Struggling for sartorial inspiration? We hear you. Keeping your look fresh day after day, year after year, is no small feat, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself stuck in a style rut. If this sounds familiar, getting back on track could be as simple as turning on the telly and watching one of your favourite films.

Over the years, Hollywood has delivered its fair share of iconic menswear moments. Some of the most celebrated pieces of all time owe their status to a standout scene or their association with a particular actor. From Bond’s tuxedos to Brando’s leather jacket, the silver screen has long been a wellspring of inspiration for style-conscious men, elevating simple garments to legendary status.

Below, we count down some of the most influential menswear pieces from the world of film, with tips on incorporating them into your wardrobe.

Motorcycle Jacket: The Great Escape

It’s hard to pick just one item Steve McQueen made iconic, but the jacket from The Great Escape is a standout. In the film, McQueen wears a simple yet effortlessly cool A-2 flight jacket—a staple of World War II pilots that perfectly matched his rebellious charm. Crafted from durable leather with ribbed cuffs, a knit hem, and that unmistakable shirt-style collar, it was the ideal partner for his now-legendary motorcycle scenes.

While not quite built for breakouts from POW camps, the A-2 remains a menswear classic. Timeless, rugged, and brimming with McQueen’s indelible charisma, it’s proof that sometimes, less really is more.

The Tuxedo: James Bond

The tuxedo is James Bond’s enduring sartorial signature, evolving through decades of films while retaining its timeless appeal. From Sean Connery’s sharp tailoring to Daniel Craig’s sculpted silhouettes, Bond’s formalwear exemplifies sartorial finesse and offers lessons in tackling black-tie occasions.

Designers like Tom Ford and Brioni have updated the tux for Bond, meaning those with deep pockets can invest in something close to the real deal. For the rest of us, Bond’s style cues – classic cuts, clean details, and well-judged proportions – can guide us when visiting the tailor for a budget-friendly alternative.

Leather Biker Jacket: The Wild One

Marlon Brando’s leather jacket in The Wild One is far more than outerwear—it symbolises rebellion. With its cropped fit, asymmetrical zip, and silver hardware, the Schott Perfecto radiated rugged cool when Brando wore it as Johnny Strabler. Paired with a white T-shirt and jeans, it forged a look that defined counterculture style and mid-century menswear.

Today, the leather jacket remains a wardrobe cornerstone. While it’s been reworked by countless designers, the Perfecto stands as the original and, arguably, the best.

Style it with a crisp white T-shirt and denim for a look as timeless as it was 70 years ago.

Souvenir Jacket: Drive

A great film, an even better jacket. The scorpion souvenir jacket Ryan Gosling wore in Drive cemented its place in pop culture long before Gosling’s Barbie era. Made from quilted satin with an embroidered scorpion emblem, its clean design and bold detailing left a lasting impression.

If you’re drawn to this style, there’s no harm in taking inspiration. Souvenir jackets offer a solid alternative to bombers and blousons, delivering a similar cropped silhouette with a bit more personality. Leave the scorpion to Gosling, but embrace the jacket’s unique charm.

Classic Grey Suit: Mad Men

Don Draper’s grey suit in Mad Men captures the quiet confidence of 1960s tailoring. Its classic cut, notch lapels and two-button closure embodies mid-century business style at its finest. Paired with a crisp white shirt and silk tie, it conveys authority without ostentation.

Draper’s suits remind us that timeless tailoring hinges on fit and simplicity. So, next time you dress for a formal occasion, channel Draper by opting for classic proportions and ditching overly cropped or skinny trousers. Classic cuts outlast fleeting trends every time.

Aviator Jacket: Top Gun

The G-1 flight jacket Tom Cruise wore in Top Gun has soared into the pantheon of iconic menswear. Made from soft leather with a fur-lined collar, it strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement. Its patches add authenticity, reflecting the character’s naval aviation background.

Flight jackets are enjoying a resurgence, making now an ideal time to invest. While they’re a considered purchase, their durability and timeless appeal make them worth the expense. With care, this is outerwear that will last a lifetime.

Shearling Coat: Blade Runner 2049

Ryan Gosling’s shearling coat in Blade Runner 2049 might have been set in a dystopian future, but it’s firmly rooted in timeless style. The oversized collar and muted tones create a commanding silhouette, while the rugged design reflects its tough, futuristic setting.

While a full-length shearling coat might not be practical for everyday wear, its relaxed, loose fit and bold design offer inspiration for modern outerwear. Opt for a shorter, more versatile version to add drama and warmth to your wardrobe.

Harrington Jacket: Rebel Without a Cause

James Dean’s red Harrington jacket in Rebel Without a Cause epitomises 1950s rebellion. Its lightweight build, cropped silhouette, and bold colour turned it into a mid-century icon alongside Brando’s leather jacket.

The Harrington’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. Pair it with straight-leg jeans, a white T-shirt, and suede chukkas for a look that’s as fresh today as it was 70 years ago.

Tweed Tailoring: Peaky Blinders

The tweed suits in Peaky Blinders revitalised heritage menswear with their high-waisted trousers, wide lapels, and textured fabrics. Pocket watches, collar pins and flat caps added period flair, creating a sharp yet authentic aesthetic.

While head-to-toe tweed might feel overkill, the show highlights the power of textures in tailoring. Ditch flat worsted wool in favour of something more tactile for a tailored look with added depth and character.