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The Suits from ‘Kingsman’
January 2015 saw the release of Kingsman: The Secret Service. This action/comedy is about a fictional Savile Row tailor that secretly houses the headquarters of an elite spy force.
The story was inspired by director Matthew Vaughn’s own experiences of buying a bespoke suit on Savile Row. During the process, he daydreamed about pulling on a hook on one of the walls, opening a secret door.
The heritage of the English gentleman spy extends way beyond Bond – to Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (also starring Colin Firth), The Ipcress File (also starring Michael Caine!), The Avengers and The Saint. By focusing his plot on the quintessentially sartorial super-sleuth, Vaughn has seen an excellent opportunity to outfit his cast in some extremely sharp suits.
What has most impressed us, here at King & Allen, is Vaughn’s insistence that the cast is decked in double-breasted suits throughout the film – when the single breasted option is so much more popular (in the off-the-peg world, at least). Vaughn has pulled off this bold move with great aplomb, and as a result, the film is brimming with visual elegance.
Below, we break down a few of our favourite suits from Kingsman…
Our Favourite Suits from Kingsman: The Secret Service
The Monochromatic Business Suit
The double-breasted suits in the film are predominantly 6×2. Colin Firth’s suit, here, is a lovely example of a light grey worsted.
This is the most monochromatic of the suits from Kingsman. Simple and understated; this a lovely example of a simple, conservative business suit. Below, you can see an example of a similar suit we have tailored.
The Self-Stripe Power Suit
Later, Colin Firth’s character, Harry Hart, sports a much bolder combination: a broad self-stripe matched with a club tie. This is a fantastic example of business power dressing. The double-breasted cut only serves to complement the sense of boardroom armour. Note that this suit has a boutonniere (buttonhole) on both lapels – a lovely bespoke touch.
Below, you can see a similar one by King & Allen...
The Classic Dinner Suit
Onto eveningwear now, and above is a classic shawl lapel – paired with a splendid bow tie and white pocket square. Below is a classic dinner jacket by King & Allen, similar to the one worn by Colin Firth.
The Windowpane Check Suit
An actor who always cuts a dash both on and off screen is Michael Caine. His role as the head of the Kingsmen has allowed him to really stand out.
The veteran actor looked resplendent in a grey double-breasted suit with yellow windowpane check and milled finish on the cloth (a much more English way of finishing cloth).
Eggsy's Transformation
Shakespeare once wrote “Clothes make the man” – and if a film were ever able to prove this adage it’s Kingsman. The main protagonist of the film is ‘Eggsy’ (played by Taron Egerton) – a delinquent who Harry Hart’s character takes under his wing.
The transformation is extraordinary, with the help of a splendid chalk stripe, a classic club tie, a pair of glasses and an ice white pocket square.
Note the “roped sleeve head” – another nod to the traditional British bespoke suit.
Want to wear a Kingsman Suit?
King & Allen offer bespoke versions of all these suits, with no extra charge for double breasted, roped sleeve heads, double boutonnières or any of the extras you may have spotted.