When Peaky Blinders hit our screens, Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby didn’t just redefine TV anti-heroes—he single-handedly revived the art of dressing like a gentleman with bite. The sharp tailoring, textured fabrics, and effortless layering turned a 1920s Birmingham gangster into a global menswear icon.
At Mr. Fierze, we believe this is what great style is about—pieces that speak with authority, confidence, and a touch of danger. Whether you're stepping into our store for a wedding hire, black-tie event, or to commission a suit with the same grit and polish as Tommy’s, we’ve broken down the Shelby look so you can channel that razor-sharp aesthetic—without looking like you’re about to pick a bar fight.
1. The Three-Piece Suit – The Core of Shelby Style
Tommy Shelby lives in his three-piece suit. The high-waisted trousers, sharply tailored waistcoat, and slim-cut jacket create a clean, commanding silhouette. Unlike modern corporate suiting, the Shelby style is all about personality and structure, not boardroom blandness.
How We Do It at Mr. Fierze:
- Tweed or Wool Blends: Nothing screams Peaky Blinders like a heavy tweed or textured wool suit. We stock tailored pieces that echo this aesthetic but with a modern cut—slim, clean, and wearable beyond themed parties.
- Tailored Waistcoats: A well-fitted waistcoat brings an old-school flair to your outfit. Think dark charcoal or navy tweed with a sharp V-neck cut to elongate the torso.
- Fit, Fit, Fit: If you’ve been tempted by an off-the-rack 1920s costume, stop. Tommy Shelby’s style is all about fit. A made-to-measure or tailored suit ensures the trousers sit high, the jacket nips at the waist, and the shoulders are structured but never boxy.
2. The Overcoat – Shelby’s Armour
The wool overcoat in Peaky Blinders isn’t just outerwear; it’s a statement. It adds gravitas to even the simplest suit underneath.
Mr. Fierze Tip:
Invest in a long, heavy wool coat with broad peak lapels. Charcoal or navy works best for versatility. Wear it unbuttoned for that effortless, “I just walked out of Small Heath” vibe. For formal events, this instantly upgrades your suit game.
3. Shirts & Collars – Why Small Details Matter
Tommy’s signature penny-collar shirts (also called club collars) are a defining feature. While they aren’t common in modern menswear, you can replicate the vibe with crisp white shirts featuring subtle details like contrast buttons or detachable collars.
Fierze Twist:
We keep things modern by pairing a sharp, textured shirt with a knitted tie or even a cravat if you’re feeling daring. A crisp white shirt will always look strong against textured tweed or wool.
4. Boots – Shelby Feet Don’t Do Sneakers
Tommy’s boots are polished, sturdy, and built to last—much like his personality. Think lace-up leather boots, finished with a shine that says “I’m in control.”
Style Tip:
We recommend pairing black or oxblood leather boots with cropped trousers. This is perfect for winter events when you want to stand out from the sea of patent dress shoes.
5. Accessories – The Shelby Signature
The devil is in the details:
- Pocket Watches: A chain draped across your waistcoat instantly feels vintage yet distinguished.
- Flat Caps: The Baker Boy cap became the show’s iconic accessory. If you’re bold enough to try it, stick to muted tones like charcoal or navy to keep it classy.
- Pocket Squares & Tie Pins: Nothing says “attention to detail” like a crisp pocket square or understated tie bar. It’s these touches that take you from looking good to looking Fierze.
- Sleeve Garters: A subtle accessory that goes easily unnoticed. Keep your shirt sleeves from pulling and still look intimidating...even though you're just a bookkeeper.
6. Colour Palette – Muted but Mighty
The Shelby wardrobe rarely ventures beyond deep navy, charcoal, black, and earthy greys. These muted tones create a clean, powerful aesthetic while letting textures (tweed, herringbone, wool) do the talking.
Fierze Formula:
We recommend starting with a dark base—say, a navy tweed three-piece suit—and layering with a lighter waistcoat or textured overcoat for depth. For evening events, go monochrome with black or charcoal for a sleek, dangerous edge.
7. The Shelby Attitude – Dressing with Intent
Tommy Shelby’s style isn’t just about clothes; it’s about presence. Every stitch on his suit feels deliberate, every layer tells a story. When you walk into a room in a well-fitted three-piece suit and overcoat, you don’t need to shout. The suit does it for you.
Mr. Fierze Note:
When clients walk into our store asking for “that Peaky Blinders look,” we don’t just give them a suit—we give them a character. A Shelby-inspired outfit is for the man who wants to look like he’s three steps ahead of everyone else.
How to Get the Look at Mr. Fierze
Whether you want to hire for a themed event, a wedding, or simply want a touch of 1920s flair in your wardrobe, we’ll help you craft a Shelby-inspired fit with modern finesse.
- Hire: Our range of Wool blend, textured, and modern suits can be paired with the right accessories for instant Shelby charm.
- Custom Made: Our made-to-measure service lets you recreate the Tommy Shelby look with your own twist—perfect for those who want to invest in timeless menswear.
- Finishing Touches: From pocket watches to flat caps, we’ll guide you on accessories that feel authentic, not costume-like.
Final Word: Why Shelby’s Style Still Rules
Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby blends British heritage tailoring with a ruthless elegance that feels as relevant today as it did in the 1920s. With the right tailoring, textures, and accessories, you don’t just wear a Shelby suit—you own the room.