The 1960s were a turning point for men's fashion— globally and in Egypt. It was the decade when conservative tailoring found a new sense of ease, when the strict formality of the '50s loosened into something more colourful, more expressive. Slim, Italianate suits and open-collared shirts with a touch of bad-boy swagger ruled, along with leather accessories that hinted at European luxury and influence, and the kind of easy chic that was just as comfortable in a smoke-filled Alexandria cafe as it was at a society gathering. Few embodied this style revolution like Egypt's on-screen leading men.

Men like Ahmed Ramzy, Omar El Sherif and Roushdy Abaza were not just actors; they were style icons of their time, and remain so. Their on-screen fashion set trends and aspirations, and left a legacy that continues to resonate in Egyptian menswear today. From the cigarette-slim suits that wouldn’t look out of place in any modern designer's collection, to the flashy, playboy-worth shades that never date, their impact on fashion goes beyond nostalgia. This is a look back at the most inherently-chic moments of leading men in Egyptian cinema during the ‘50s and '60s.

Roushdy Abaza in Ah Min Hawaa | 1962

Roushdy Abaza, always the debonair gentleman, brought old-film sophistication, pairing crisp, double-breasted suits with a whiskey-in-hand kind of confidence. The crisp white suit is perfectly contrasted by the dark shirt underneath. The structured shoulders and tailored fit add a sense of authority, while the open collar keeps things relaxed, hinting at a man who knows how to command a room without trying too hard.

Abdelhalim Hafiz in Banat El Youm | 1957

Sitting at the piano, lost in melody, Abdelhalim Hafez’s look here is the epitome of cinematic romance— soft, polished, and just a little dreamy. The two-toned blazer adds a subtle touch of mid-century flair, a stylish departure from the more rigid suiting of the era. It’s relaxed yet refined, perfectly mirroring his signature emotional intensity. The crisp white shirt underneath keeps things classic, but his neatly combed hair gives him that boy-next-door charm, making him look like the kind of guy who pens love letters on napkins.

Ahmed Ramzy in El Akh El Kebir | 1958

Ahmed Ramzy, with his slicked-back hair, made the casual button-down-and-trousers look a symbol of effortless charm. The crisp white button-down, undone just enough to show off his signature chest hair, exudes a casual confidence that feels both cinematic and timeless. Rolled-up sleeves add to the devil-may-care attitude, making him look like he’s either about to throw a punch or steal someone’s heart (or both).

Ahmed Mazhar in El Garima El Daheka | 1963

This is intellectual cool at its finest. The crisp short-sleeved button-down is effortlessly sharp, paired with thick-framed glasses, a neatly groomed mustache and slicked-back hair. Seated at his desk, phone in one hand, typewriter at the ready, he’s got the air of someone who’s about to crack a major case—or deliver the perfect one-liner.

Hassan Youssef & Ihab Nafea in Lel Regal Fakat | 1964

These two are serving rugged, boyish and a little bit of mischief. The tailored black suits, crisp white shirts, and classic ties are straight out of the gentleman’s handbook’. Nafea, with his structured shoulders and waistcoat detail, looks every bit the dapper leading man, while Youssef flashes a bright smile, bringing a more approachable, charismatic flair. Whether they’re up to no good or just making a grand exit, they’re dressed to impress.

Farid Shawky in Al Nasab | 1961

The trench coat, tilted cap, and patterned scarf give Shawky an air of mysterious, almost detective-like energy— like he just stepped out of a smoky café, hiding secrets under the folds of his coat. The sharp, slightly skeptical expression? That’s the look of a man who’s seen things, probably has a dramatic backstory, and definitely delivers his lines with a deep, knowing voice.

Emad Hamdy in Hob Fil Zalam | 1953

Emad Hamdy embodies classic, no-nonsense elegance in this look. The structured, dark suit with sharp lapels, white shirt and striped tie give off an air of quiet authority. His neatly combed hair and well-groomed mustache complete the look of a man who demands respect without needing to say much.

Farid El Atrash in Mat’olesh Lehad | 1952

Farid El Atrash, ever the picture of suave sophistication, is dressed to impress in a midnight blue double-breasted tuxedo with sleek satin lapels. The crisp white dress shirt and neatly tied bow tie add a classic, debonair touch, while the perfectly folded pink pocket square hints at a man who knows the power of subtle flair. His hair, slicked back with precision, completes the effortlessly polished look.

Salah Zulfikar in El Aydy El Naema | 1964

Salah Zulfikar was the poster boy for elegance, making knit polos, sleek blazers, and relaxed tailoring feel like the pinnacle of masculine refinement. The perfectly tailored blue suit embodies a classic masculinity, made even more refined with a crisp white shirt and a subtly patterned tie. His slicked-back hair, with that impeccable side part, frames a face that looks like it belongs on the cover of a vintage magazine.

Shoukry Sarhan in El Safira Aziza | 1961

This is proof that a well-fitted suit never goes out of style. Sarhan here gives off classic leading man energy. The slicked-back hair, the strong jawline, dark tie and the perfectly tailored suit all add a layer of formality, making him look like he just walked out of an important business meeting.

Anwar Wagdi in Dahab | 1953

Wagdi dons a crisp white double-breasted suit with sharp lapels, paired with a neatly folded pocket square. The silk tie, sleek hair and confident posture add a polished touch to his look, perfectly matching the romantic aura of the outdoors balcony, and the scene with Magda.