around the rings or from the car park. I personally recommend bringing a separate pair of shoes for walking, then switching into your show shoes when it’s time to enter the ring.

Menswear guide for Crufts

For gentlemen, there’s no official dress code, but it’s still important to dress smartly. Most choose to wear a suit or a blazer with chinos, though the choice is entirely up to you and comes down to personal preference. 

A suit or a blazer and chinos? Suits are a timeless choice for Crufts, offering a smart, polished look, but a more relaxed combination of a blazer and chinos is also perfectly acceptable. A separate jacket and trouser set gives you greater versatility, allowing you to mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe.

Your trousers should be smart and well-fitted, with corduroy or tailored chinos making great options. For the jacket, tweed or a heavyweight fabric is ideal to maintain a sharp appearance, while linen and lightweight cotton can crease too easily.

Most gentlemen opt for a tie, so if you choose to wear one, be sure to keep your jacket fastened or use a tie pin to prevent it from flapping around, which could potentially distract your dog.

Sensible footwear? Footwear is crucial, as you’ll likely be on your feet for hours. Choose a smart shoe or boot with a sturdy tread for good grip and stability. Loafers are not recommended, as they lack the support you need and could cause you to slip in the ring.

Other pointers…

When choosing a colour – the first rule is to avoid matching your dog. For instance, if you have a black Labrador, don’t wear a black outfit, as it will make your dog’s outline hard to distinguish. I also suggest steering clear of green, as you’ll blend in with the carpet.

While the judge isn’t focused on your appearance, it’s still important to groom yourself appropriately. If you have long hair, tie it back in a bun or ponytail to keep it out of the way.

Keep accessories to a minimum – there’s no need for anything that might jingle or distract both you and your dog. The last thing you want is for your dog to get distracted by a dangling necklace or bracelet while you’re standing them.

And finally…whatever you choose to wear, investing in a zip-up suit holder is a great idea. It will keep your show outfit clean, dry, and free from dog hair and slobber until it’s time to enter the ring. For Crufts, I always bring my blazer in a suit holder—you can never rely on the weather!

Last minute places to find your Crufts outfit

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Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer is a British high street brand. They are extremely popular across the world for their sophisticated designs. They stock for both men and women. They have a wide range of suits, blazers, skirts, and shoes, which are good quality and affordable.

The House of Bruar

The House of Bruar is a Scottish independent country fashion retailer. They have a beautiful collection of traditional tweeds. They have expansive ladieswear and menswear collections where you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Zara

Zara is a Spanish multi-national retail clothing company. You may not think of this as a first choice to find an outfit, but they have a great collection of blazers, jackets, and suits.

Next

Next is a British retailer that offers clothing and footwear. They stock a wide range of different brands, with competitive prices. Suitable for both men and women. 

John Lewis

John Lewis is another popular British retailer that stocks a wide range of high end and high street brands in clothing and footwear. Suitable for both men and women.

Amazon

Amazon is becoming increasingly popular to shop for favourite brands at competitive prices.

Holland Cooper

Holland Cooper is the home of luxury British-made tweed clothing.  They have women’s and menswear collections, including blazers, trousers, and shoes. 

Karen Millen

Karen Millen is an English brand that has established a reputation for creating stunning collections across its range of clothing and footwear.

Enjoy your day!