Style guide Style Guide: What to wear at the Royal Highland Show

What is the Royal Highland Show?

The Royal Highland Show is an iconic annual event in the world of agriculture. Held on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the four day event attracts visitors from all over the UK and beyond from all walks of life including farmers, exhibitors, competitors and country fans who come to experience all the show has to offer. The event showcases several aspects of rural and agricultural life including equestrian events, livestock competitions, machinery sales and agricultural displays. Scattered amongst the days proceedings is the chance to shop amongst some of the top country brands, explore the food hall to sample local delicacies and relax in a number of bars and food stalls. The Royal Highland Show is a popular social event in the calendars of country folk with night time entertainment and on-site accommodation for those who choose to stay for the full weekend. The Royal Highland Show is also dog and child friendly, and with so much to do and see, and is a great way to spend the day for the whole family.

Did you know? The RHS is the flagship event of the Scottish charity ‘The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’.

When is the Royal Highland Show?

The Royal Highland Show is always held in the latter half of June. In 2024, the event is being held from Thursday 20th June to Sunday 23rd June. It is always held at Ingliston Park, near Edinburgh and information on how to get to the event can be found here. Edinburgh buses put on special services which operate from key points within the city to the event and back again. This is a seamless way to experience the RHS without having to worry about car parking. Information on the bus services and timetables can be found here.

The History of the Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show has an interesting and long serving history. It began in 1822 in Edinburgh’s Canongate, but became a travelling show going forward, being held in major areas across Scotland including Perth, Stirling, Strathclyde, Aberdeen, Lothian, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and the Highlands. Once the show grew in popularity, it became clear that a permanent home was needed. In 1960, the Ingliston estate was purchased for this purpose, with its huge expanse suited to the volume of people who had began flocking to the annual event. Many members of the Royal Family have been in attendance since its inception from King George VI in 1948 to the late Queen Elizabeth II including the official opening of the Ingliston Estate in 1960. Princess Anne has also attended the event several times, making it quite the Royal affair.

Why the Royal Highland Show is important for Agriculture in the UK

Over the 200 years the Royal Highland Show has been in existence, it has in some ways changed a lot yet the purpose has always remained the same – to put a spotlight on the very best in food, farming and rural life that Scotland has to offer. The show not only drives thousands of people to the city of Edinburgh, with hotels and restaurants being booked up by guests of the show, but it has a big impact on driving innovation in the agricultural sector through the Technical Innovation Awards , a meeting of minds as well as sharing new ideas and best practices. More than just that, the Royal Highland Show provides a space for people of the rural community to come together, offering support and friendship where it is not always so accessible. This is one of the most vital components of the event and why it is so important to continue its legacy in the future.

What to wear at the Royal Highland Show

The general attire at the Royal Highland Show is a mixture of country style and comfort since it is a long day, with attendees covering many miles on foot as well as being out in the sun for most of the day. It is important to dress appropriately, considering layers that you can easily remove if need be and always checking the weather ahead of time. There are many sheltered areas and buildings to nip into should there be a downpour, but best be prepared with a light, packable jacket or portable umbrella just in case. As with any day in summer, be careful to avoid the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing sun cream or covering exposed areas of skin if the weather is set to be particularly hot.

Men’s style at the Royal Highland Show

Country Shirt

A country shirt is a sure-fire way to blend into the crowd at the Royal Highland Show. Good quality and moisture wicking, while remaining breathable, a country shirt not only performs well but conveys the kind of apt style you'd expect at such a rural gathering. Opt for a tattersall or wide checked shirt such as the Schöffel Brancaster Shirt and you'll be sure to look quite the part.

Gilet

Another country favourite is a style mainstay at the Royal Highland Show, The Schöffel Oakham Gilet provides an extra layer for overcast spells or as the day cools down towards the evening. The Alcantara trim provides a charming extra detail which sets the Oakham apart from other lesser quality dupes. Or you may wish to opt for quilted gilet like a classic Rosemount Gilet by Barbour, another traditional country man aesthetic that is very popular at the Royal Highland Show.

Trousers

Opt for the likes of a pair of drill jeans like the Ramco Drill Jean by R.M Williams, a good quality country staple. With a pair of drill jeans, you have a choice of colours with the look of a chino, but with the thickness and feel of a jean. This is the perfect blend for the smart/casual attire of the Royal Highland Show. The benefit of R.M Williams trousers is their made up of a cotton elastic mix which make them both stretchy and comfortable as well as retaining their shape incredibly well.

Boots

The ultimate boot of choice would be the R.M Williams Comfort Craftsman especially in a classic colour like Chestnut. This colour goes with everything, including black but also pairs nicely with chino beiges and browns. Pair yours with a matching Chestnut 3-piece leather belt and you’ve got yourself a co-ordinated outfit which will carry you from the day events into the night! If the forecast is set to be a washout, you'll see a lot of Le Chameau's including the gold standard Chasseur Cuir which is a super summertime wellington as well as remaining extremely comfortable underfoot for the four day step count you might do. Wellingtons are easy to rinse off after a day spent in muddy grass and straw filled flooring areas, so are ideal for the event if the ground is not dry and hard.

Ladies Style at the Royal Highland Show

Country Shirt

Ladies’ country shirts come in an array of charming designs including country prints and colourful checks. They work well at the Royal Highland Show as they are in-keeping with the ambience of the day. Pick light, breathable fabrics like the Hartwell Lydia in viscose which offers a nice, loose drape and looks great tucked into a pair of jeans or a skirt.

Gilet

Just as above, Schöffel gilets are spotted everywhere among show-goers due to their popularity amongst country folk – and for good reason too. Worn over a country shirt, the Lyndon Gilet looks right at home. Perfect for keeping you at a nice temperature when the breeze picks up but not restricting in anyway. Holland Cooper also do a fine version of the fleece gilet, with the addition of a branded faux leather back collar. Or take your country glamour that extra step with an Anna Lascata Anna Waistcoat in the most buttery soft suede and beautiful cut.

Dresses

If the late June sun is being particularly kind, the weather can make the Royal Highland Show a summer knockout. Many ladies choose flowery dresses or light floaty sun dresses. Opt for light, cool fabrics such as linen if the weather is set to be hot.

Footwear

For sunny days, you might opt for a pair of leather deck shoes particularly if you are wearing a dress. These are a perfect mix of style and substance, and will see you over uneven surfaces fine where heeled shoes or boots may struggle. If the weather is unpredictable, you may wish to choose a pair of country boots. A pair of Lady Yearling boots by R.M Williams look fantastic with smart jeans or trousers not to mention they are luxuriously comfortable with their leather insoles which mould to the shape of your foot resulting in an almost made to measure fit. Fairfax and Favor are also a big hit at the likes of the Royal Highland Show, as well as having a stall to feast your eyes on while there, F&F offer a seamless blend of country and elegance so you can feel confident with a country flair.