The Mod movement has produced some of the most enduring style icons in British cultural history. From the original sharp-suited pioneers of the 1960s to contemporary tastemakers carrying the torch forward, these sartorial heroes have provided endless inspiration for those looking to capture that distinctive blend of precision, attitude, and flair.
The Original Modernists: 1960s Style Icons
The Small Faces
Few bands embodied the Mod aesthetic more completely than Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenny Jones, and Jimmy Winston. With their perfectly tailored suits, crisp shirts with button-down collars, and slim ties, The Small Faces crafted a look as tight and polished as their musical harmonies. Steve Marriott, in particular, became a style beacon with his immaculately cut suits and characteristic swagger.
What to borrow from their look: The commitment to tailoring and proportion. The Small Faces understood that even the most basic Mod staples gained distinction through perfect fit and subtle details. Our collection of Mod suits and jackets captures this ethos of precision without pretension.
Paul Weller in The Jam
Though The Jam would reach their commercial peak in the late 1970s, Paul Weller's style journey began in the 1960s Mod scene, where he absorbed the influences that would later define his iconic look. Even in those early days, Weller's sharp tonic suits, slim ties, and perfectly styled hair established him as someone who thoroughly understood the codes of Mod fashion.
What to borrow from his look: The ability to blend classic elements with contemporary edge. Weller never looked like he was wearing a costume, instead bringing personal flair to traditional pieces. Our range of Mod shirts allows for similar personal interpretation of classic designs.
The Who
While often associated with more flamboyant rock styles in their later career, The Who's early look was quintessentially Mod. Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon embraced the clean lines, sharp silhouettes, and distinctive details that defined the movement. Their stage attire frequently featured tailored suits, Chelsea boots, and the iconic target symbol that became synonymous with Mod culture.
What to borrow from their look: The confidence to merge smart tailoring with rockstar attitude. The Who demonstrated that Mod style could be both sophisticated and rebellious, a balance that remains appealing today. Our polo shirts and knitted polos offer the perfect canvas for this smart-casual balance.
The Revival: Late 1970s and 1980s Icons
Paul Weller (Again!)
Deserving of a second mention, Weller's evolution from The Jam through to his Style Council period saw him refine his Mod aesthetic for a new era. His signature looks included sharp Sta-press trousers, Harrington jackets, and carefully selected footwear. Weller's ability to maintain Mod principles whilst adapting to changing times cements his status as perhaps the movement's most enduring style icon.
What to borrow from his look: The art of evolution without compromise. Weller showed that Mod style could move with the times without sacrificing its essential character. Our collection of Harrington jackets includes both classic styles and contemporary interpretations that capture this spirit.
The Jam
Beyond Weller, the entire Jam aesthetic deserves recognition. Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler completed a trio that brought Mod fashion roaring back into the mainstream. Their uniform of slim black suits, white shirts, skinny ties, and Weller's famous Jam shoes created an instantly recognisable look that inspired countless fans to adopt similar style principles.
What to borrow from their look: The power of a signature item. The Jam created a distinctive silhouette that became instantly recognisable, built around key pieces that stood the test of time. Our collection of Jam shoes pays direct homage to this influential band's footwear preferences.
Madness
Though often categorised as a Ska band, Madness incorporated significant Mod influences into their distinctive style. Crombie coats, pork pie hats, loafers, and braces defined their look, creating a smart yet playful aesthetic that resonated with young Brits during the 2-Tone era. Their ability to blend Mod elements with other subcultural influences created something fresh yet respectful of tradition.
What to borrow from their look: The freedom to mix and match influences. Madness showed that Mod could be part of a broader stylistic conversation rather than an isolated aesthetic. Our range of Madness t-shirts and clothing celebrates this beloved band's contribution to British style.
Modern Mod: Contemporary Style Icons
Miles Kane
As co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets and a successful solo artist, Miles Kane has established himself as a modern Mod icon. His wardrobe of slim-cut suits, Chelsea boots, and vintage-inspired knitwear offers a masterclass in contemporary Mod style. Kane's look manages to be both retro and thoroughly modern, demonstrating the continued relevance of Mod principles in today's fashion landscape.
What to borrow from his look: The bold use of pattern and texture. Kane frequently incorporates distinctive patterns and rich textures into his wardrobe, creating visual interest within the controlled Mod silhouette. Our selection of paisley shirts and textured knitwear allows for similar experimentation.
Bradley Wiggins
Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins brought Mod style to the world of professional cycling. His off-bike wardrobe features Harrington jackets, polos, slim trousers, and Chelsea boots, while his distinctive mod haircut and sideburns became something of a signature. Wiggins' love for the scooter-riding culture associated with Mod fashion completes his authentic devotion to the style.
What to borrow from his look: The commitment to a lifestyle rather than just a fashion choice. Wiggins exemplifies how Mod can be a complete aesthetic approach rather than simply clothing. Our cycling track tops and retro cycling tops nod to this connection between Mod style and cycling culture.
Martin Freeman
Actor Martin Freeman has become known almost as much for his impeccable Mod wardrobe as for his on-screen performances. Freeman's preference for Harrington jackets, knitted polos, slim-fit trousers, and desert boots exemplifies how Mod style can look thoroughly contemporary whilst honouring its heritage. His regular patronage of brands like Ben Sherman demonstrates his commitment to authentic Mod style.
What to borrow from his look: The art of understated elegance. Freeman rarely opts for flashy or ostentatious pieces, instead building a wardrobe of quality classics that work seamlessly together. Our collection of Ben Sherman shirts offers similarly versatile quality.
Timeless Style Lessons from Mod Icons
1. Fit Is Everything
From the perfectly tailored suits of The Small Faces to Miles Kane's contemporary interpretations, Mod icons have consistently emphasised the importance of fit. A modestly priced garment that fits impeccably will always outshine an expensive piece that hangs poorly. Our in-house expertise helps customers find the perfect fit across our range of Mod clothing.
2. Details Matter
The most influential Mod dressers understand that distinction often lies in the details: the perfect collar roll on a button-down shirt, the specific width of a trouser leg, the precise shade of a knitted polo. These subtle elements create the difference between merely referencing Mod style and truly embodying it. Our collection of accessories, from pocket squares to scarves, allows for this kind of careful curation.
3. Quality Over Quantity
Paul Weller's enduring style influence stems partly from his commitment to quality over fast fashion trends. Investing in well-made pieces that will last for years reflects both the practical and philosophical aspects of Mod culture. Our range of products from heritage brands like Tootal Vintage and Gabicci Vintage embodies this principle.
4. Confidence Is Key
Perhaps the most important lesson from these style icons is the confidence with which they wear their clothes. From Steve Marriott's swagger to Bradley Wiggins' assured presence, Mod icons carry themselves with the knowledge that their appearance reflects their personality and values.
Creating Your Own Mod Legacy
While these icons provide invaluable inspiration, the true spirit of Mod fashion lies in making it your own. Rather than slavishly copying a specific look, the most stylish individuals take elements that resonate with them and adapt them to suit their personal preferences and lifestyle.
From Harrington jackets and parkas to desert boots and knitted polos, our collections feature the timeless pieces that have defined Mod style across the decades, allowing you to create your own signature look inspired by the greats but uniquely yours.