What is Peaky Blinders?
The term "Peaky Blinder" originally referred to a notorious gang based in Birmingham, England, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gang was known for sewing razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps, hence the name "Peaky Blinders." The TV show "Peaky Blinders," created by Steven Knight, is set in the aftermath of World War I and follows the gang's rise to power. While the historical accuracy of the show is up for debate, there’s no denying the impact it has had on modern fashion. The Peaky Blinders style, characterized by sharp suits, newsboy caps, and an air of dangerous charm, has become synonymous with edgy, vintage menswear. Thomas Shelby, the show’s central character, has become a style icon, inspiring a renewed interest in classic menswear with a modern twist.Why the Peaky Blinders Look?
The Peaky Blinders look has resonated with modern audiences for several reasons. First and foremost, it embodies a sense of rebellion and rugged masculinity, appealing to those who want to channel a strong, confident persona. The combination of old-world elegance with a rough-around-the-edges vibe makes this style both timeless and bold. Additionally, the show's impeccable costume design has brought 1920s fashion back into the spotlight, making it more accessible and desirable for today's style-conscious individuals. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or simply want to incorporate elements of this look into your everyday wardrobe, the Peaky Blinders style offers a unique blend of sophistication and grit.
How to Dress Like a Peaky Blinder
To truly capture the Peaky Blinders aesthetic, you’ll need to pay attention to the details. The foundation of the Peaky Blinders look is a well-tailored tweed suit. Opt for darker shades like charcoal, navy, or brown, and look for classic patterns such as herringbone or houndstooth. The fit should be tailored but not overly slim, giving you a structured yet comfortable silhouette. Double-breasted tweed jackets are a great option, as they add a touch of vintage flair. Pair your tweed suit with a crisp white or light-colored shirt to keep the look sharp and polished.
Going a little further into the style, you'll notice that each character has his or her own unique look. Arthur Shelby, played by Paul Anderson, for instance, is the only character in the show to wear a bow tie. The show's main character, Thomas Shelby, on the other hand, is almost always seen wearing a newsboy hat. Focusing on Thomas, he typically wears a 3-piece herringbone tweed suit or a grey pinstripe suit. In terms of cut, Thomas' suit is lean through the legs, chest, and shoulders, offering a contemporary look that complements his body shape. Keep in mind that the actual Peaky Blinders gang wore bell bottoms. However, since few people today wear bell bottoms, it's best to skip this historical fact and instead stick with traditional, fitted trousers. Doing so offers a traditional Peaky Blinders look with a touch of modern and contemporary style.
No Peaky Blinder outfit is complete without a waistcoat. Choose a waistcoat that complements your suit, either matching the fabric or opting for a contrasting color to add some visual interest. The waistcoat not only adds depth to your outfit but also gives you that extra bit of authenticity, taking back to the 1920s era.
The flat cap is perhaps the most iconic accessory of the Peaky Blinders style. Traditionally made from wool or tweed, this cap is worn low on the head, with the peak slightly forward. While you probably won't be hiding razor blades in yours, the flat cap is essential for achieving that classic Birmingham gangster look.
For those colder days, a long overcoat is an essential part of the Peaky Blinders wardrobe. Look for a wool coat in a dark color that complements your suit. The coat should be long enough to reach your knees, adding an extra layer of sophistication and warmth.
Check out our Thomas Shelby Peaky Blinders Suit, the charcoal tweed is one of our top-selling products.
Peaky Blinders Costume
Embracing the Peaky Blinders suit aesthetic extends beyond mere fashion; it's about capturing an era's essence with a modern twist. For those looking to perfect the "Peaky Blinders outfit" for themed parties or a "Peaky Blinders Halloween costume," attention to detail is key. The ensemble's heart lies in its authenticity—choosing a vintage-inspired tweed suit, complemented by a flat cap, and leather boots. Accessorizing with period-appropriate elements like a gold pocket watch or a classic tie can elevate your outfit, ensuring you stand out, whether at a Halloween bash or among fellow period drama enthusiasts. This blend of historical accuracy and contemporary style allows for a versatile costume that's as fitting for a night out as it is for themed events. Finally, for those who want to mimic Tommy Shelby outfit, a fake cigarette or cigar can be a fun prop.
Tweed Suit
Now for the burning question: where do I find a suit like the ones worn in Peaky Blinders? The problem with most walk-in retail stores is their limited selection, especially when it comes to high-quality mens tweed suits. They typically offer a few basic styles, greatly limiting your choices. And to make matters worse, you probably won't find a genuine tweed suit like the ones worn in Peaky Blinders. Fortunately, you can discover our entire collection of Peaky Blinders suits at StudioSuits. Made of 100% genuine pure wool tweed and available in more than 50 colors, it embodies the Peaky Blinders look. Of course, you'll want to choose the herringbone design to truly achieve this look. Herringbone is a unique design consisting of columns of multiple parallel lines -- and these lines are contained in one column sloping in one direction and the other column sloping in the opposite direction. Herringbone receives its namesake from the pattern of fish bones, which have a similar design. It's a popular design used in suits of the early 1900s, particularly those worn in the Peaky Blinders.
Accessories
Accessories are key to completing the Peaky Blinders outfit. Opt for a slim tie in a dark, muted color, or even a bow tie if you want to go all out. A pocket watch on a chain is another must-have item, adding a touch of vintage elegance to your waistcoat. You can also consider adding a tie bar or cufflinks for extra detail. When it comes to footwear, classic brogues or Oxford shoes are the way to go. These shoes should be polished and in good condition, as they add the finishing touch to your Peaky Blinders ensemble. Black or dark brown leather is ideal, and you can’t go wrong with a design that features traditional detailing like wingtip broguing.
Embrace the Peaky Blinders Style with Confidence
Dressing like a Peaky Blinder is all about embracing a blend of vintage elegance and rugged charm with confidence. Whether you’re looking to channel Thomas Shelby’s brooding intensity or simply appreciate the timeless style of the 1920s, the key is in the details. Start with a well-fitted tweed suit, add a waistcoat, and don’t forget the essential flat cap. With the right accessories and a touch of refined confidence, you’ll be ready to walk the streets, embodying the iconic Peaky Blinders look.
