How To Dress Like The Peaky Blinders

Let’s take a deeper look at the style of the Peaky Blinders, the history behind the gang, and how you can replicate their looks in a modern way.

By now most of us have heard of the Netflix sensation Peaky Blinders! It isn’t often that a show has such a radical impact on the world of men’s fashion, and here at Surmesur we thought it would be fun to help bring some of these iconic looks out of the roaring ’20s and straight into your modern-day wardrobe! Let’s take a deeper look at the style of the Peaky Blinders, the history behind the gang, and how you can replicate their looks in a modern way.

The History Behind The Infamous Peaky Blinders

The Peaky Blinders themselves were a 19th-century urban youth gang from Birmingham, England who derived their name from the practice of stitching razor blades into the peaks of their flat caps that they would then use to blind their victims during fights.

Their unique style of clothing pays homage to their working-class origins by sticking to dark colours, subtle patterns, and heavy-weight durable fabrics. You would be hard-pressed to see one of the Shelby brothers in anything short of their classic three-piece suits, club-collared shirts, and heavy overcoats.

I don’t pay for suits. My suits are on the house or the house burns down.

How To Recreate The Blinders’ Signature Looks

Switch Up Your Suit Fabrics

True to the era in which it is based, the colour palettes seen in Peaky Blinders are much more muted than what we are used to today, relying on patterns and textures rather than bright colours to enhance their clothing look. Forget having to coordinate colours, the Peaky Blinders are all about monochrome attire. Moreover, the series is a good reminder that experimenting with patterns and cloth is an easy way to enhance a wardrobe. Take some peaky pointers and try flexing a pattern or two. Consider Donegal tweed, Glen checks or even houndstooth to create a very eye-catching classic look. Other suits worn by Shelby and his gang include brown wool, navy windowpane, dark blue pinstripe or chalk stripe and tweedy brown-green.

Consider Adding A Vest

One of the signature looks of the 1920s is the timeless three-piece suit. By adding a vest you not only get the opportunity to show off your pocket watch like Thomas Shelby, but you elevate your look when not wearing your jacket, still making you the best-dressed guy in the room. Forget having to coordinate colours, the Peaky Blinders are all about monochrome attire.