Ian Fleming’s James Bond is the quintessential British secret agent and a style icon for the past six decades. The character is known for his love of martinis (shaken, not stirred), outrageous gadgets, and sartorial elegance. Even when Bond is embroiled in a gunfight or performing death-defying stunts, he always looks like a million dollars.

From Sean Connery’s debut in “Dr. No” to Daniel Craig’s “No Time to Die,” Bond’s wardrobe has continually evolved to reflect ever-changing fashion trends and the personal styles of the actors portraying him. From his day-to-day suits to attending lavish dinner parties and even spending time on the golf course, Bond is never seen not looking his brilliant best.

Let’s walk through time and explore how Bond’s style has changed over the past 60 years.

The Classic Era of Sean Connery

Bond first appeared in “Dr. No” in 1962, with Sean Connery playing the lead role. Anthony Sinclair, a Savile Row tailor, dressed Bond and established the template for the agent’s style that would continue for several decades. Sinclair was known for his “conduit cut,” which exudes confidence and sophistication and set the standard for Bond’s attire.

Bond’s exemplary style followed him into more casual settings, particularly on the golf course in the 1964 blockbuster “Goldfinger.” Connery donned a stylish combination of light grey slacks, a pale blue polo shirt, a cardigan, and timeless classic brogues. Although casual, the outfit maintained elegance while reflecting the leisurewear trends of the early 1960s.

George Lazenby’s Brief Time in the Hotseat

George Lazenby’s single outing in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1969 saw him dressed by Dimi Major. Lazenby’s Bond sported slimmer cuts and a more relaxed fit, reflecting a subtle shift toward a more modern silhouette that would set a precedent for future Bonds.

The Leisurely 70s and 80s with Roger Moore

Roger Moore starred as Bond during the 1970s and 1980s, with Cyril Castle acting as Moore’s tailor in the early days. Moore’s Bond embraced the fashion of this era, meaning a generally more relaxed fit, more flared trousers, and wider lapels. Castle’s tailoring ensured Bond’s suits remained sharp despite adopting the trends of the 70s and 80s.

Moore gave life to Agent 007 across seven films, from “Live and Let Die” in 1973 to “A View to a Kill” in 1985. In “Live and Let Die,” Bond is seen wearing an incredible outfit of a navy suit, light blue shirt, Royal Navy regimental tie, and navy double-breasted Chesterfield coat, which exudes class.

Later in his role as Bond, Moore used Angelo Vitucci and Douglas Hayward as his tailors, the latter giving Bond a more modern and soft style.

A Return to Classicism with Timothy Dalton

Bond returned to a more classic and serious style when Timothy Dalton portrayed him in “The Living Daylights” and “Licence to Kill” in 1987 and 1989, respectively. The Bond Dalton played was a more grounded figure who was not as flamboyant as the Bonds he proceeded, and his suits reflected this change of characters.

Some say that Dalton’s suits recalled the classic lines Connery established over twenty years earlier. Costume designer Jodie Tillen focused on darker colors and a more business-like appearance.

Pierce Brosnan’s 90s Renaissance

After meeting producer Albert R. Broccoli on the sets of “For Your Eyes Only,” where his wife was cast as Countess Lisl von Schlaf, Pierce Brosnan was expected to take over from Roger Moore as James Bond. However, the role initially went to Timothy Dalton. Brosnan was offered a three-film contract, although he ultimately played our hero in four movies: “Golden Eye,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World is Not Enough,” and “Die Another Day.”

With Brioni as his tailor, Brosnan’s Bond wore impeccably crafted, well-fitted, and luxurious suits. They featured a slim waist, strong shoulders, and a modern cut that reflected the fashion of the mid-1990s.

The Modern and Rugged Daniel Craig Era

Daniel Craig played Bond in “Casino Royal,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre,” “and “No Time to Die” between 2006 and 2021. His tenure brought a dramatic shift to Bond’s wardrobe. We first saw the change in “Casino Royale,” where Craig adopted a more athletic and rugged style, reflecting the character’s physicality and the demands of the more modern spy genre.

Tom Ford became Craig’s leading suit designer. Those suits were more contemporary, achieved through slim cuts and narrow lapels. Craig’s Bond was often seen in more casual and sportswear attire, but they always sported tailored fits, ensuring Bond’s style remained timeless and relevant.

Conclusion

The evolution of James Bond’s suits from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig reflects the broader changes in men’s fashion over the past six decades. Each actor brought a unique flair to the role, influencing Bond’s wardrobe while ensuring the famous character remained a style icon.

Connery’s introduction of the “conduit cut” set a high standard for elegance, and Lazenby and Moore introduced slimmer and more relaxed fits that matched their times’ changing styles. Dalton’s Bond wore outfits with a more classic look before Brosnan’s suits from Brioni saw Bond return to elegant, well-fitted attire.

Lastly, Craig’s tenure as Bond significantly departed from the usual Bond styling with a contemporary and rugged Tom Ford-inspired design.

James Bond’s evolving wardrobe mirrors the ever-changing landscape of men’s fashion, with each Bond actor helping Agent 007 remain the epitome of style and sophistication. Although the next Bond actor is yet to be decided (it is rumored to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson), you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be impeccably dressed from head to toe regardless of the situations he finds himself in.