Introduction

Cillian Murphy has a rare ability to shape-shift between characters, inhabiting roles that feel as distinct as they are intense. Known for his sharp, chiseled features and piercing gaze, Murphy has gained a reputation not only as a transformative actor but also as an inadvertent style icon. His roles are memorable for their depth, but they’re also elevated by the meticulously crafted costumes that bring them to life. From gritty crime lords to troubled dreamers, Murphy’s characters are unforgettable, in part due to the stylish, unique costumes that have left a mark on men’s fashion, bridging the divide between screen and street. His career is a testament to the power of costume design in film, showing how clothing choices can shape a character as much as their dialogue and actions.

The Power of Costume in Character Building

Costume design is not just about dressing an actor; it’s about embodying the soul of a character, a task that Murphy has embraced alongside numerous talented costume designers. Through collaborations with designers like Stephanie Collie (Peaky Blinders) and Lindy Hemming (The Dark Knight), Murphy has developed a wardrobe of characters that each have a unique style language, giving audiences visual cues that enhance their understanding of who they are. In Peaky Blinders, for instance, his wardrobe of austere, tailored suits and his signature flat cap aren’t just stylish—they’re tools that express Tommy Shelby’s ruthlessness, his heritage, and his iron-clad self-discipline.

Murphy’s dedication to character integrity is reflected in these collaborations, where he and the costume designers work hand-in-hand to find the perfect sartorial language. For Murphy, a costume isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of his transformation. By donning the layers of a character’s world—whether it’s a meticulously tailored suit or a rough-edged coat—Murphy begins to understand the psychology of the role, building not only the way his character moves but also how they command space and attention. This commitment to wardrobe as an extension of personality has allowed him to craft characters that resonate with viewers on a visceral, stylish level.

Iconic Costumes in Cillian Murphy’s Most Memorable Roles

Peaky Blinders: Tommy Shelby’s Classic Suit and Signature Cap

The cultural phenomenon of Peaky Blinders owes much of its allure to Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, a character who has become as iconic as his wardrobe. The design of Shelby’s clothing—a mix of period-authentic tailoring and timeless masculinity—creates a character who feels grounded in his era yet relevant in today’s world. The flat cap, an emblem of working-class England, has become Shelby’s crown, symbolic of his loyalty to his roots. Murphy’s penchant for wearing suits in earthy tones, paired with high-collared shirts, completes the look, rendering Shelby a formidable presence whose elegance is as sharp as his demeanor.

Shelby’s costume is more than historical accuracy; it’s a statement. Every stitch, every piece of fabric speaks to his character’s controlled, brooding nature. Costume designer Stephanie Collie worked to ensure that each element, from the pocket watch chain to the sturdy boots, played a role in establishing Shelby’s dual nature—a brutal, unyielding leader who never sacrifices an inch of his dignity.

Inception: Dom Cobb’s Modern Suit and Sleek Silhouettes

In Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller Inception, Murphy plays Robert Fischer, a man embroiled in a web of dreams within dreams. Although Fischer’s screen time is limited, his wardrobe reflects the corporate, controlled life that Cobb seeks to infiltrate. Dressed in slick, well-fitted suits, Fischer epitomizes the high-stakes, high-pressure world of finance and business. Murphy’s precise, subdued wardrobe in Inception serves as a blank canvas, mirroring the mental maze in which his character is ensnared.

Nolan and costume designer Jeffrey Kurland envisioned Fischer’s look as one that speaks to his control, his elegance, and the power he wields, a look that Murphy embodies effortlessly. Inception’s costume choices are both subtle and compelling, accentuating the dreamlike, out-of-reach nature of Fischer’s world, yet grounding Murphy’s character in a visual reality that audiences can relate to.

The Dark Knight: Jonathan Crane’s Sinister Simplicity

Murphy’s performance as Dr. Jonathan Crane, a.k.a. Scarecrow, in The Dark Knight trilogy leans toward the darker, minimalist side of fashion. His character is defined by eerie restraint, dressed in no-nonsense dark suits that make him appear more sinister. With muted tones and clean lines, Murphy’s wardrobe as Crane captures the essence of a man hiding behind his intelligence and clinical detachment.

The costume design here becomes a vessel for Crane’s controlled madness. Murphy’s sleek, unassuming clothing conceals the madness within, a stark reminder that appearances can be deceptive. The lack of color and texture is no accident—designer Lindy Hemming wanted to emphasize that Crane is a character whose evil lies just below the surface. Murphy’s intense performance, combined with the stripped-down simplicity of his costume, creates a haunting effect that leaves a lasting impression.

Influence on Men’s Fashion Trends

Murphy’s on-screen style has transcended film, entering the world of men’s fashion in a way few actors can claim. Peaky Blinders, in particular, has ignited a revival of 1920s-inspired menswear, with men around the world adopting the style of three-piece suits, flat caps, and rugged overcoats. The show has single-handedly brought back classic tailoring, woolen textures, and traditional British fashion, leading to a resurgence in vintage menswear shops and bespoke tailoring services.

Tommy Shelby’s suits, with their strong shoulders and fitted waists, have become synonymous with a certain kind of man—a man who is both elegant and unafraid to get his hands dirty. This look has become a staple in men’s fashion, as modern designers embrace the structure, masculinity, and heritage elements of 1920s fashion. Retailers have picked up on this trend, filling stores with flat caps, tweed suits, and classic tailoring options that pay homage to the gritty sophistication of Peaky Blinders.

Fashion Beyond the Screen: Inspiring Designers and Fans

The impact of Murphy’s roles extends beyond high fashion to streetwear, where fans have adopted his film-inspired looks in their daily lives. The Tommy Shelby aesthetic, in particular, has become a cultural statement, with fans taking cues from his character’s wardrobe to build their own style. From weddings to everyday street fashion, men are adopting the Shelby look as a way of embodying confidence, discipline, and a touch of rebellion.

Designers, too, have taken note of Murphy’s influence. Brands have released entire collections inspired by his characters, capturing the essence of Peaky Blinders’ gritty glamour and even the sleek, modernity seen in his roles in Inception and The Dark Knight. The Tommy Shelby aesthetic has inspired lines of tailored menswear, with designers looking to recreate the era-defining pieces that have left a mark on contemporary style.

Why Cillian Murphy’s Style Matters

Murphy’s characters challenge traditional boundaries in both film and fashion, embodying personas that are as powerful in their visual language as they are in their story arcs. His approach to costume as an extension of character makes him not just a talented actor but a cultural trendsetter. When Murphy steps into the role of a character, he transforms, but so does his clothing—each item worn with an intentionality that has made him an unexpected style icon.

Costume designers and audiences alike appreciate the thought and care that Murphy brings to his wardrobe, demonstrating how film can shape our perception of style and inspire fashion beyond the confines of the screen. Murphy’s characters don’t simply exist in a world; they shape it, pushing the boundaries of how masculinity, elegance, and strength are perceived in contemporary fashion.

Conclusion

Cillian Murphy’s influence on fashion through his roles is undeniable. With characters that are carefully constructed, not only through performance but also through costume, he has set the stage for a new kind of sartorial inspiration. Whether it’s Tommy Shelby’s tailored three-piece suits or Robert Fischer’s sleek, corporate armor, Murphy’s characters have left an indelible mark on men’s fashion. They continue to inspire designers, captivate fans, and bring to life a style that feels both timeless and revolutionary. Murphy’s career reminds us that film costume design is an art form, one that shapes not only the characters on screen but also the wardrobes of audiences around the world.