It’s time you learnt these tailoring lessons from the Peaky Blinders
From experimenting with different collar types to investing in a statement overcoat, use these tips and tricks to create a blinding wardrobe
Words: Jonathan Wells
For all their shooting, stabbing, slashing and swearing, we seem to quite like the Peaky Blinders. And Tommy Shelby’s crime family, back for a fifth series this bank holiday weekend, have had quite the impact on modern fashion since they first hit our screens in 2013. From flat caps to haircuts, we’ve all been swept up by the styling of the show — and here at Gentleman’s Journal, we think the tailoring is the show’s best touch.
In fact, when we caught up with the young Peaky Blinders to discuss the new episodes, they revealed the impact the costumes have on the cast. “Putting on the fitted suit, you feel instantly like a boss,” said Daryl McCormack, who plays Isiah Jesus in the series. “It’s so well-tailored — and definitely lends itself to getting into character.”
So, to follow in the lawless, well-dressed steps of the Peaky Blinders, what should you be wearing? It can be tricky to incorporate century-old styles into your everyday wardrobe without it looking like dress-up — but we’ve come up with five tips and tricks to subtly introduce these killer fashions into a modern look.
Introduce a waistcoat for some three-piece style
If there’s one thing Peaky Blinders has done for modern tailoring, it’s bring back the waistcoat. The show has championed the look to an almost Southgate degree, and we couldn’t be happier. Three-piece suits are the pinnacle of buttoned-up sophistication — and few people wear them better than the Blinder boys.
Calm colours and textures are the way to go here. From Gieves & Hawkes, this houndstooth option is contemporary with a traditional twist. Chester Barrie’s Berkeley waistcoat features the silk back favoured by the more stylish of the Shelby family, and New & Lingwood offers a chalkstripe waistcoat with lapels — for a touch more detail.
Experiment with different collar types
Before the Blinders hit out screens, most people had one type of collar in their wardrobe. But, since we’ve had our eyes opened and our fashion horizons broadened, men have done away with drab straight and spread collars, and started to experiment with different designs at their necklines.
The most commonly seen collar on a Peaky Blinder is the stand style, to which the gang clip their detachable, starched collars. This, courtesy of Turnbull & Asser, is a perfectly Peaky example of the design. Otherwise, follow in Tommy’s formalwear footsteps with a wingtip shirt, like this from Hackett. Or, for a touch of sophistication, opt for Tom Ford’s pleasingly traditional pinned-collar offering.
Invest in a trusty statement overcoat
Who hasn’t wanted to recreate that iconic Peaky walk? For the best sweeping, slow motion results, you’ll need a big billowing overcoat — and the Blinders have some of the best in their wardrobes. Often double-breasted, many have embellishments such as fur collars and huge peaked lapels — but we’d suggest paring it back, keeping the cut conservative and the length just long enough for that money shot.
From Oliver Spencer, this subtly checked overcoat would most certainly have the approval of the Shelby siblings, who are often seen wearing such patterns. Turnbull & Asser’s Melton overcoat is somewhat simpler — but features a tailored fit for ultimate swagger. And, from Richard James, this thick navy mélange offering has padded shoulders to make your silhouette that bit more intimidating.
Keep your suiting traditional, and show character with your tie
Despite their dapper looks, the Peaky Blinders don’t tend to experiment with colour. Never straying far from dark greys, blues and blacks, the boys ensure that they always look polished and darkly debonair. But one area in which they do express a little individuality is with their neckties.
Always infuriatingly loose, Tommy’s ties in particular always feature stripes or patterns. Recreate that style with such subtly patterned offerings as this silk-jacquard tie from shirtmaker Emma Willis, or this geometrically patterned accessory from Drake’s. Or, like young Finn Shelby, go for a textured knitted option, like Tom Ford’s storm-blue silk tie.
Don’t be afraid of accessorising
Now this is where you have to be careful. Indulge too deeply into the world of Peaky Blinders accessories and you’ll start looking like an extra on the show rather than a fashion-forward modern man inspired by their style. So, while you should incorporate a couple of the below accessories into your look, never employ all at once. That way fancy dress lies.
That said, Cubitts Guilford Spectacles are pleasingly versatile — despite their namesake being found far from the Blinder’s native Birmingham. Le Chameau offers these British tweed flat caps from prestigious hat makers Christys — who produce the actual hats for the show. And, if you’ve got deep pockets, why not fill them with one of Patek Philippe’s watches to achieve that signature Peaky Blinder waistcoat chain look?
Miss our interview with the young Peaky Blinders? Catch up with the cast here…
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