Fashion Icons From The Past: Al Capone

Icons From the Past: Dressing Like Al Capone

Pay close attention to some of the more well-known fashion icons from the past, and you’re bound to notice that many of these men rank among the best-dressed individuals of all time. Regardless of their contribution (or lack thereof) to society, they had to look good in order to maintain a name for themselves. Al Capone is considered to be one of the most infamous gangsters of all time, and it’s difficult to try to construe his image in a way that would make him out to be a “good person.” Bearing this in mind, the man surely had a way with fashion, and his style will go down in history as being a massive part of his overall memory. Consider the following elements of Al Capone’s style, some of which you may be able to incorporate into your own look - as part of your regular wardrobe or upcoming Halloween.

The Pinstripe Suit
In trying to identify just a single aspect of Al Capone’s look that truly stood out, one would be remiss not to mention the pinstripe suit. Capone was a huge fan of this style, and the suits he wore fit in perfectly with his lifestyle. More often than not, the suits Capone wore were constructed out of the wools and even silk, and could cost as much as $500 (a huge amount of money at the time). These suits were usually double-breasted and peaked lapeled as was popular at the time, and tended to exhibit shades of black or charcoal for the most part. Capone would often pair these suits with polka dot neckwear (like this tie for instance), which created a look that almost appeared to clash, yet actually just exhibited excellent contrast. If it weren’t for these suits, Capone’s image would be entirely different than what people remember him for.

The Fedora and Overcoat
Throughout the cooler months of the year, Capone required fabrics that were heavier in stature than the silk his suits were usually made out of. This typically meant the addition of an overcoat and a fedora hat, both of which served to be crucial pieces when it comes to helping Capone shape the look that he is usually remembered for. While he wore a variety of different fedoras, he preferred those which featured a relatively wide brim, as it helped to add balance to his look. These additions made Capone stand out even more as being a huge crime boss, and were essential parts of his look.

Takeaways for the Modern Man
Vintage fashion is quite popular these days, which means Al Capone’s look may just be the perfect source for inspiration. While silk suits are certainly not for everyone's budget (nor do they look in place in today), suits made from fine wool (super 120 and higher) are perfect for the man who appreciates class and elegance. Pin striped suits and double breasted cuts are also perfect for today's man, but make sure that you are shopping for a modern and more tapered cut. Perfect tailoring is imperative when donning a double breasted suit. You also can’t lose with a fedora as of late, so stop by any vintage hat shop and grab a few different varieties. For those who live in cold-weather climates, the overcoat can be both functional and attractive at the same time; just be sure to avoid drap designs. Classic trench coats are perfect here.

Other Well Dressed Style Icons:
Jack Kerouac's Fashion
Celebrity Fashion: Jim Morrison

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