Whether you are a fan of the fictional Gordon Gecko in Wall Street or more of a real-life kind of guy, rewatching Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street, one thing that you can’t deny is that the men knew how to dress. But it wasn’t about fashion. It was never about fashion. These men, and countless other nameless men who wore men’s suits in the 1980s, stumbled onto something more. The power suit was, of course, a part of the man’s wardrobe throughout the decade, but what started as a style staple quickly evolved into a statement. The power suit projected wealth, status, and authority. When you saw these men on the street, you wanted to follow them, learn from them, and become a Wolf of Wall Street in your own right.
Now, we’re seeing a return of the power suit. We are watching as men reclaim their authority, strive for their wealth, and become leaders before they even step out the door. But what is the cause? Why did they show back up? Or an even better question, did they ever truly leave? At the end of the day, this is about men reemerging from a pandemic and a general sense of uncertainty to take charge of their destinies, just as their fathers, grandfathers, and all the men of the past did. But like any men’s style arena, there are some guidelines you can follow to help you capture the past without looking outdated. We reached out to Alberto Gil, co-founder of Hockerty, to have him walk us through how to wear the 80s power suit four decades after its heyday.
“A power suit should still project authority, but in 2025, authority looks effortless rather than rigid. Made-to-measure construction lets you keep the gravitas and lose the stiffness—exactly where modern style is heading,” says Gil.
Why the Power Suit continues to stick around
As with any style that has endured for decades, the question of what keeps it around is always prevalent. For the power suit, it comes down to psychology —the feeling a man gets when he wears something stylishly strong. The man feels better about himself; he can accomplish anything. And others see him the same way. So, of course, it stuck around and is having a moment again. However, Gil believes there is something more behind it, and a specific aspect of the suit makes it a timeless staple.
“The double-breasted jacket has a built-in sense of command,” Gil says. “The overlapping fronts, broad peak lapels, and stronger shoulder line instantly create a V-shape that flatters almost every body. Add a century of cinematic and corporate iconography—from 1930s Hollywood to 1980s Wall Street—and it’s become shorthand for confidence. In other words, when you put one on, you’re tapping into a visual language everybody already understands.”
Basics for the double-breasted power suit
Starting at the beginning, what defines a power suit is what keeps it around. A double-breasted jacket, pleated pants, a cuffed hem – these are the basics of the look. For me, I have always preferred to keep it as Wall Street as possible, with a contrasted color dress shirt and a rep tie (sometimes called a power tie, quite fitting). And to continue honoring the men who came before me, I selected my late grandfather’s Armitron watch and gold cufflinks. When creating a vintage look, the men in your life likely already have what you need to complete it. Gil adds his own list of things to keep in mind for wearing it today.
“At Hockerty, we start from a made-to-measure block, so the usual ‘make sure it fits’ caveat is a given. Instead, focus on three practical points:
- Button etiquette. Fasten the anchor (the inside “jigger”) and the main outside button when you’re standing; undo them before you sit.
- Proportion. Mid-to-wide peak lapels (around 9–11 cm) balance today’s slightly fuller trousers and emphasise the torso.
- Personal ease. Whether you go for four or six buttons, soft flannel or airy linen, choose details that feel natural to you—confidence is the only non-negotiable accessory.”
Updating it for today
Finally, let’s talk about updating it for the modern man. We aren’t living in the old days of Wall Street. We are new-age men seeking new-age power and authority, and we aim to carve out our path towards that end. Updating your look is a way to practice emulation over imitation. For me, I selected a pair of TAFT dress shoes to stand out. While my grandfather or yours would have worn a pair of black wingtips to finish this look off in a grounded way, I honored the wingtip in my own way with something bearing a bit more personality. Gil has a few more ideas to help you look great today.
- Have it made for you, not the rack. A bespoke fit in a double-breasted coat instantly reads modern because so few men bother.
- Lighten the structure. Half-lined or unlined jackets in high-twist wool, flannel, or linen blends maintain an authoritative silhouette while keeping the feel relaxed.
- Play with tone. Charcoal, chocolate brown, or deep olive worn head-to-toe feels fresher than strict navy or black.
- Rethink the supporting cast. Swap the tie for a fine-gauge turtleneck in winter or a knitted polo in summer; pair it with sleek loafers or minimalist sneakers to transition the suit from the boardroom to the creative studio.
- Add one deliberate detail. Contrasting horn buttons, a contrasting handkerchief, or a personalised lining turn the suit from uniform into a statement.
The power suit is going to be your best friend when you are looking to find confidence and project authority. But that doesn’t mean you have to look outdated doing it. Instead, take these ideas from Alberto Gil, grab a Hockerty made-to-measure like this double-breasted gray pinstripe, and add in some vintage details from the men who paved the path before you. Before you know it, you’re going to embody the powerful man of 2025.
