There comes a time (clue: it's around the end of June every
year) when the dusty corridors of the beer fridge begin to stir and
bustle with life. When the meat isles of supermarkets are emptied
and the coals of barbecues in gardens the country over are stoked
into life. When the splashing of oars on England's waterways and
the rumbling of a thousand car engines in Northern France can be
heard. When the peace of Wimbledon common is disturbed by
truckloads of strawberries making their way to SW19. It's the time
of year when Britain's two favourite things – sport and summer –
coincide, and the nation's jubilations (or, more often,
disappointments) supply the national press with front page news for
weeks on end. The British Sporting Summer. And this year, with it
being a Fifa World Cup year, there's more sport than ever. Meeting
the dress requirements for spectating may seem like a simple task;
nobody's going to turn up to Wimbledon in their England stripes,
for example. There are, however, a host of subtleties to master if
you really want to look the part for your sport of choice, from the
correct colour to the acceptable accessories. Fortunately, you can
trust The Rake's staff for advice on what to wear to
this year's occasions.
Tom
Chamberlin, Editor
Henley Regatta: There is something comforting
about Henley regatta. Perhaps it’s the vicinity of red brick
villages, lush pastures and tranquil river-life. All of which is
punctured by the cry of brightly dressed supporters urging on their
school team. Like Wimbledon, it’s a very strawberries-and-cream
affair. The dress code remains blazer and tie and the traditional
boating get-up of white flannels and blazers. It unleashed an inner
Bertie Wooster, which is about as good a reason to comply as
any.
Ryan Thompson,
Digital Editor
Wimbledon: Although the players
must abide by the strictly whites-only dress code on
court, if you're lucky enough to find yourself
at the All England Tennis Club in the next few weeks, there is no
"dress code" to speak of but rather a set of
unwritten rules that you'd do well to heed,
particularly if you've snaffled an invitation into The Royal Box.
As Lewis Hamilton will be able to tell you, turning up to centre
and expecting to take your place among royalty without wearing a
collar and tie is myopic, to say the least, but elsewhere in the
stands that particular combo is probably overkill. Given searing
heat, zero shade, and an alarming dearth of booze, I suggest
comfort is your first prerogative, which is why I've selected
Ka Noa's grey striped linen blend polo shirt.
Lightweight yet undeniably smart, it pairs perfectly with
New &
Lingwood's cotton chinos; they have a nice
stretch in them which you'll thank me for if the match goes to five
sets. Finally, and most importantly,
Lock & Co's classic Panama, which serves
the dual purpose of preventing your face from melting off, while
also providing an effective fan. If the game's boring, just balance
it over your face to grab a surreptitious power nap.
Jessica
Beresford, Managing Editor
Cricket: Do you know what's better than
watching sport? All the things associated with it: booze and snacks
while watching said game; dressing appropriately for the occasion;
sharing laughter and tears with friends, family and strangers;
and having something to talk to your colleagues about the next day
(and in that order). Sometimes, it even forces society to reflect
on itself in a way that, say, more direct political discourse often
doesn't. The things I associate with cricket are Pimm's, tea
breaks, jaunty
V-neck sweaters and phrases such as 'swings
both ways' and 'into the crease', therefore it is a good spectator
sport in my books. Whether watching from underneath a shady tree or
attending a test match at Lord's, cricket requires a level of
decorum – a tidy shirt and trousers or shorts that won't leave you
sweltering.
Anderson & Sheppard's high-waisted linen
trousers fit the bill perfectly, especially when paired with a
simple striped button-down – like this fine example courtesy of
100Hands.
Benedict
Browne, Associate Style Editor
Le Mans: It’s looking like the mercury could
reach at least 32 degrees in Le Mans this weekend. But, it’s going
to feel hotter as a fleet of classic cars starts ripping around the
famed racetrack for Le Mans Classic in view of fashionable and
motoring-enthused spectators. As such, a sensible choice of cloth
is strongly advised, and there’s nothing
better than linen to keep perspiration at
bay. As we’re in France, St Tropez’s finest
outfitter, Vilebrequin,
seems apt and through sporting an all-white ensemble you'll keep
cool, calm and collected. Finally, as it’s race day a sports watch
is an absolute must and Omega’s 1992 Speedmaster in
18ct gold will be a fine addition to your wrist – with all the time
keeping attributes that you most likely won’t need.
Desmond
Huthwaite, Copywriter
Tour de France: Clocking in at just over 2000
miles, the Tour de France cycling route is one of the longest races
in the world, covering not only most of France but also parts of
neighbouring countries too, including the rainy North East of
England. This means two things for dedicated spectators. Firstly, a
lot of travelling (in the car seat, not the saddle, fortunately!).
Secondly, variable weather conditions. So however tempting it is to
get into the spirit by wearing a bright yellow jersey, it’s
advisable to wear a sensible underlayer that will keep you cool in
the heat but also work as a versatile layering piece in colder
weather, like this navy polo shirt by French brand Vilebrequin.
This pair of smart but comfortable sneakers by
North-89 is perfect for travelling, and might
even encourage you to get on a bike of your own. This tweed
bakerboy will keep the sun off your face and
recalls the caps traditionally worn by stylish gentleman cyclists
in the early days of the tour.
Aobh
O'Brien-Moody, Editorial Assistant
Fifa World Cup: Whether you’re a crazed
football fan or completely indifferent to the sport (just me?),
there’s no escaping the current World Cup fever. But before you go
fumbling around for the jersey you wore that one time two World
Cups ago, remember that the
informality associated with such an event doesn’t necessarily
warrant sloppiness. Keep it casual, sure, but
don’t compromise on style. As the weather will be warm and you’ll
most certainly work up a sweat from all that cheering, it’s best to
keep your attire comfortable and breezy. I recommend a classic
short-sleeved polo shirt, like this one by King &
Tuckfield, paired with Ka/Noa
shorts in a cool blend of cotton and linen. As far as footwear
goes,
North-89 has you covered, with its understated
yet chic suede and cotton mesh sneakers. It's a winning
combination, no matter what the final score.
