How to get the mafia look

Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:23 Monday, 26 October 2009 01:43

Uncle Lugi just got knocked off by you and now you get to play at being the Don of your family, who it must be said, also happens to be one of the biggest crime syndicates in Eastern America. Shaking down business owners for protection money,  producing mass counterfeit goods and laundering money comes as second nature. But fashion advice you could do with. Let us help. Here's how to get the mafia look.

Before we get into detail there are some points worth noting. The first is the cost of the clothing. Money is no object and the mafia look is expensive. Only the best will do. Remember, you got more money than you can reasonably launder through Johnny's scrap metal yard so spending it on luxury items is a rational thing to do. Plus it's a family tradition, and bringing down the family's reputation is not something you want to do. So spend, spend, spend. Never ask for the price of  what you buy - if it looks good, feels comfortable and can not be beaten then just pay the man. In cash. With non-sequential notes.

Hat.

The hat is not essential but it's as well have one anyway. The 'Godfather' or homburg hat was made famous by mafia movies and evokes a style of the 1920's. Rappers have started bringing this style back since the nineties, but in our opinion best leave the hat out of the mafia style unless you are an older gentleman.

Jewellery

Gold or Silver is acceptable. Jewellery should be sophisticated rather than brash. One necklace, one bracelet and one ring - all  matching. As a practical matter, ensure your ring has a slight sharp point to aid in 'defence.' Chains should generally be  adorned with a crucifix, while bracelets should be of the chain style.

Watch

Only analogue watches should be worn. Chronology watches may also be worn. Expensive is the quality most admired in a mafia  watch so plump for Rolex. If you want to keep in fashion, select a black watch. Silver would be the sharpest colour in a watch  and oversized watches can be used so long as the expensive rule has been adhered to. Bezel Rolex Datejust is just such a  watch and retails for around $2,800.

Coat

As you'll be working lots of nights a coat is essential. You can buy a trench coat for more 'manual' labour like  overseeing the loading of goods. For meetings and social occasions a wool overcoat that extends past the knees is required.  This one from Burberry is made of wool with a velvet collar is a perfect example ($1,5557)

Suit

The suit is of utmost importance in the mafia look. It should of course be tailor made and not purchased from the cheap n' cheerful end-of-line rack. Dark colours are more appropriate, but white can be worn for court appearances or when is it  desirable to mark oneself out from the crowd. It is essential that the cut is Italian - that means streamlined suits, higher arm holes and tailoring that fits the wearer's body perfectly.

Haircut

Hair should be neat and tidy and cut every week. Avoid shaven or long hair if you progress anywhere past the first ranks of the mafia. Short back and sides would be the standard look. Longer hair should gelled in place, in a slickback if possible.

Shirt

If in doubt stick with white. It should be spotlessly clean, ironed and starched. Pay close attention to starching the  collar. For the mafia look, pick shirts with broad collars and a close tie area (i.e. the gap for the tie should be narrow).  Contrast shirts, those with a different colour collar to the shirt, may also be worn. Care should be taken that the shirt,  tie and suit match perfectly. If you wear a contrast shirt, select a larger tie knot (see below). Shirt cuffs should extend 2cm past the suit sleeves and be adorned with silver or gold cuff links.

Tie

The tie should be subtle and narrow. Black should be worn when on official business, otherwise you are free to mix colours.  Avoid large knots unless wearing the contrast shirt. All ties should be silk.

Gloves

Leather gloves should be acquired. They should be comfortable to wear with the ability to freely move the fingers around the trigger of a gun. Leather is also excellent as it leaves the least amount of forensic evidence behind at crime scenes.

Shoes

Only black shoes should be worn. A slight point on the shoe is welcome. Shoes should be highly polished. Select shoes with  rubber soles for stealth during 'business' operations.

Shades.

Only black. Aviator or similar style may be worn and the frame should be metal. Avoid plastic, wrap around shades.