James Bond is more than just a fictional British secret agent; he is an icon of style, sophistication, and suave demeanor. Since Ian Fleming introduced 007 in 1953, the character has been brought to life by various actors, each adding their own flair to the role. This blog explores the distinct styles of James Bond's formal clothing, focusing on lounge suits and tuxedos, as represented by most of the actors who have portrayed him.
Sean Connery: The Quintessential Bond
Sean Connery, the first actor to portray James Bond, set the standard for Bond's style. His wardrobe was dominated by Savile Row tailoring, emphasizing classic British elegance.
- Lounge Suits: Connery's Bond was often seen in tailored suits with a slim silhouette. The suits typically featured narrow lapels, a suppressed waist, and straight-cut trousers. Fabrics were usually lightweight wools and worsteds in shades of grey, navy, and charcoal.
- Tuxedos: The white dinner jacket in "Goldfinger" (1964) is one of the most iconic looks. The black bow tie, crisp white dress shirt, and black trousers created a timeless and elegant ensemble.
Connery’s Bond epitomized the well-dressed British gentleman, merging formality with a rugged masculinity that became synonymous with the character.
George Lazenby: The Experimental Bond
George Lazenby’s single outing as Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) brought a youthful and slightly more experimental approach to Bond's wardrobe.
- Lounge Suits: Lazenby's suits featured slightly wider lapels, which were fashionable at the time, and he embraced more adventurous colors and patterns. His suits often had a more relaxed fit compared to Connery’s.
- Tuxedos: One of Lazenby's notable looks was the ruffled shirt tuxedo, which captured the late 1960s’ flair. The white dinner jacket with black trousers in the alpine scenes added a touch of elegance to his portrayal.
Lazenby’s Bond reflected the transitional fashion of the late 1960s, blending traditional elegance with contemporary trends.
Roger Moore: The Sophisticated Bond
Roger Moore's Bond, from 1973 to 1985, introduced a more sophisticated and urbane style, reflecting Moore’s own personal elegance.
- Lounge Suits: Moore favored double-breasted suits, which he wore with aplomb. These suits often featured wider lapels and flared trousers, characteristic of 1970s fashion. Moore’s suits were typically in lighter shades, such as beige and cream, as well as classic navy and grey.
- Tuxedos: Moore’s Bond often donned tuxedos with a large bow tie, and he was not afraid to experiment with double-brested dinner jackets, such as the black tuxedo in "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977).
Moore’s Bond embraced a more relaxed and playful style, yet always maintained a sense of sophistication and refinement.
Timothy Dalton: The Rugged Bond
Timothy Dalton’s Bond, seen in "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "Licence to Kill" (1989), brought a return to the more serious and gritty side of Bond, with a wardrobe to match.
- Lounge Suits: Dalton’s suits were more understated and functional, reflecting the character’s focus on the mission rather than fashion. His suits featured a classic cut with minimal embellishments, often in dark colors like navy, charcoal, and black.
- Tuxedos: Dalton’s tuxedos were traditional and elegant, with a preference for a clean, sharp look. He often paired them with a standard black bow tie and cummerbund.
Dalton’s wardrobe was practical yet stylish, emphasizing the no-nonsense approach of his interpretation of Bond.
Pierce Brosnan: The Modern Bond
Pierce Brosnan’s tenure as Bond, from 1995 to 2002, merged the classic style of earlier Bonds with a contemporary twist, making him a style icon of the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Lounge Suits: Brosnan’s suits were impeccably tailored by Brioni, featuring strong shoulders, a slim waist, and flat-front trousers. The color palette was classic, with an emphasis on navy, grey, and black. Brosnan’s Bond often accessorized with luxurious touches like silk ties and pocket squares.
- Tuxedos: Brosnan’s Bond often sported classic black tuxedos with a sleek, modern cut. He also popularized the midnight blue tuxedo, seen in "Tomorrow Never Dies" (1997), which offered a sophisticated alternative to the traditional black.
Brosnan’s Bond seamlessly blended tradition with modernity, creating a timeless and universally appealing style.
Daniel Craig: The Rugged yet Refined Bond
Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond, starting in 2006 with "Casino Royale," brought a rugged physicality and emotional depth to the character, mirrored in his wardrobe.
- Lounge Suits: Craig’s suits, primarily tailored by Tom Ford, feature an extra slim fit with a strong, structured shoulder. The suits are often in darker shades, including navy, charcoal, and black, reflecting the gritty realism of Craig’s Bond. Craig’s Bond also embraced the three-piece suit, adding a vest for a more formal look.
- Tuxedos: Craig’s Bond often wears a classic black tuxedo with a modern cut, exemplifying the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style. The midnight blue tuxedo in "Skyfall" (2012) became particularly iconic, showcasing Craig’s rugged elegance.
Craig’s wardrobe emphasizes functionality and sophistication, perfectly matching his portrayal of a more human and emotionally complex Bond.
Conclusion
Each actor who has portrayed James Bond has brought their own unique style to the character, influencing the world of fashion in their own right. From Sean Connery’s classic British elegance to Daniel Craig’s rugged sophistication, Bond’s style has evolved while maintaining its core essence of sophistication and refinement. Whether in a lounge suit or a tuxedo, James Bond remains the epitome of timeless style and elegance.
Take a look at our Collection of Lounge Suits and Tuxedos to emulate the look of the world-renowned agent.