For one exhilarating week—Monday 28 July to Sunday 3 August 2025—Ballybrit Racecourse transforms Galway into the western capital of Irish style. More than 100,000 racegoers stream through the gates for seven days of top-class racing, live music and city-wide nightlife, turning every grandstand and beer tent into a runway.
Unlike Ascot, Galway imposes no formal dress code, but smart-casual flair is the unspoken currency, and Thursday’s Ladies Day plus Friday’s Most Stylish push the fashion stakes sky-high. Lightweight tailoring, breathable fabrics and a confident flash of colour will keep you comfortable through Atlantic showers, race-card celebrations and the after-dark buzz of Shop Street.
Blazers
A jacket instantly sharpens chinos and guarantees you’ll still look polished if the temperature dips after the last race.
Boss Black H-Hutson Slim-Fit Blazer – Blue
Boss’s streamlined H-Hutson Blazer is cut in a stretch virgin-wool, cotton and linen blend that keeps its shape from parade ring to after-party. Subtle micro-patterning, notch lapels and a partial lining give a luxe look without bulk, and side vents mean it moves easily when you’re dashing for the tote.
A Fish Named Fred “Structure” Blazer – Light Green
Nobody forgets the gent in sage green. The A Fish Named Fred “Structure” textured two-button jacket hides playful details—a fish-hook lapel pin, “I’m a Good Catch” embroidery and a printed lining with matching pocket square—yet the regular fit and soft shoulders keep it race-day appropriate.
Shirts
A crisp shirt is the workhorse of Galway week: buttoned up for the Member’s Stand, sleeves rolled for Eyre Square.
Bugatti Long-Sleeve Shirt – Blue
The classic white cotton offered by the Bugatti Long-Sleeve Shirt is threaded with fine sky-blue stripes for a subtle hint of pattern that works under any blazer. The cotton-elastane blend offers gentle stretch and breathable comfort on warm race days, while the slim modern cut tucks cleanly into chinos. Leave the top button open mid-week, or add a knitted tie for Best-Dressed Friday.
Eton Slim-Fit Shirt – White
Woven from Eton’s famed Signature Twill in pure, long-staple cotton, this crisp white Eton shirt stays wrinkle-resistant from the first race to last orders. The slim cut creates a clean line under tailoring, a cut-away collar frames knitted or silk ties, and the easy-iron finish means you’ll look freshly pressed even after a sprint to the parade ring.
Paul & Shark Poplin Printed Shirt
The Paul & Shark Poplin Printed Shirt is finished with a subtle micro-floral print adds a confident splash of colour without overpowering your outfit. The tailored silhouette slips smoothly beneath any blazer, while the breathable weave keeps you cool as the sun breaks through over Ballybrit.
Chinos
Galway’s ground can swing from sun-baked to slick in minutes; chinos give you a tailored look without the weight of wool and dry faster than denim.
Bugatti Chino – Grey
This Bugatti Chino in Mid-grey is the ultimate neutral: it tempers colourful blazers (think sage green) and lets patterned shirts shine, yet still looks boardroom-ready if you’re entertaining clients. A touch of stretch and a clean flat-front cut keep you comfortable from parade ring to Quay Street.
Gardeur BENNY-3 Modern-Fit Chino – Navy
Garment-washed for instant softness, Gardeur’s BENNY-3 flexes comfortably through long cards and longer evenings. The navy shade pairs effortlessly with white-and-blue pinstripe shirts or pastel jackets, and refined pocket stitching adds just enough detail for the hospitality box.
Ask Hanley & Co’s in-house tailors to crop the hem to sit just above your loafer, perfect for dodging puddles and showing off a flash of patterned socks.
With a textured blazer, a rotation of breathable shirts and dependable stretch chinos you can sail through Galway Race week; rain, shine or photo finish, looking every inch the winner. All eight pieces are waiting at Hanley & Co, so drop into Williamsgate St. or shop the Galway Races edit online and let the odds be ever in your (style) favour.
