Don Draper's Iconic Look
Whether Don Draper, the protagonist of 'Mad Men', enters the office of advertising agency Sterling Cooper on Madison Avenue in New York, or whether he's on a Hawaiian beach vacation, his outfit is immaculate. Tight-fitted suit, crisp white shirt and a tie with a perfect knot. And of course, when he's moving through the crowds of New York, he's wearing a Feodora felt hat, as was the custom in the 1960s. Naturally, the brim slightly folded down, following his eyebrows for an ultra-penetrating gaze.
And it was precisely the costumes worn by actor Jon Hamm for the complete 92 episodes of the TV series 'Mad Men', which ran for seven seasons from 2007 to 2015, that were key to the show’s unprecedented success. In 1960s America, it was practically a requirement for big-city office workers to arrive at work in a classy, tight-fitting suit, white shirt and tie. But Don Draper doesn't just settle for the classic plain suits. He stands out from the crowd and shows a bit of tailored daring with jackets and trousers with multiple colors woven into the fabric. And often even with patterns and checks. But not too much. Because from a distance, the jackets often look quite classic.
Minimalist and Conservative
That said, his workwear is in a style that can best be described as minimalist and conservative. His accessories are also on the simple but expressive side: a plain tie, cufflinks, the occasional tie pin, a Rolex watch - and, of course, a cigarette and a glass of whiskey.
But Don Draper's looks sparked a revival of young men's interest in clothing of exceptional quality. And preferably tailored. A sharp contrast to the cargo pants and casual wear of the 90s.
In 'Mad Men', Don Draper's costumes served as his shield against the world. More importantly, they reflected both his professional and financial success. It seems that his carefully tailored suits gave him the right amount of mystery and anonymity to move safely through the world.
But as the years went by, his clothing choices took a more outgoing turn. Like in an episode in the fifth season, when he shows up to a company party in a checkered sports jacket. Or when in an episode in Hawaii, he is dressed in a green plaid jacket and white pants. But the conservative and stylish alternative remained the preferred choice when Don Draper went out: the immaculate tuxedo. Black, white shirt and a precisely tied bow tie.
In some ways, 'Mad Men' has done more for men's fashion than many fashion magazines. At least if you're a fan of clothing styles from before the decline of etiquette. Back when men didn't step out a door without a hat.
WEAR IT LIKE DON DRAPER
We have gone through our product range and matched it to some of Jon Hamm's iconic looks.
Classic Mad Men
In the role of advertising executive Don Draper, Jon Hamm is a modern style icon. Suits and pants have sharp lines. In the 1960s, workwear was anything but baggy. A man should look like he was made for the clothes. Not the other way around.
The white shirt
Don Draper wouldn't dream of showing up to work in anything other than a perfectly pressed, crisp white shirt. The only deviation is the patterned tie - preferably in a bold color.
Embrace the colors
Although Don Draper's work outfit consists of dark or charcoal gray suits, he was certainly not afraid of colors. A sports jacket with a light blue tint and light-colored pants. And of course, a tie that completes the well-dressed man.
Casual Wear
Actor Jon Hamm is from a different era where it's not necessary to wear either a hat or a tie to go outside of the home's four walls. Here he is in chinos and a navy blue windbreaker.
The elegant outfit
Jon Hamm is of course often found at more formal events, where he likes to appear with the same style and class as Don Draper in Mad Men. Here he is in a classic light gray, slim-fit checkered suit, white shirt, and dark tie.
Incognito
Short jacket, an extremely casual shirt, and chinos. With a pair of stylish sunglasses, Jon Hamm is ready for a night out - completely incognito.
The text is translated by Pernille Kaufmann. See more here
