Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What clothing was traditionally worn by leaders of an English fox hunt?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
hunting
Bird hunting with a dog.
In an English fox hunt, the master, huntsman, and whippers-in traditionally wear a scarlet coat—often referred to as a "pink" coat—paired with a white stock (cravat) and a black velvet cap.1
While this scarlet uniform is standard for those in charge of the hounds, there are variations based on status and tradition:
- Followers: Those of sufficient prestige may be invited to wear scarlet coats featuring the specific buttons of the hunt, typically paired with a top hat. Other followers generally wear black coats with either top hats or bowlers.1
- Ancestral Hunts: In some hunts run by noble families, the traditional uniform may be green, yellow, or gray rather than the standard scarlet.1
- Headwear: The black velvet cap is strictly reserved for those actively engaged in the control of hounds, although modern usage allows women to wear it as well.1