Since his cinematic debut in 1962's Dr. No, James Bond has consistently managed to defeat whichever villainous organization is threatening the world and look great while doing it. That being said, for every classic tuxedo, there has been a clownish outfit, such as the actual clown outfit from Octopussy.
In other words, James Bond has been on our screens for over fifty years, this abundance of entries has led to some great movies and some awful movies, as well as awful outfits and great outfits. This article will list the 11 classiest James Bond outfits.
Updated on April 14th, 2022 by Ruby Brown: The most recent Bond movie was greatly anticipated by 007 fans and they weren't disappointed. The movie incorporated everything that has continually made the franchise so popular, including breathtaking scenery. The release of any Bond movie has become an event with elements being slowly revealed, from music to cast, which only ever builds the suspense. However, although it's always an important component to what Bond is known for, the actor's costumes are only ever seen upon viewing the movie. In true Bond form, Daniel Craig was clad in classy outfits which were in keeping with modern fashion, but acknowledged his past along the way.
No Time To Die: N.Peal Army Sweater
Time To Die saw Daniel Craig's final instalment as James Bond and the movie had all the style and chicness that any 007 fan would expect to see. Each situation Bond is in, comes with a fitting outfit to match the scene and whilst he's no stranger to a fine suit, he can often be seen to dress accordingly for action.
Coupled with combat tros, Bond wore an N.Peal Army sweater, which gave a subtle nod to his rank as commander, from his time in the Navy. With a helping hand from his gloves, his outfit gave the feel of what may be thought of as typical spy attire, appropriate for saving or fighting others. Having said that, it's just as dapper as ever. Who said comfortable can't be classy?
Dr. No: Summer Clothes
This is one of the few Bond outfits that is casual. While the super spy is usually seen in a tailored suit, tuxedo, or stealth gear, here he is seen to be walking around on a beach while wearing a relaxing summer outfit. The outfit manages to make Bond look relaxed, while not making him look too relaxed. In other words, he looks classy while not wearing a bespoke suit.
Although Bond's outfit is certainly overshadowed by Ursula Andress' iconic swimsuit, his summer outfit does a great job of showing his variety in style, in what is one of the best James Bond movies.
Live And Let Die: Polo Neck
Bond is one of the few characters who can successfully combine style and function. The above costume is a perfect example of this. This is a stealthy, mission style from Bond but, despite the required functionality of the costume, Bond still manages to look great.
Furthermore, this costume is also fairly influential in Bond history as it was replicated to an extent in Spectre. This outfit is an incredibly classy mission outfit and looks just as fantastic today as it did in the 1970s.
Die Another Day: Cashmere
There are very few good things about the final Pierce Brosnan Bond movie, Die Another Day. It's a movie that is famous for its poor use of CGI during an already ridiculous scene in which Bond surfs on a gigantic wave. If this is not enough, the movie also features an Aston Martin that can turn invisible.
However, despite its faults, the outfits in the movie are incredible. Halle Berry has an amazing leather jacket in this movie and Rosamund Pike also looks fantastic. In addition to Pike and Berry, Brosnan also has some incredible outfits in this movie, but the classiest is easily the cashmere turtleneck seen above.
Goldfinger: White Suit
The first of several Goldfinger outfits that will appear on this list. While Bond is typically seen in a dark tuxedo when attending parties or events, Goldfinger changes this by having Bond wear a fantastic white dinner jacket with a red rose on his lapel. This outfit would even go on to inspire an outfit in Spectre that also featured in the marketing for the movie, with Daniel Craig also sporting a white dinner jacket and red rose lapel.
This outfit features in an iconic scene and brings the class to match, Sean Connery looks amazing in the white dinner jacket and it easily deserves a place on this list.
Skyfall: Tom Ford Suit
Whilst plenty of Skyfall is a timeless classic in of Bond suits. This was, perhaps, the first time Daniel Craig's Bond neared the classic Bond type style. As he was pictured next to the classic DB5 in a tailored, designer suit, he looks incredible and this is easily one of the classiest outfits Bond has worn.
The suit is also exquisitely tailored to showcase Daniel Craig's physique without compromising on the classiness of the suit. This outfit perfectly bridges the modern, fresh Bond with the Bond of old.
Goldfinger: Golfing Attire
The second outfit from Goldfinger to appear on this list. During Goldfinger, Bond squares off against the film's antagonist, Auric Goldfinger, in a game of golf. At the golf club, Bond sports a burgundy jumper with a brown fedora (not pictured). While the fedora may be a little over the top for today's standards, the rest of the outfit was fantastic and oozed class.
Bond managed to win both the fashion prize and the golf game in what is easily one of the most famous golf scenes in cinema.
Goldfinger: Grey Three Piece Suit
This is one of the most iconic Bond suits of all time in one of the most iconic Bond movies of all time. While the suit may just appear to be a solid grey, it is actually a grey and white plaid suit. This suit was designed by Anthony Sinclair and is one of the classiest and most iconic Bond outfits of all time.
In addition to its iconic status, while the suit is firmly rooted in the 1960s, it is also a timeless suit that looks just as good today as it did during the Cold War. For many Bond fans, if you were to ask them about the 'Goldfinger outfit' they would point to this suit above all others.
Casino Royale: Tuxedo
James Bond in a tuxedo is like macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly. Not only does the movie include Casino Royale is a modern update to the tuxedos he has worn in the past. Furthermore, what separates this suit from his others is how Bond came upon it. Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) essentially forced Bond to wear it to the poker table, insisting that he actually look like a professional poker player.
This suit is both classy and iconic as the tuxedo featured in the marketing for the movie, as well as in one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.
Casino Royale: Swimsuit
This scene is, arguably, the most iconic scene in recent James Bond history. The scene introduced the world, to who was then, the new James Bond. It made headlines around the globe, showing how the new James Bond is incredibly ripped. This helped to separate the new Bond from the old Bond and spark excitement for a new and fresh era of Bond.
What is interesting is that the blue swim trunks Craig was wearing in this scene recently sold for a shocking £45,000.
Dr. No: Tuxedo
This is easily the most iconic James Bond outfit. It is the first costume we see James Bond wearing and it is the way we will generally imagine James Bond to be dressed. The tuxedo shows Bond to be a respectful and stylish individual, as well as a man who clearly cares about how he is seen.
As an introduction to James Bond, it doesn't get much better than this. We see a cool individual, smoking a cigarette, playing poker, and wearing a tuxedo; it is as close to the quintessential Bond scene we can get.
