What boots did Steve McQueen wear?
However, it was eventually revealed that the actual boots Steve McQueen wore for Bullitt and in his own personal life were the “Playboy” chukka boots, a design that is still made to this day by British shoemakers, Sanders & Sanders.
The popularity of Chukka boots as an everyday men's style began in the late 1940s, largely thanks to the introduction of the Clark's Desert Boot at the 1949 Chicago Shoe Fair. The Clark's Desert boot was inspired by the boots worn by British Army soldiers during the Western Desert Campaign of the second world war.
Chinos. A master of the capsule wardrobe, Steve McQueen seemed to swear by two pairs of pants: jeans and khaki chinos. The latter were sported by the actor in both The Great Escape (while riding a motorcycle!) and The Thomas Crown Affair.
Love Brand & Co Lockhart T-Shirt
We're particularly fond of his pared-back crew neck jumpers. Worn on-set early in his career, and with jeans later in his life, this fine navy sweater from Luca Faloni is the perfect way to imitate McQueen's pullover style.
It's believed that the Chukka boot acquired its name because its similar appearance to the boot worn by polo players, the Jodhpur boot, which itself shares a resemblance to the Chelsea boot.
Today, the chukka boot is still extremely popular for its versatile smart-casual look that can easily elevate a simple white tee and jeans but can also blend perfectly with a shirt and tailored trousers at a formal affair. Typically made from leather or suede, every man should own at least one pair of chukka boots.
Definition of chukka
: a usually ankle-high leather boot with two or three pairs of eyelets or a buckle and strap.
Steve McQueen was always pictured wearing his chunk of gold on his left fourth finger. If you happened to watch Guy Ritchie's film version of The Man From U.N.C.L.E then you may have spotted a signet ring on Napoleon Solo's left pinkie finger.
McQueen wears his usual gold St. Christopher medallion, a large round pendant worn around his neck on a thin gold chain.
How To Ask For It. It's a good, technical haircut, cut a little shorter at the parting before being layered through. But you don't need to ask for that: just ask for a Steve McQueen. If your barber doesn't know what a Steve McQueen is, get out of the chair and leave the shop immediately.
Why are they called Desert boots?
While stationed in Burma with the British Army, he noticed many off-duty officers wearing suede ankle boots with crepe soles. They came from a bazaar in Cairo (hence the term “desert” boot), and apparently the officers had these specially made as they were lightweight and offered good traction on sand.
Oxfords first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are occasionally called Balmorals after Balmoral Castle. However, the shoes were later named Oxfords after Oxford University. This shoe style did not appear in North America until the 1800s.
The thinner the leather soles, the finer the boots, but overall Chukka boots will never be an ideal white-collar business shoe. However, they can be worn with suits on occasion. The more casual Desert Boots often have thicker soles and rougher stitching, making them only suitable for casual wear.
What is a Chelsea style boot? Chelsea boots are close-fitting ankle boots featuring stretchy elastic side panels. Many Chelsea boots have a loop or fabric tab at the back to allow for easy pulling on and off, a classic design feature from the boots' Victorian origins.
