Tulsa King Series 1: Where Mob Tradition Meets Oklahoma Grit – A Style & Story Breakdown
When Paramount+ dropped Tulsa King in 2022, audiences weren't just treated to another crime drama—they witnessed Sylvester Stallone's triumphant return to television in a role that blends old-school mob sophistication with fish-out-of-water charm. Series 1 introduces us to Dwight "The General" Manfredi, a New York mafia capo who emerges from 25 years in prison only to be exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to establish new criminal operations. But beyond the compelling plot and memorable characters, one element stands out with sartorial brilliance: Dwight's impeccable wardrobe.
The Plot: From New York Concrete to Oklahoma Plains
After serving a quarter-century behind bars for his crime family, Dwight Manfredi expects a hero's welcome and a return to his rightful place in the New York mob hierarchy. Instead, his boss Chickie Invernizzi (played by Domenick Lombardozzi) unceremoniously ships him off to Tulsa—a city Dwight didn't even know existed on the criminal map.
What begins as exile becomes an unexpected opportunity. Dwight, ever the strategist, begins building his own empire from scratch in unfamiliar territory. He assembles an unlikely crew of locals, navigates turf wars with established criminals, and applies old-world mob wisdom to new-world problems. The series brilliantly juxtaposes East Coast mob culture with Midwestern sensibilities, creating both tension and comedy as Dwight refuses to compromise his principles—or his style.
*Image sourced from moviestills
The Characters: An Ensemble of Misfits and Mobsters
Dwight "The General" Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone)
The heart and soul of the series, Dwight is a man out of time. His 25-year incarceration means he's emerging into a world of smartphones, social media, and changing criminal landscapes. Yet his old-school values—loyalty, respect, and a strict code of conduct—remain unshakeable. Stallone brings gravitas and unexpected vulnerability to the role, making Dwight both intimidating and endearing.
*Image sourced from moviestills
Tyson Mitchell (Jay Will)
A young cannabis dispensary employee who becomes Dwight's first recruit and unlikely protégé. Tyson represents the new generation—tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, but lacking the street wisdom Dwight possesses in abundance.
*Image sourced from moviestills
Bodhi (Martin Starr)
The owner of the dispensary where Dwight begins his Tulsa operations. Bodhi's laid-back, hippie demeanor clashes hilariously with Dwight's no-nonsense approach, yet their partnership becomes essential to the growing enterprise.
*Image sourced from moviestills
Stacy Beale (Andrea Savage)
An ATF agent who becomes romantically entangled with Dwight while investigating his activities. Their relationship adds moral complexity and genuine chemistry to the narrative.
*Image sourced from moviestills
Mitch Keller (Garrett Hedlund)
A local businessman and bar owner who reluctantly becomes part of Dwight's operation. Mitch's desperation and moral ambiguity make him one of the series' most unpredictable characters.
*Image sourced from moviestills
Chickie Invernizzi (Domenick Lombardozzi)
The New York mob boss who exiles Dwight. Paranoid and insecure, Chickie represents everything wrong with the modern mob—short-sighted, disloyal, and lacking the honour of the old guard.
*Image sourced from moviestills
The General's Wardrobe: A Masterclass in Timeless Menswear
While the plot twists and character dynamics drive Tulsa King forward, Dwight Manfredi's wardrobe deserves its own standing ovation. In a world of athleisure and casual Fridays, Dwight dresses like every day is a board meeting with the Five Families.
The Signature Look: Classic Tailoring Meets Modern Edge
Dwight's style philosophy is simple: dress like you mean business, because you do. Throughout Series 1, we see him consistently wearing:
Impeccably Tailored Suits Even in the Oklahoma heat, Dwight rarely appears without a perfectly fitted suit. His preference leans toward classic cuts—two-button jackets with notch lapels, flat-front trousers with a clean break, and fabrics that drape rather than cling. These aren't flashy designer pieces meant to scream wealth; they're investment garments that whisper authority.
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
Subdued Colour Palette Dwight favours charcoal greys, deep navies, and rich browns—colours that convey seriousness without ostentation. Occasionally, he'll incorporate subtle patterns like pinstripes or windowpane checks, but always with restraint. This is a man who learned his style in an era when peacocking could get you killed.
The Dress Shirt Standard Forget casual button-downs. Dwight's shirts are crisp, well-pressed, and almost always in white or light blue. The collars are structured, the cuffs are proper, and there's never a wrinkle in sight. It's a level of grooming that stands in stark contrast to Tulsa's more relaxed dress codes.
Leather Jackets with Heritage When Dwight does dress down (relatively speaking), he reaches for classic leather jackets—not the distressed, motorcycle variety, but refined pieces in black or brown that could transition from a business meeting to a more "hands-on" evening activity.
Footwear That Means Business Dwight's shoe game is consistently strong: polished oxfords and derby shoes in black or brown leather. These aren't trendy sneakers or casual loafers—they're the footwear of a man who believes your shoes say everything about your character.
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
*Image sourced from moviestills
Why Dwight's Style Matters
In Tulsa King, Dwight's wardrobe isn't just costume design—it's character development. His refusal to "dress down" for Oklahoma represents his unwillingness to compromise his identity. While everyone around him wears jeans, t-shirts, and cowboy boots, Dwight maintains his East Coast formality like armour.
This sartorial stubbornness serves multiple purposes:
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It establishes authority – When Dwight walks into a room in a three-piece suit while everyone else wears denim, he immediately commands attention and respect.
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It signals professionalism – His appearance tells potential associates that he takes business seriously, even if that business happens to be criminal.
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It's a form of resistance – By maintaining his New York style in Oklahoma, Dwight refuses to be erased or diminished by his exile.
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It creates visual storytelling – The contrast between Dwight's formal attire and Tulsa's casual culture reinforces the central theme of the series: tradition versus change.
Lessons from The General's Wardrobe
For the modern gentleman, Dwight Manfredi offers several style lessons worth adopting:
- Fit is everything – A well-tailored inexpensive suit beats an ill-fitting designer piece every time
- Consistency builds identity – Developing a signature style makes you memorable and trustworthy
- Dress for the job you want – Dwight treats every day like it matters because it does
- Quality over quantity – A small wardrobe of excellent pieces outperforms a closet full of mediocrity
- Details matter – From properly knotted ties to polished shoes, the small things create the complete picture
Looking Ahead: Series 2 & 3 Await
Series 1 of Tulsa King establishes Dwight Manfredi as both a compelling character and a style icon for the modern age. His journey from exile to empire-builder is just beginning, and if his wardrobe is any indication, he'll face whatever comes next with the same impeccable presentation that's become his trademark.
In our next instalment, we'll explore Series 2, where Dwight's operation expands, his enemies multiply, and his wardrobe continues to set the standard for how a true professional should dress—regardless of whether that profession is legal.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Tulsa King style series, where we'll break down the evolution of Dwight's empire and his ever-impressive sartorial choices.
At A Hand Tailored Suit, we understand the power of dressing with purpose and precision. Like Dwight "The General" Manfredi, we believe that how you present yourself matters. Whether you're building an empire or simply want to command respect in your daily life, our bespoke tailoring ensures you'll always look the part. Book your consultation today and discover the difference true craftsmanship makes.
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