What to wear to a school sports day as a parent

What the day involves

Sports day usually means standing at the edge of a track, sitting on grass or a folding chair, walking between events and cheering. Fields are exposed, so sun and wind both matter, and grass can be damp in the morning. Then there is the parents’ race: a short sprint, an egg-and-spoon or a sack race, in front of every child in the school.

So the outfit has to let you sit on the ground, move quickly and cope with the weather, while still looking put-together in the photos your child will treasure.

Trousers you could run in

The trousers decide whether you can join in. Woven fabric has no stretch, so the cut needs room at the knee and hip for a stride.

• [Straight trousers](/styles/trousers/straight-trousers) with a comfortable leg width are the most practical.
• A moderate shalwar is roomy for sitting on grass, though a very full one flaps when you run.
• Avoid churidar and wide palazzos: the first is tight at the knee, the second catches your feet mid-race.
• A drawstring or elastic waist stays comfortable whether you are sitting or sprinting.
• Darker colours hide grass and mud marks from sitting on the field.

A kurta and scarf that stay put

A hip- or knee-length kurta with side slits that stop around the hip moves with you without flying open. Longer lengths tangle round the legs at speed, and floor-length styles are no fun on wet grass. Cotton, lawn and cambric breathe in the sun and wash easily afterwards.

A large dupatta will not survive a race. A stole pinned at the shoulder, or a jersey scarf with an underscarf, stays where it should; our advice on windy days has more ways to keep it in place. Add a cardigan or light jacket for a cold morning and sunglasses or a cap for a bright afternoon.

Ordering an outfit for school events

A comfortable kurta and trouser set will see you through sports day, school trips and parents’ evenings, so it is worth getting the fit right. When you start a quote, choose a hip or knee length, straight trousers and an elastic or drawstring waist, and mention that you want room to move. Our custom stitching service explains each choice, and our everyday outfits page has more ideas. Making takes 5 to 7 working days from approval and full payment, with shipping time on top.