Peaky Blinders Revives Forgotten Fashion Trend

Cillian Murphy's acclaimed crime drama has sparked a resurgence of the classic newsboy cap.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a flat-brimmed newsboy cap in a rich, velvety charcoal grey, the fabric catching dramatic studio lighting to create a high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic.The iconic newsboy cap from Peaky Blinders has sparked a resurgence of this classic menswear silhouette.Philadelphia Today

The hit Netflix series Peaky Blinders, set in 1919 Birmingham, has had a significant cultural impact beyond just its gripping storylines. The show's signature fashion, including the flat-brimmed newsboy caps worn by the Peaky Blinders gang, has seen a major revival in recent years. Fashion icon Anna Wintour credits the show's influence, noting that self-expression through clothing remains important even in tumultuous times.

Why it matters

Peaky Blinders has become a cultural touchstone, with the show's distinct aesthetic inspiring Halloween costumes, men's fashion trends, and a renewed interest in Birmingham's history. The resurgence of the newsboy cap, a style that was popular from the late 1800s to the 1930s, demonstrates the enduring influence of the series.

The details

The newsboy caps worn by the Peaky Blinders gang are historically accurate, based on the headwear of the real-life Birmingham criminal group that inspired the show. These floppy, eight-paneled caps differ from the more common flat-brimmed "paddy caps" or "golf caps." While the flat-brimmed style has long been popular, especially in cities with large Irish-American populations, the newsboy cap has become much more widespread thanks to Peaky Blinders.

  • Peaky Blinders premiered on BBC One in 2013.
  • The show's final season and a feature film adaptation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, were released in 2022 and 2026 respectively.
  • Fashion icon Anna Wintour recently stepped down as Vogue's editor-in-chief after over 30 years.

The players

Cillian Murphy

The Irish actor who stars as Tommy Shelby, the leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, in the acclaimed crime drama.

Anna Wintour

The long-time editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, who recently stepped down from her role.

Chloé Malle

The new editor-in-chief of Vogue, replacing Anna Wintour.

David Remnick

The host of The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, who interviewed Anna Wintour.

Carl Chinn

A Birmingham historian who provided insight into the real-life Peaky Blinders gang and their fashion.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I think fashion is always important. It's a question of self-expression and a statement about yourself... How boring would it be if everyone were wearing a dark suit and a white shirt all the time.”

— Anna Wintour, Former Editor-in-Chief, Vogue

“Those Peaky Blinders caps that the gang wears with razors stashed in the inside of their brims are real hats. They're called newsboy caps and were a fashion staple from the late-1800s to the 1930s.”

— Carl Chinn, Birmingham Historian

What’s next

The Peaky Blinders film adaptation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, is set to be released later this year, further expanding the franchise's cultural footprint.

The takeaway

Peaky Blinders has transcended its status as a mere TV show, becoming a cultural phenomenon that has revived interest in a forgotten fashion trend and demonstrated the enduring power of self-expression through style, even in tumultuous times.