What "Boardwalk Empire" Got Wrong (Menswear Expert's Review)

About this video

The Gentleman’s Gazette team examines the costume design and historical accuracy of menswear in the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” analyzing the clothing choices of major characters including Nucky Thompson, Jimmy Darmody, Chalky White, Richard Harrow, Gyp Rosetti, and Lucky Luciano. The team discusses what the show got right about 1920s fashion and where it took creative liberties, noting that while the costumes are visually engaging and well-designed, they often prioritize drama and style over strict period accuracy.

Key takeaways

• The Gazette team argues that Boardwalk Empire’s costume designer John Dunn drew inspiration from the Duke of Windsor’s bold, patterned style rather than historically accurate 1920s menswear, resulting in suits that are boxier and fuller than the era’s actual silhouettes
• The Gazette team notes several inaccuracies including modern trouser rises that are too low (historically high-rise was standard), tie lengths that are too long, and overuse of collar clips and pins compared to what men actually wore
• The Gazette team identifies Lucky Luciano as the best-dressed character for modern wearability, praising his understanding of color combinations with gray and blue palettes and his herringbone-striped suits inspired by J.C. Leyendecker illustrations
• The Gazette team observes that costume choices effectively reflect character development, particularly with Jimmy Darmody’s progression from poorly-fitting country wear to more refined gangster attire as his criminal status rises

Episode details: published August 23, 2021 · 48K views · 32:00 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The style guidance summarized here is the Gentleman’s Gazette team’s own teaching and opinion, presented for education; product recommendations are theirs, not ours. Summaries are written by Self Growth Videos from each video itself.

← Previous: Men’s Makeup: Should You Wear It? (Cosmetics How-To for Men) · Next: 9 Grooming Hacks for the Traveling Gentleman (+ TSA Tips!) →

All Gentleman’s Gazette videos · Gentleman’s Gazette profile · Gentleman’s Gazette (official site)