You’ll rarely catch Tom Hiddleston wearing anything wild. Forget the oversized jeans, baggy tees and accessories, the Brit sticks to a more refined palette, and you often wouldn’t know if he’s going out to lunch or just been on the red carpet.
He prefers the sharper side of fashion, polo shirts, patterned suits, corduroy jackets, and it’s his attention to some simple dress laws that keep the man looking sharp and perfectly well put together.
Here’s what you can learn from Tom Hiddleston’s style.
Wear a knitted polo shirt with your suit
Tom Hiddleston Knitted Polo Shirt with a Suit / Gentleman’s Journal
The first time you swap a shirt and tie for a knitted polo under a suit, it will feel a bit strange. Hiddleston does this a lot, usually in navy or cream. The fabric has texture, the collar sits neatly, and suddenly the suit feels less corporate and more like something you could wear out for dinner or to an event.
If you want one small change that’ll make your suits feel less like uniforms and more like something you enjoy wearing, this is it.
Velvet dinner suits
Velvet is dangerous if you don’t respect it. It’s one of those fabrics that can turn costume-party rather quickly. Hiddleston wears them with warmth and weight, sticking to darker colours, which executes the look perfectly. Above he’s styled in a Ralph Lauren double-breasted velvet suit for the 2023 Evening Standard Theatre Awards in London.
Single or double breasted is ok, shawl lapel, and a dark, neutral colour. If you’re going to wear something bold, wear it like it’s the most natural thing in your closet.
A classic polo
You want a break from thinking too hard about what to wear? Start with a polo. Pick one with a clean collar, soft cotton, and a bit of room through the shoulders. Hiddleston wears them properly, tucked in, sleeves fitting right, and neutral colours like white, tan.
The classic polo is a powerful component of any wardrobe because they’re so versatile, going with nearly anything. Jeans, trousers, under a blazer, they never look out of place.
Corduroy suit flair
Tom Hiddleston Corduroy Suit / GQ
Corduroy has baggage. Most men hear the word and picture something boxy and beige from a charity shop. But finding a tailored, deep coloured corduroy jacket will be one of the best things you do. Hiddleston goes a step further, wearing full cord suits in forest green, brown and burgundy with cropped trousers, a fine jumper underneath, and brown suede boots to finish.
A feeling of nostalgic authenticity you’ll enjoy to having.
Suede shoes
Tom Hiddleston Suede Shoes / Gentleman’s Journal
Suede is a type of leather with a fuzzy-type finish to them. It’s a great option for when standard brown or black leather becomes clichéd, and Hiddleston is regularly seen wearing a pair. Desert boots, Chelsea boots, loafers, either one is perfect depending on the setting.
It’s low key, and a well made suede can elevate a look a little more than black leather can.
Classic denim jeans
If there’s one thing we all should own by now, it’s a pair of jeans that fit like they were made for us. Avoid spray-on tight, and overly baggy, and opt for a solid, straight-cut, mid rise denim. They’re versatile and will go with almost any shirt you pick.
Hiddleston wears his with everything, polos, button-ups, jackets. It’s always clean.
A good pair of well-fitting jeans will set the tone for the rest of your outfit.
Patterned suits
Most patterned suits are a gamble. Too much going on, and you end up looking like a furniture showroom. But take notes from the ‘Loki’ Actors’ approach, who channels his inner Brit when it comes to patterned suits.
He keeps everything else simple, like a white shirt, no tie, quiet shoes, and lets the pattern of the suit be the standout.