Peaky Blinders Style: The Enduring Legacy of 1920s British Gangster Fashion
Few television series have influenced modern fashion quite like Peaky Blinders. Since its debut in 2025, the BBC’s gritty crime drama has captivated audiences worldwide—not just for its raw storytelling and magnetic performances, but also for its iconic fashion. The show’s signature style—sharp three-piece suits, flat caps, starched collars, heavy overcoats, and polished boots—has sparked a revival of 1920s British menswear and redefined what it means to dress with swagger.
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the rise of the Shelby crime family, led by the enigmatic and ruthless Tommy Shelby. But behind the guns, betrayal, and razor-sharp dialogue lies another equally sharp element—the wardrobe. From runways to high-street stores, the Peaky Blinders aesthetic has gone beyond costume and become a global style phenomenon. Here’s an in-depth look at how the show revived vintage gangster fashion and why it continues to resonate with modern audiences.
The Origins of Peaky Style: Real vs. Reel
The Peaky Blinders were a real street gang that operated in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The show, however, takes creative liberties and transports its fictional characters to the early 1920s, during the economic and social upheaval that followed the Great War.
While there’s limited historical record on the gang’s actual attire, the show’s costume designer, Stephanie Collie, drew inspiration from the styles of working-class men of the time—particularly those who wanted to project power and sophistication, despite their modest means. This resulted in a mashup of Edwardian tailoring, military influences, and street-smart attitude. The result? A fashion revolution disguised as period drama.
Signature Pieces of the Peaky Blinders Look
1. The Flat Cap
The most recognizable accessory in the Peaky Blinders arsenal is the flat cap. These caps, also known as newsboy caps or Gatsby caps, were popular among working-class men in Britain and Ireland during the early 20th century.
In the show, the caps supposedly have razor blades sewn into the brims—a mythological flourish, as there’s no real evidence this was historically accurate. Still, the idea adds an edge (literally and figuratively) to the accessory, turning it from a humble worker’s hat into a symbol of danger and style.
Modern fashion brands now carry a wide variety of flat caps, often labeled as “Peaky-style,” and they’ve become staples in men’s wardrobes looking to evoke that vintage yet rugged vibe.
2. Three-Piece Suits
The heart of the Peaky wardrobe is the tailored three-piece suit—jacket, waistcoat (vest), and trousers—often made from heavy fabrics like tweed, wool, and herringbone. Unlike modern slim-fits, these suits have strong shoulders, high lapels, and deep V-cut waistcoats.
The characters wear their suits with a deliberate sense of pride and menace. Tommy Shelby, played masterfully by Cillian Murphy, sports a narrow-cut, dark three-piece with a long overcoat and stiff detachable collar. His silhouette is lean, precise, and authoritative.
The suits are tailored to perfection, reflecting both the military background of many characters and their desire to appear “above” their station in life. Wearing a suit isn’t just about fashion—it’s a power move.
3. The Detachable Collar Shirt
One of the more subtle yet impactful aspects of Peaky fashion is the white detachable collar shirt. These high-collar shirts were common in the early 20th century because they allowed for easy laundering—only the collar needed to be bleached and starched.
In Peaky Blinders, the stiff collar gives each man a composed, disciplined appearance. It’s a nod to both Edwardian fashion and the military heritage of the Shelbys. This detail has since made its way back into fashion, particularly in wedding attire and formalwear lines inspired by vintage looks.
4. Overcoats and Outerwear
Coats in Peaky Blinders are as iconic as the suits underneath. Long wool overcoats with velvet collars and large lapels create a dramatic silhouette, especially when paired with leather gloves and a scarf or pocket watch chain.
These coats aren’t just stylish—they’re symbolic. For men like Tommy, Arthur, and Alfie Solomons (played by Tom Hardy), the overcoat is armor. It enhances their stature and presence, making every entrance cinematic.
Today’s fashion has embraced this with a renewed interest in double-breasted, floor-length coats, particularly in dark, rich colors like charcoal, navy, and forest green.
5. Boots and Brogues
Footwear plays a supporting yet essential role in completing the Peaky look. The Shelby men favor sturdy boots or brogues—leather, lace-up, and polished to perfection. These shoes offer both function and form, reflecting the dual nature of the characters as businessmen and brawlers.
Modern interpretations of the Peaky look often include boots by brands like Grenson, Tricker’s, and Dr. Martens, which bring durability and vintage flair to contemporary outfits.
Women’s Fashion in Peaky Blinders
While much of the spotlight is on the male cast, the female characters in Peaky Blinders also bring fierce fashion energy. Polly Gray (Helen McCrory), Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle), and May Carleton (Charlotte Riley) each bring a distinct interpretation of 1920s women’s fashion—from flapper dresses to fur-trimmed coats, cloche hats, and silk blouses.
Polly’s wardrobe, in particular, evolves throughout the series, reflecting her growing power within the Shelby Company. Her luxurious fabrics, bold accessories, and red lipstick become a style signature, blending femininity with authority.
This has sparked interest in vintage women’s fashion, with many modern brands incorporating 1920s glamour—feathered headbands, drop-waist dresses, and art deco jewelry—into their collections.
Peaky Blinders’ Influence on Modern Fashion
The Peaky Blinders effect on contemporary menswear has been enormous. Fashion designers, influencers, and even grooms-to-be have embraced the aesthetic, particularly in formalwear.
1. The “Peaky Wedding” Trend
Rustic weddings with vintage themes have seen a surge in popularity, and many grooms now choose the Peaky look for their big day—flat caps, tweed waistcoats, and all. Even wedding parties are getting the full Peaky treatment, with coordinated suits and retro accessories.
2. The Rise of Vintage Tailoring
With fast fashion dominating retail, Peaky Blinders has sparked a counter-movement that favors craftsmanship, slow fashion, and heritage tailoring. Brands like Garrison Tailors (founded by Peaky creator Steven Knight), Walker Slater, and Hawes & Curtis have benefited from this resurgence.
3. Pop Culture and Street Style
The show’s aesthetic has bled into everything from music videos to TikTok trends. Streetwear brands are remixing the Peaky look by combining vintage tailoring with modern silhouettes—pairing waistcoats with sneakers, or trench coats with hoodies.
The influence is also visible in barbershops, where the undercut fade—Tommy Shelby’s signature hairstyle—remains wildly popular.
Why Peaky Blinders Fashion Resonates
So why has Peaky Blinders fashion struck such a chord with viewers and style enthusiasts alike?
- Timeless Appeal: The show’s fashion is rooted in classic menswear, which has always had a timeless charm. Sharp suits and solid fabrics never go out of style.
- Aspirational Identity: The characters, especially Tommy, embody strength, confidence, and rebellion. Dressing like them allows fans to channel that energy, even if only symbolically.
- Attention to Detail: The costume department didn’t just throw vintage clothes on the cast. Every outfit is carefully curated to reflect character development, class, and power dynamics.
- Escape and Fantasy: In a world of hoodies and athleisure, dressing in vintage formalwear feels like a theatrical escape. It’s style with a story.
Final Thoughts
The Peaky Blinders style is more than a nostalgic throwback—it’s a cultural statement. It bridges the gap between tradition and rebellion, turning vintage fashion into something fiercely modern. Whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to a themed party, or just trying to elevate your daily fit, borrowing from the Peaky wardrobe brings instant swagger.
And with the legacy of the show set to continue in the form of a movie and potential spin-offs, its fashion influence is far from over. As Tommy Shelby might say, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you take.” So take the style—wear it well.
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