If you’ve ever seen Taboo, you’ll understand. A look inspired by James Delaney It’s hard to forget. Played by Tom Hardy, he has a quiet strength that draws you in from the first scene. There is no doubt that he is very intimidating, but a large part of that influence is in his attire.
parallel black coat. tall black hat. heavy boots. dark-colored gloves. That’s it. No colors, no decorations, no flashy things. And somehow it’s one of the most dominant looks in TV’s history. Ever since the show came out, people have been trying to copy James Delaney’s costumes. This blog will show you exactly how to do it.
First, a brief background on the show and characters.
Taboo is set in London in 1814. James Delaney has returned from Africa after being missing for more than a decade. Everyone thought he was dead. He returns to take over what his deceased father left behind, but soon those in power want him gone.
The world he enters is dirty and dangerous, with dark Victorian men’s clothing. This is not the clean, polite London you imagine from history books. This is the dock. Mud, fog, crime, and money moved by dirty hands. And Delaney fits perfectly into that world, not because he fits in, but because his presence fills every room he enters.
The costumes are also designed to match that worldview. The show’s production team made a clear choice to move him away from the flashy customized look favored by other period dramas. No bright colors, no silk cravat, no sophisticated gentlemanly energy. Only black, heavy, worn-out clothes, as if they had been through something.
why is everything black
This is worth discussing because it’s more than just a style choice. In London in 1814, it was meaningful for men to wear all black. It was the color of mourning. That was what the priest wore. It was worn by people on the margins of society. Respectable gentlemen of the time actually wore quite a few colors: brown, navy, dark green, and burgundy. All black was unusual and I was a little nervous.
Delaney Wear it like a statement. He is sad, dangerous, and does not belong to polite society. His clothes say it all before he even opens his mouth. That’s why James Delaney’s costumes feel so powerful. Every part is doing its job.
Court: Start here
The coat is the most important item. When people talk about Taboo Tom Hardy Black Coat, this is the first thing that comes to mind. That’s no surprise. Because it’s extraordinary.
A long double-breasted black wool coat. It goes below the knee, almost to the ankle. The collar has a wide lapel style, so it can be worn either out in the wind or lying down. The sleeves are full length with open cuffs. There are side pockets on the waist. The inside has a soft lining. The shoulders are structured to provide a snug, non-constricting fit across the chest and torso.
what’s under the coat
While the coat draws most of the attention, the layers underneath are extremely important. These are what give structure to the outfit when the coat is opened.
shirt
Delaney wears a slim, dark-colored shirt with a high collar. Collars were important during the Regency period. Gentlemen usually wore them highly starched and finished with a cravat. Delaney skips the cravat altogether, which was unusual for the time. A slim-fitting dark shirt with a pointed collar is a great way to recreate this look. No logos, embroidery or extra details. Please keep it simple.
waistcoat
It’s a layer between a shirt and a coat, and Delaney actually wears two of them in various combinations throughout the series. Slim fit and dark color. The screen version was made from a blend of rayon and polyester.
At the time, waistcoats were one of the few ways men could express their individuality. Patterned fabrics, bright colors, and interesting textures were all common choices. Delaney clearly doesn’t want that. His waistcoat is as dark and plain as the others.
pants
Straight cut, dark colored, and slightly higher at the waist than what most men wear today. Depending on the occasion, you’ll see a drop-front style with lace detailing on the outside of the calf. This was a common feature of working class and military dress around 1814. For a modern look, clean-cut, straight-leg dark pants are perfect.
Accessories: hat, boots, gloves
top hat
This is the second most popular item after the coat. Delaney wears a tall tapered stovepipe top hat It is made of black felt and has a crown that measures approximately 6 inches tall. It tapers slightly toward the top and rests on a flat brim, giving it a sharp, unmistakable shape. In London in 1814, this style was the standard for men.
boots
Knee-length black captain-style long boots. Round toe, flat sole, no heel. The top is folded over or slightly buckled. These work shoes are made for people who walk on wet docks and rough ground. By 1814, this style of wearing long boots over trousers had become completely normal streetwear in London, especially around the docks and in working-class areas.
gloves
Simple black leather gloves that fit snugly on your hands. Made from soft lambskin leather. No buckles, no extra stitching, no designs. It looks simple and clean.
How to wear this look today without looking like you’re wearing a costume
I know that most of you reading this don’t go to cosplay events. They simply like the look and want to incorporate some version of it into real life. The good news is that this is actually one of the easiest times to modernize because everything is built on the basics.
A coat is a piece that is worth investing in properly. a Long wool overcoat, black or deep charcoal for a modern look. For everyday wear, a dark-fitting turtleneck is a good alternative to traditional shirts and waistcoats. Keep it clean and balanced by pairing it with slim dark pants or straight-leg black jeans.
Finish with boots that give you the same sharp edge as the original or simple black lace-up leather boots.
A top hat is a dress that requires a lot of attention. If you wear it, wear it with confidence. All rules are simple. There are no colors, no decorative details, no accessories to make itself stand out. Delaney’s look is all about presence, not decoration.
conclusion
There’s something more to James Delaney’s costumes than just looking cool on screen. It taps into something that many men respond to: the idea of meaningful clothing. All works have a reason for being there. Nothing goes to waste. 19th century men’s fashion style is about more than just looking good.
The coat is protection. The hat is authority. Boots are practical. An all-black palette sends a clear message and gives the impression of a man who doesn’t seek or need approval.
FAQ
1. How can I dress like Taboo James Delaney in everyday life?
Keep it simple: a long black wool coat, dark slim pants and a simple shirt.
2. What are the key elements of James Delaney’s costume?
Important items include a long black coat, a slim dark shirt, a waistcoat, straight pants, black boots, a black felt hat, and fitted black leather gloves.
3. Why is the all-black look so important to this style?
All black conveys authority, seriousness, and presence.
Source: The Western Blog – www.thewesternoutfitters.com
