Whether you’ve been invited to a cocktail party or you’re off to watch a show at London’s West End, following the Kingsman’s dress code can make you look like a true Hollywood hit. Here’s everything you need to know.
If we had to learn anything from Matthew Vaughn’s hit films, Kingsman The Secret Service (2014) and Kingsman The Golden Circle (2017), it would be how to dress like a gentleman.
Oh, and kicking ass while still looking impeccable in a suit.
As said in the first movie, Kingsman The Secret Service ‘A suit is the modern gentleman’s armour. And the Kingsman agents are the new knights.”
While casual clothes serve a purpose, a tailored suit is a difference between looking ok and extraordinary.
If you really want to know how to dress like a Kingsman, you can always visit the actual tailoring shop the iconic suit scenes were filmed. Situated in Savile Road, London, Huntsman has some of the best tailors in the UK on hand. The actual Kingsman tailor.
Interestingly, the director Matthew Vaughn hired costume designer, Ariane Phillips, to create clothes that could be used in the movie and then sold as a collection.
This Kingsman collection is sold by Mr Porter, the menswear side of Net-a-Porter. They’ve now added the cowboy-denim denim styles from the second movie to the collection.
However, purchasing the actual clothes from the movie can be rather expensive. So, here’s a complete guide on how to dress like a Kingsman – without breaking the bank.
The suits
Double-breasted suits aren’t usually the most popular choice across high-street retailers. Nonetheless, they are quintessentially English and a signature feature of the Kingsman style.
The buttons are in a classic 6 x 2 arrangement, but the bottom button must be left undone to mask Eggsy and the gang.
Ideally, you should be going for a slim fit so that the jacket tapers at the waist, gently hugging your form. The pants must be slim, but never skinny and have a light break.
If you have broad shoulders, peak lapels are a staple for this Kingsman look.
In terms of detail, the jacket has flapped pockets, double vents for a bit of extra freedom to move and shows half an inch of shirt cuff.
The materials of the suits are made from high-class fabrics such as wool, mohair and silk blends. These all give the suits an understated sheen. Pattern-wise, you can go for pinstripes or Glen plaid and Prince of Wales Check like Colin Firth’s character or Michael Caine’s classic windowpane check.
Colour choice
Traditionally, the Kingsmen have quite a neutral palette with grey suits, white shirts and pocket squares, plus navy or dark red ties. These colours will make you look professional and are better suited for work functions.
However, if you want to push the envelope, use Eggsy’s style from the second film as a basis. He’s learned the principles of style and has the confidence to opt for more lively colours like his orange velvet tuxedo jacket.
Experimenting with colours should be left for fun and slightly more informal parties. We saw a stronger use of dramatic colours and patterns in the second Kingsman Movie (Kingsman The Golden Circle)
The shirts, shoes and accessories
The final element to consider when trying to dress like a Kingsman are shirts, shoes and accessories.
As a rule of thumb, stick to all things Oxford with shirts and shoes.
The characters in the film wear white Oxford twill shirts with subtle cutaway collars and double cuffs the most, as well as formal Oxford shoes.
For the latter, we highly recommend our Black Professor Oxfords as they capture the same quality look as the styles used in the films. Or if you want to make a more bold statement, our Black and White Oxford shoes are strikingly perfect.
When it comes to ties and pocket squares, choose silk ones as they look classy, formal and traditional in equal measure.
Enjoyed reading this? Then check out our previous blog: ‘How to Dress Like a Peaky Blinder’.