HSBC SVNS 2024: The Perth Dress Code

We’ve all seen the riots of colour in the stands at the two HSBC SVNS weekends so far, in Dubai and Cape Town – and we expect more of the same in Perth when the series rolls into Western Australia from January 26 to January 28.

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The Noah’s Ark conga line snaking its way through the stands during Sunday’s Super Session in Dubai raised a very high early bar for the HSBC SVNS 2024 fancy dress crowd; and the challenge was gleefully accepted by, among others in Cape Town, the inspired wax crayons set. 

We wouldn’t dream of trying to curb your dressing-up instincts – the crowds make the SVNS party what it is, after all, and the crowds from the first two rounds have thrown down not one but two oversized, brightly coloured gauntlets – but there are things worth knowing when you’re packing your suitcase for Perth in January.

The most obvious, and most important, thing to understand is that it is high summer in Western Australia right now. And Perth is reputedly the sunniest city in the world. It has recently experienced a prolonged dry spell, with no rain recorded in the whole of December.

So, you should plan your sevens rugby party wardrobe around the basics of 30°C+ daytime temperatures, blue skies and a strong sun. Expect some wind, too, especially if the Fremantle Doctor starts blowing, always a possibility in January.

We’re talking light, loose clothing, made of cotton or other natural fibres, then. 

And a hat. And suncream – lots and lots of suncream. And, perhaps, something to cover your arms when the sun’s at its strongest, or the Doctor’s at its breeziest.

It would be a shame to come to Perth and not head out to the beach, so consider some beachwear, too: whether you pack a pair of budgie smugglers, so beloved of certain rugby stars for whiling away the hours on the sand and in the sea, is between you and your self-confidence. But also remember a hat, something to cover up in the hottest parts of the day, and that sun protection.

As well as the beach, lovers of the outdoors may want to spend some time enjoying the plentiful hiking trails around Perth. There are numerous easy urban trails, where you’ll need little more than water, some sun protection, and a vague sense of direction.

But as any walker will know, a good pair of walking shoes is absolutely vital if you’re heading up into the hills. You’ll also need long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And water.

If, however, you prefer your sights to include shop windows, you’ll be unsurprised but pleased to know that air-con comes as standard in the shops and malls of Perth, so escaping the heat of the afternoon is relatively straightforward.

When the sun goes down, the mercury dips to around 19C – it’s not cold, but you may welcome something over your shoulders, particularly later in the evening. Perth’s a fairly laid-back kind of place, but you may want to consider some smart-casual wear if you’re thinking of doing something a bit special of an evening.

And don’t forget that fancy dress. Obviously.

With so much going on in and around Perth, why not make a stay of it and sample some of the best that Western Australia has to offer? Discover more here.