Peaky Blinders didn’t just change TV, it changed the way men dress. The show revived 1920s tailoring, gave new life to tweed suits, and made the flat cap fashionable again. But behind every razor-sharp lapel and heavy wool coat, there’s more history and meaning than most people realise.
Here are ten lesser-known facts about Peaky Blinders fashion that reveal why the style remains one of the strongest influences in British menswear today.
1. Tommy Shelby’s Look Was Modelled on Real British Gang Leaders
Costume designer Stephanie Collie based Tommy Shelby’s look on real photographs of 1920s Birmingham gangsters who wore tailored suits to appear respectable in public. Their appearance was deliberate, looking well-dressed gave them power. The character’s clean-cut suits and long coats reflect how early gang leaders used fashion as a weapon of status.
2. The Signature Shelby Cap Was Never Actually Sewn with Razor Blades
The story of razor blades sewn into flat caps is what gave the gang its name, but historians have found no evidence that real members ever hid blades in their hats. The peaked cap was simply part of everyday working-class clothing in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Sheffield. The real Peaky Blinders made their mark through sharp style and fierce reputations, not hidden weapons.
3. Cillian Murphy’s Suits Were Designed to Make Him Look Leaner and More Authoritative
Cillian Murphy is naturally slim, so the wardrobe team designed suits with narrow shoulders, cropped jackets, and high-waisted trousers to lengthen his frame. The result created the impression of authority and control. This structure became part of what made Peaky Blinders men’s suits so distinctive, with every angle sharp and every line deliberate.
4. The Peaky Blinders Colour Palette Was Based on Post-War England
The muted greys, browns, and navy tones weren’t just aesthetic choices. They reflected what was available after World War I, when fabric dyes were rationed, and darker cloths were more affordable. Those colours later became a hallmark of the Peaky Blinder style, understated but confident.
5. Every Character’s Wardrobe Told Their Story
The costume team built visual contrasts between the characters:
· Tommy Shelby: precision, discipline, and power through structured suits.
· Arthur Shelby: looser cuts, heavier fabrics, and a dishevelled appearance symbolising instability.
· John Shelby: patterned fabrics and lighter colours suggesting confidence and flair.
· Alfie Solomons: layered textures, long coats, and patterned scarves to reflect his complex personality.
Each outfit was a clue to who they were long before they spoke a word.
6. The Grandad Collar Shirt Was Chosen to Show Class Division
The grandad-collar shirt became a Peaky Blinders trademark because it reflected the period’s working-class origins. Detachable collars were practical, but they also distinguished the working man from the white-collar elite who wore starched, high collars daily. The clean collarless look showed the Shelbys were proud of their background yet determined to look sharp.
7. The Fabric Weight Was Authentic to the 1920s
The suits used in filming were extremely heavy compared to modern tailoring, with many made from real wool tweed and weighing over 1.5 kilograms per suit! The actors reportedly overheated under studio lights. Yet that same fabric weight gave the authentic drape and structure that makes a Peaky Blinders suit instantly recognisable.
8. The Costumes Aged with the Characters
Each season subtly updated the wardrobe to match the Shelbys’ rise in wealth. Early episodes featured rougher tweed suits and simple boots. Later, as their empire expanded, the fabrics became smoother and more refined, with silk linings, finer weaves, and polished shoes. Viewers may not notice, but this detail shows how fashion reflected ambition.
9. The Show Boosted the British Tweed Industry
After the series gained popularity, UK tailoring houses reported a significant rise in sales of three-piece suits and tweed fabrics. The Peaky Blinders style reintroduced younger generations to heritage materials. TruClothing’s tweed and check suits carry that same traditional craftsmanship, a continuation of a British industry the show helped revive.
10. The Costume Team Sourced Real Vintage Pieces
While most key pieces were tailored for the cast, many accessories (including pocket watches, ties, and caps) were genuine antiques. The production team scoured vintage markets in London, Manchester, and Birmingham to find authentic items. That’s why every close-up feels believable. When you buy Peaky Blinders clothing today, details like those are what make the outfit feel real.
Why the Peaky Blinders Look Still Matters
The series concluded in 2022, but the influence of Peaky Blinders fashion has never faded. With the upcoming Peaky Blinders film currently in development, interest in the Shelby family’s sharp style has grown once again. The film is expected to continue the story of Tommy Shelby and bring 1920s tailoring back into the spotlight for a new generation of fans.
The lasting appeal of Peaky Blinders fashion lies in more than nostalgia. It represents discipline, ambition, and pride in presentation. The structured suits, crisp shirts, and wool coats speak to a time when dressing well was a mark of respect and identity.
Shop Peaky Blinders Clothing & Accessories Online at TruClothing
We take inspiration from the classic Peaky Blinders look, offering a full collection of suits, waistcoats, shirts, coats, and hats that reflect the craftsmanship and character of 1920s tailoring. Each piece combines traditional British style with modern comfort, using quality fabrics and precise cuts to capture the strength and confidence seen in the Shelby family’s wardrobe. Our Peaky Blinders clothing range brings timeless heritage into today’s fashion, allowing you to make the look your own with authentic style and attention to detail.