What to wear to Crufts 2024

Crufts 2024 is officially upon us and with it comes the dilemma of what to wear. 

If you are showing at Crufts for the first time, one of the things you will be wondering is what on earth should I wear? Even though Crufts is a championship show, it is the greatest dog show in the world. It is not the time to wear something you would on a dog walk. This is the time to rise to the occasion and be proud you are stepping on the famous green carpet with your dog. 

It has become customary for dog show handlers to dress smartly for the show ring. In the equestrian world, dressing smartly for a competition is normal. You do not see the top riders turning up in dirty jodhpurs and a jumper. The rider is always kitted out in smart but practical attire which complements the horse. 

Whilst the judge is not judging your outfit, it is good to wear something that complements your dog. When looking at pictures of Best of Breed winners in Our Dogs, I do not think I have seen a handler with their winning dog pictured without being suitably dressed.

Ladies’ style guide for Crufts

Crufts is all about making sure you are comfortable whilst being smart. Resist the temptation of buying clothes that are too tight and restrictive, you will just get hot and annoyed. Try to mix smart with casual to get the right look. 

The good news is that Crufts has no official dress code. Rather than buying something just for Crufts, you can use it again for other championship shows you attend this year. 

Key pieces for your Crufts look

A blazer, jacket, or a beautiful coat

An elegant blazer, jacket, or coat will be your main piece to buy. If you are wearing a skirt, you may want this to match for a great co-ord look. However, if you opt to wear trousers, then you can buy one in a variety of styles and colours. Choose one that makes you feel confident. The colour should not be the same as your dog, so your dog’s outline can still be seen.  

Skirts or trousers? 

One of the choices is the skirt suit. Not only is it professional and timeless, but they are also easy to move in if you buy them in the correct fit. If you’re showing a small breed, you want to avoid wearing a long skirt that could interfere with the dog. However, as you will need to move around and bend down, you need to make sure the skirt isn’t too tight or too short as you could give the spectators another type of show!

If you are like me, I don’t really like to wear skirts. Therefore it is acceptable to wear trousers or smart jeans. However you still need to buy trousers that are a sensible length and fit. You do not want trousers that are restricting nor short. On the other hand, wide-leg trousers with excess length may be too flowing and could be distracting.

Sensible footwear 

For footwear, flat shoes are a smart choice. Avoid court heels, stilettos, or sandals as they will not be comfortable enough for all-day wear and not appropriate if you need to run. You will spend most of the day on your feet, so comfort is vital. 

Look for a shoe with a good tread so you do not slip. I have seen people even slip whilst walking around the rings, or even from the car park. I tend to take a different pair of shoes to walk in with, then change into different shoes when it is time to go into the ring.  

Do not forget about your own presentation

Again, even though the judge is not looking at how you turned yourself out, it is important to brush your hair too! If you have long hair then tie it back into a bun or a ponytail to stay out of the way. 

Accessories should be kept to a minimum, you do not want things jingling around when you are moving your dog. Even worse, your dog ends up getting distracted by your necklace or bracelet dangling when you are standing them.

Menswear guide for Crufts

For gentlemen, there is no official dress code either, but it is still important to be dressed well. Gentlemen tend to wear suits or a blazer with chinos, it is entirely up to you and a personal preference. 

A suit or a blazer and chinos?

Suits are a classic for Crufts as they do look very smart, but it is also acceptable to wear a more relaxed look of blazer and chinos. A separate jacket and trouser combination can also give you more opportunity for regular wear with other items in your wardrobe.

Your trousers must be smart and well-fitted, cords or tailored chinos are good options. For your jacket, tweed or heavyweight cloth is best to give you a smart look. Linen and light cotton tend to crease too easily. 

Most gentlemen will wear a tie, so if you do, make sure you keep your jacket fastened or use a tie pin so that the tie doesn’t flap around and possibly distract the dog.

Sensible footwear 

Your footwear is important as you are likely to be standing on your feet for hours. A smart shoe or boot with a good tread for grip underfoot is best. We would not recommend loafers as they will not give you enough support and you could slip in the ring.  

Do not wear the same colour as your dog

When considering a colour, the first rule is to not match your dog. For example, if you have a black Labrador, do not wear a black outfit. If you wear the same colour, your dog’s outline will not be able to be seen against the black trousers. I would also recommend not to wear green as you will match the carpet. 

And finally…

Whatever you decide to wear, it is worth getting a zip-up suit holder. This means your show outfit can stay clean and dry, free from dog hair and slobber until you need to go in the ring. For Crufts, I always take my blazer in a suit holder, as 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!