The hit British series Peaky Blinders didn’t just make history thrilling again — it redefined men’s fashion. The Shelby brothers, led by Thomas Shelby, have inspired an entire generation to rediscover vintage tailoring, bold accessories, and rugged elegance.
Learning how to dress like Peaky Blinders means embracing a perfect balance of class, confidence, and rebellion. It’s about mixing 1920s gangster sophistication with modern swagger. Whether you’re preparing for a themed event, a photoshoot, or just want to incorporate that razor-sharp style into your wardrobe, this complete guide will teach you how to dress like Peaky Blinders from head to toe.
Let’s step into the world of the Shelby family — and look every bit the part of a Birmingham kingpin.
🧥 What Defines the Peaky Blinders Style?
Before we dive into the outfit breakdown, it’s crucial to understand what makes this look so powerful.
The Peaky Blinders fashion is built on three principles:
- Tailoring — every piece fits perfectly.
- Texture — heavy fabrics like wool, tweed, and corduroy dominate.
- Accessories — the right hat, boots, and tie make all the difference.
The result? A rugged, masculine, and timeless style that commands respect.
When you learn how to dress like Peaky Blinders, you’re not just copying costumes — you’re embodying an era of confidence, purpose, and understated luxury.
👔 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dress Like Peaky Blinders
Let’s break down every component of this classic British gangster look.
1. 🧢 The Iconic Flat Cap
No Peaky Blinders outfit is complete without the flat cap — the show’s most recognizable symbol.
In the early 20th century, these caps were worn by working-class men across England. In Peaky Blinders, they also served a darker purpose — concealing razor blades sewn into the brim (hence the name).
How to choose your Peaky Blinders cap:
- Material: Wool, tweed, or herringbone fabric.
- Color: Dark grey, charcoal, brown, or navy.
- Fit: Slightly roomy at the crown, never tight.
Pro tip: Tilt it slightly forward for that authentic Thomas Shelby edge.
2. 🧥 The Overcoat: Classic British Power
The overcoat is a cornerstone of the Peaky Blinders style — especially for outdoor scenes in Birmingham’s foggy streets.
Key features:
- Heavy wool or tweed fabric.
- Tailored fit with structured shoulders.
- Length: Knee-length or slightly below.
- Colors: Charcoal, black, navy, or dark green.
Style inspiration:
- Thomas Shelby often wears a long black wool coat with a velvet collar.
- Arthur Shelby prefers heavier tweeds and earth tones.
Pair it over a three-piece suit for that commanding gangster presence.
3. 👕 The Shirt: Crisp and Vintage
To dress like Peaky Blinders, start with a white or cream-colored shirt. In the 1920s, shirts were made of thick cotton or linen, giving them structure.
Details to look for:
- Collar: Club or detachable rounded collar (distinctively vintage).
- Cuffs: Buttoned or double cuffs (for cufflinks).
- Fabric: Thick cotton or brushed cotton for durability.
For modern wear, you can substitute a slim-fit dress shirt — but avoid loud colors or patterns.
4. 🧶 The Waistcoat (Vest): The Heart of Peaky Style
The waistcoat defines the Peaky Blinders aesthetic. It’s what gives the outfit its sharpness and layers.
How to pick the right waistcoat:
- Fabric: Tweed, wool, or herringbone.
- Fit: Tailored snugly but not tight.
- Color: Match or contrast with your suit (charcoal, olive, or brown).
- Design: Five to six buttons, with a pocket for a watch chain.
Bonus touch: Add a pocket watch on a chain — it’s both authentic and stylish.
5. 🧵 The Suit: Power in Three Pieces
Every Shelby brother rocks a three-piece suit. That’s the foundation of how to dress like Peaky Blinders.
Suit details to consider:
- Cut: Slim but structured.
- Material: Wool or tweed for weight and texture.
- Color: Charcoal, grey, brown, or dark navy.
- Pattern: Pinstripe or herringbone adds a vintage edge.
Style tip:
Go for peak lapels or notch lapels with high-waisted trousers and a slightly cropped jacket. This creates that 1920s silhouette — broad shoulders, narrow waist, confident posture.
If you’re building your first Peaky Blinders outfit, a grey three-piece tweed suit is the safest and most authentic choice.
6. 👖 The Trousers: High-Waisted & Tailored
Modern pants sit low, but 1920s trousers were high-waisted and straight-legged.
Look for:
- Pleats: Add room and authenticity.
- Braces (Suspenders): Essential for vintage flair.
- Cuffs: Optional but historically accurate.
Avoid skinny fits — these didn’t exist in the Peaky Blinders era. Go for comfort and flow.
7. 👞 The Shoes: Classic Boots for Tough Streets
When you think how to dress like Peaky Blinders, think boots that could handle muddy streets and pub fights.
The right footwear includes:
- Leather boots: Sturdy lace-up boots in brown or black.
- Oxford shoes: For more formal occasions.
- Brogue boots: A stylish mix of class and practicality.
Bonus tip: Keep your shoes polished — the Shelbys always looked sharp, even in chaos.
8. 🎩 The Accessories: Small Details, Big Impact
Accessories make or break your Peaky Blinders look.
Must-have accessories:
- Pocket watch: Attached to your waistcoat with a chain.
- Tie or cravat: Preferably in dark, muted colors or simple patterns.
- Suspenders: Functional and authentic.
- Gloves: Leather, especially for winter.
- Cufflinks: Simple silver or brass designs.
These small touches turn a simple outfit into an unmistakable Shelby statement.
9. 🧴 Grooming: The Shelby Signature Look
Dressing like a Peaky Blinder isn’t just about clothes — grooming is equally important.
Hairstyle:
- The famous undercut or disconnected crop — short on the sides, longer on top.
- Add matte pomade for texture.
Facial hair:
- Most characters are clean-shaven or wear short stubble.
Fragrance:
- Think earthy, musky, woody scents — sandalwood or tobacco notes.
10. 🎭 Attitude: The Final Piece
To truly master how to dress like Peaky Blinders, you must carry yourself like a Shelby.
- Posture: Stand straight, shoulders back.
- Expression: Calm, confident, slightly intimidating.
- Energy: Minimalist but powerful.
Remember: it’s not just what you wear — it’s how you wear it.
🧥 Peaky Blinders Outfit Combinations
Here are a few full outfit examples to help you recreate different Shelby-inspired looks.
1. Thomas Shelby’s Classic Gangster Look
- Grey three-piece tweed suit
- White rounded-collar shirt
- Black tie
- Black overcoat with velvet lapel
- Grey flat cap
- Pocket watch and chain
- Leather boots
Vibe: Commanding, calm, and authoritative.
2. Arthur Shelby’s Rugged Edge
- Brown herringbone tweed suit
- Checked vest
- Olive tie
- Dark wool coat
- Brown leather boots
Vibe: Rough, rebellious, but loyal — perfect for bold personalities.
3. Shelby Casual Look
- Collarless shirt (Henley or grandad style)
- Suspenders over rolled-up sleeves
- Tweed trousers
- Newsboy cap
- Brogue boots
Vibe: Relaxed but stylish — ideal for daywear or themed parties.
4. Modern Peaky Blinders Look
If you want to bring the style into today’s wardrobe:
- Slim-fit grey waistcoat
- White shirt with detachable collar
- Tailored chinos
- Modern brogues
- Tweed overcoat
Vibe: Vintage meets modern — wearable every day.
🧵 Fabric and Texture: The Secret Weapon
To make your outfit stand out, focus on materials.
Essential Peaky Blinders fabrics:
- Tweed: The foundation of every Shelby suit.
- Wool: Heavy, warm, and textured.
- Corduroy: Ideal for trousers or vests.
- Cotton: Used for shirts.
- Velvet: Often for collars or lapels.
These rich fabrics give your outfit authenticity and luxury.
🎨 Color Palette: True to the 1920s
Peaky Blinders fashion avoids bright or flashy colors. The gangsters preferred earthy and muted tones that reflected their industrial environment.
Primary colors:
- Charcoal grey
- Deep brown
- Olive green
- Navy blue
- Black
Accent colors:
- Burgundy
- Maroon
- Cream
- Mustard
Stick to this palette to capture that dark, gritty elegance.
🪡 Tailoring: Why Fit Matters
If there’s one thing the Peaky Blinders got right, it’s fit. Every suit was tailored to perfection — no bagginess, no excess fabric.
Tailoring checklist:
- The suit jacket should fit snugly around the shoulders.
- Waistcoat should hug the torso without pulling.
- Trousers should sit high and straight.
A well-fitted outfit separates “costume” from “character.”
🕰️ Why Peaky Blinders Fashion Still Inspires Men Today
The Peaky Blinders aesthetic resonates because it blends discipline and danger. It’s masculine yet elegant, vintage yet timeless.
This style celebrates craftsmanship — each suit tells a story of power, loyalty, and resilience. And in a world of fast fashion, that authenticity stands out.
That’s why men everywhere are searching for how to dress like Peaky Blinders — it’s more than a look; it’s an attitude of confidence and class.
❓ FAQs About How to Dress Like Peaky Blinders
1. What era is the Peaky Blinders style from?
The fashion is inspired by 1920s England, specifically the post–World War I industrial working-class men of Birmingham.
2. Do I need a full suit to dress like a Peaky Blinder?
Not necessarily. A waistcoat, shirt, and suspenders with a flat cap can give you the same vintage vibe without needing a complete suit.
3. What’s the best modern adaptation of this style?
Combine tweed or wool pieces with slim-fit trousers and brogues. Keep colors dark and add a modern haircut.
4. How can I make this style wearable daily?
Replace the overcoat with a trench or blazer. Wear the waistcoat with jeans. Keep accessories minimal.
5. What kind of haircut suits the Peaky Blinders look?
The signature undercut or textured crop — shaved sides, long on top — is the most iconic choice.
6. What type of hat did the Peaky Blinders wear?
A flat cap or newsboy cap, made of wool or tweed, typically in grey or brown.
7. What accessories complete the look?
Pocket watch, tie, braces, and polished leather boots. These transform a regular outfit into a 1920s ensemble.
8. Can women dress like Peaky Blinders?
Yes. Women can adapt the look with fitted waistcoats, long coats, high-waisted trousers, and newsboy caps. It’s stylish, powerful, and gender-neutral.
9. How important is grooming for this style?
Extremely. A clean undercut and well-kept beard or stubble are vital for authenticity.
10. What’s the secret to pulling off the Peaky Blinders look?
Confidence. The Shelby style is all about quiet dominance — wear every piece with purpose and pride.
🧠 Conclusion: Dressing Like a Shelby
Mastering how to dress like Peaky Blinders is about more than suits and hats — it’s about embodying confidence, discipline, and sophistication.
To recap:
- Invest in tweed or wool suits with perfect tailoring.
- Wear a flat cap and overcoat with pride.
- Add classic accessories — watch chains, ties, and boots.
- Maintain sharp grooming and posture.
When done right, this look transforms you into a modern-day gentleman with 1920s grit.
Remember: fashion fades, but style — especially Peaky Blinders style — is eternal.
Now put on your cap, straighten your coat, and walk like Thomas Shelby would: boldly, silently, and in control.