Peaky Blinders Style: Scottish Tweed Caps

In case you are not already an avid fan of this hugely popular TV drama, the Peaky Blinders were a criminal youth gang based in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is said that their name came from the razor blades they stitched into the inside of their flat caps so they always had a weapon to hand. (Our caps are lined in high quality satin with not a blade in sight we can assure you.) The razor blade theory is up for debate however, as the first factory producing replaceable razors in the UK wasn't opened until a later date. Some believe that instead the name actually refer's to the gangs iconic style. At the time "peaky" referred to any flat cap with a peak and "blinder" was often used in the area to describe someone's dapper appearance. The gang was highly organised and gained power despite having less than 100 members by controlling gambling, robbery and smuggling, in addition to influencing local politics.

Since it's debut in September 2013, the BBC drama continues to rise in popularity, not only in the UK but thanks to Netflix the show is now available in over 180 countries and has truly become a global hit. The shows fictional gangster family is loosely based on the original blinders, set in November 1918 after the end of the First World War, slightly later than the original gang were active. Cunning gang leader and main character, Tommy Shelby, a decorated WW1 veteran, disillusioned by traumatic experiences and suffering from PTSD steals a consignment of guns from the local arms factory as the show starts. He begins to plot how he can use these to his advantage, his first plan is to fix horse races, initially this doesn't go down well with his brother Arthur but soon becomes one of the family's key activities.

The signature outfit of a blinder included tailored suit jackets, overcoats, waistcoats, silk scarves, bell-bottomed trousers, paired with leather boots and of course a peaked cap! These signature looks have made their mark in recent fashion with former football and fashion icon David Beckham teaming up with the show to create an official Peaky Blinders collection earlier this year in his role as co-owner of London brand Kent Curwen.

We may not have an official peaky blinders collection but many of our Scottish Tweeds are the perfect choice for anyone looking to emulate Tommy's look. Marc wears our three piece tartan suit in the earthy tones of the Black Watch Weathered tartan, teamed up with our Tweed Eight Quarter Cap in Kirkton Grey Herringbone Tweed 579.

To celebrate the start of season five this evening we are giving you a sneak peak of our favourite addition to the upcoming Autumn Winter collection. Our new Tweed Waistcoat and matching cap are made in the amazing Cairngorm Lindsay Modern Tweed, this fabric combines traditional tartan design, woven using the same techniques as our lowland Scottish tweeds creating a stunning, subdued pattern. Keep an eye out for this new style in our Edinburgh store and online within the next few weeks.

For more inspiration on how to create your own Peaky Blinders look, take a look at our Pinterest board filled with lots of ideas and a little Scottish flair.