Widow’s Bay Tom Costumes

As an outsider trying to lead a superstitious, Wi-Fi–free island, Mayor Tom Loftis (played by Matthew Rhys) stands out from the local townspeople with a look that costume designer Alex Bovaird describes as a “quintessential dad” aesthetic. He appears slightly more put-together and modern than the resident islanders, embodying a grounded, classic American look.

Rather than donning traditional mayoral suits, Tom’s wardrobe directly pays homage to Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) from Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws. Key highlights of his signature style include:

• Rugged Plaid Shirts & Snug Dark Tees: Channeling Chief Brody’s coastal law enforcement attire, Tom routinely layers rugged plaid button-downs over snug dark t-shirts.
• Cozy Dad Knits & Dark Cardigans: Muted, comfortable knits and dark cardigans give him an approachable, practical look around town.
• The “Jaws Tech” Patina: To fit the show’s eerie atmosphere described as “American nostalgia trapped in amber,” his clothing went through a brown dye bath technique dubbed “Jaws Tech,” giving the fabrics a worn, weathered patina.
• Secondhand & Thrifted Vibe: Because Widow’s Bay lacks modern fast-fashion stores or internet shopping, his clothing reflects a secondhand, thrifted origin that feels naturally aged without belonging to a single specific decade