The Most Iconic Menswear Accessories in Film and Television
Explore these unforgettable finishing touches that defined the iconic characters and the people behind them
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- Costume designers use specific eyewear, hats, or timepieces to signal status, power, or mystery.
- Legendary screen pieces frequently cross over into the real world to ignite major global style trends.
- The meticulous choice of an accessory helps filmmakers communicate narrative depth without relying on dialogue.
The seven best menswear accessories
Premium accessories define a character’s style and visual edge. Filmmakers use these curated touches to anchor the identities of screen legends, blending tactile grit with cinematic presence. These statement pieces act as essential armor for heroes and villains who command attention.
On-screen accessories are deliberate storytelling tools. By using structured hats, iconic sunglasses, or signature watches, creators signal a character’s history and mindset. These tailored pieces eventually transcend their scripts to influence global luxury menswear.
These iconic pieces persist due to their adaptability to street style. Long after filming, enthusiasts replicate that cinematic energy using specific brands and materials, cementing the aesthetic legacy of film and television.
1. Humphrey Bogart’s Borsalino Fedora (Casablanca, 1942)
This classic wool-felt fedora introduced sharp, mid-century noir style to the mainstream silver screen. It established a timeless aesthetic for the cynical romantic hero, combining a perfectly snapped brim with a shadow-casting crown that birthed modern cinematic mystery.
2. Sean Connery’s Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 (Dr. No, 1962)
This legendary dive watch became an irreplaceable element of James Bond’s early tactical silhouette. Worn on an undersized fabric strap, it instantly projected a rugged history of elite underwater military service, combined with peak British secret-agent sophistication.
3. Steve McQueen’s Persol 714 Sunglasses (The Thomas Crown Affair, 1968)
These folding tortoiseshell shades perfectly captured McQueen’s cold, imposing, and completely effortless real-world coolness. Packed with distinct blue lenses and a unique folding design, this elegant accessory defined the peak era of wealthy, rebellious 1960s luxury style.
4. Al Pacino’s Carrera Aircraft Sunglasses (Scarface, 1983)
Tony Montana’s aggressive rise to power found its visual anchor in a pair of oversized, white-framed aviator sunglasses. The loud, opulent piece brilliantly mirrored his chaotic ambition, instantly setting him apart from the traditional criminal underworld surrounding him.
5. Bryan Cranston’s Pork Pie Hat (Breaking Bad, 2008)
Walter White’s transition into his dark alter ego, Heisenberg, completely relied on a structured, black felt pork pie hat. This simple addition transformed an unassuming teacher into a menacing, calculated kingpin silhouette that defined modern prestige television style.
6. Jon Hamm’s Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual (Mad Men, 2010)
Don Draper’s vintage luxury timepiece offers a masterclass in functional, mid-century corporate costume design. Its clean champagne dial and gold finish tell a silent story of hard-earned Madison Avenue success, bringing a grounded executive texture to the screen.
7. Cillian Murphy’s Newsboy Cap (Peaky Blinders, 2013)
Tommy Shelby’s rugged wool newsboy cap highlighted his deep ties to working-class heritage and industrial gang style. The structured, heavy fabric piece perfectly framed his cold expressions and intense tactical focus, adding a sharp historical edge to his signature look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bogart wore an authentic Italian Borsalino fedora, which became the definitive global benchmark for classic gentleman’s headwear.
Production allegedly couldn’t find a proper fitting strap in time, creating an accidental, legendary style statement among watch enthusiasts.
Yes, Persol still manufactures the 714 model, often releasing special editions dedicated to McQueen’s enduring style legacy.
The hat was chosen to protect Bryan Cranston’s shaved head from the sun while instantly giving him an intimidating silhouette.
Yes, British heritage brands like Garrison Tailors produce screen-accurate wool caps inspired directly by the hit television series.
