Casino Royale: Bond’s Blue Sunspel Polo in Bahamas
Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale (2006).
Vitals
Daniel Craig as James Bond, recently reactivated British secret agent
Bahamas, July 2006
Film: Casino Royale
Release Date: November 14, 2006
Director: Martin Campbell
Costume Designer: Lindy Hemming
Background
After a brief lesson in How Not To Vacation 101 (getting a beautiful bedmate killed, stabbing an international arms dealer in the middle of a museum, being mistakenly arrested as a potential plane bomber, and checking his work e-mail), James Bond is taken back to the Bahamas via helicopter to meet with “M” and discuss his future.
What’d He Wear?
Following his adventure in Miami, Bond returns to the Bahamas via helicopter, dressed far more casually than he was for his initial arrival. Although casual, it is still a classically simple look and provides Bond with his first on-screen polo shirt since the Connery era. The outfit is very fitting for the warm climate and can be easily adapted for any man.
The navy blue fitted polo shirt was originally tailored by Sunspel for Daniel Craig in the film, and it is still offered as Sunspel’s “Riviera” shirt. The name comes from the initial design, which was based on an elegant 1950s Sunspel shirt made for the Italian Riviera. The shirt was designed in England but manufactured in Turkey.
Is there any existing fanfic that has Bond and M hooking up while in the Bahamas?
According to the Sunspel site:
Originally tailored for Daniel Craig for his role as James Bond in Casino Royale, the Riviera Polo has continued to be one our most popular styles. Crafted from a breathable cotton mesh, the Riviera has a clean, contemporary aesthetic with minimal detailing. An undoubted modern classic.
The fitted shirt is 100% combed cotton, which is both very soft and very strong, warp-knitted on traditional lace machines. The mesh-like texture keeps the shirt lightweight and breathable in the intense summer heat of the Bahamas. It has short sleeves, a wise choice for the Caribbean. There is a single patch pocket on the left breast.
Just a fair warning – there is about a 99% chance that this shirt won’t make you look like Daniel Craig. If you have the same workout regimen as Orson Welles, there’s really no help that a nice polo can provide.
The polo can be purchased from the Sunspel site for $128 (or £80) in a multitude of colors, including navy, gray melange, stone gray, charcoal, black, ivory, moss green, russet red, cobalt, and sky blue (which James Bond Lifestyle compares to the shirt worn by Connery in Dr. No). For more information about this polo and the other Sunspel shirts provided for Casino Royale, visit James Bond Lifestyle.
Unlike some other manufacturers of Bond’s on-screen clothing, Sunspel is wise to continue manufacturing this shirt as it remains popular even eight years later. It is a timeless and nearly perfect polo shirt, just as appropriate in 2014 as it would have been in 1954. While Craig is able to look good with the shirt untucked, wearers should also keep in mind that certain polo shirts look even better when tucked into the trousers for a streamlined look without the potential for belt line bunch-ups.
(In case you’re curious, the last time Bond had worn a polo on screen, it was the navy blue Fred Perry polo with his white swimming trunks in Thunderball. Evidently, Bond prefers blue polos to any other color.)
Bond wears a pair of khaki casual trousers woven in a cotton blend with moderate stretch. They are similar to the Levi’s STA-PREST jeans he would later wear in Quantum of Solace with their angled slash pockets, right side coin pocket, and patch rear pockets – all with studs – but they are more lightweight and constructed of a finer material. Some commenters believe that these may also be a pair of Ted Baker trousers, as Ted Baker sourced several other items for Casino Royale. The slightly flared bottoms are plain-hemmed.
Bond meets with the film’s rudimentary version of “Q”.
Bond’s belt is dark brown leather, likely with a squared clasp. He clips his suede cognac Vega IB339 holster, a right-hand-draw IWB holster for his Walther P99, to the right rear of his belt, which tucks the pistol securely in place inside his trousers. The IWB (for inside-the-waistband) holster is a slick and reasonable option for a man who chooses to carry a sidearm with or without a jacket. Casino Royale marks the first appearance of Bond using an IWB holster, replacing his trademark shoulder holster which would make its return in Skyfall.
The actual Vega holster and rubber stunt P99 used in the film. Unlike some earlier Bond films, where he only had his pistol when he needed it in a Chekhov’s gun-type scenario (i.e. certain scenes in From Russia With Love), Casino Royale realistically shows Bond carrying even in a non-combat situation.
Although not a perfect match to the belt, Bond still wears brown-toned shoes: a comfortable-looking pair of suede 2-eyelet chukka boots. In the brief glimpse we get as he steps off the helicopter, it appears that Bond wears brown socks that are slightly darker than the shade of his boots.
Though they didn’t get as much screen time as the rest of the outfit, Bond’s chukka boots can nicely be spotted in an alternate shot taken behind-the-scenes during the helicopter sequence.
Bond wears his first of two pairs of Persol sunglasses while in the Bahamas. This is his “Bahamas” pair, the gunmetal gray satin metal-framed Persol 2244-S with brown lenses and acetate arms, “characterized by a dynamic double bridge and by the exclusive Meflecto system with two cylinders,” according to James Bond Lifestyle. His specific color option is 834/33.
When not wearing them, Bond hangs his Persols from the front of his shirt. Although some may argue that using the shirt’s breast pocket may be more practical, it is very unflattering (which totally defeats the purpose of wearing designer sunglasses in the first place).
Last but certainly not least (especially in terms of expense), Bond also wears his first of two Omega watches, his sporty Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Size” 2900.50.91 with a stainless steel case and black dial under domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The large black rubber strap is reasonable for diving, and the watch – water resistant down to 2,000 feet – makes sense given Bond’s location in the Bahamas.
These are really the only two gadgets Bond has in the film, other than Chekhov’s in-car defibrillator.
When he travels to the more inland destination of Montenegro, he wears the more formal Seamaster Professional Diver.
How to Get the Look
Bond sports a timeless casual look for warm weather. Like many of the casual looks featured on here for hotter climates, it pairs a simple shirt with a pair of light trousers to feel comfortable but still look impressive against the abundance of tourists decked out in fanny packs, cargo shorts, and tube socks.
- Navy blue knitted combed cotton mesh short-sleeve polo shirt with a 2-button placket and breast pocket
- Khaki cotton blend jean-like trousers with angled slash pockets, coin pocket, patch rear pockets, and plain-hemmed bottoms
- Dark brown leather belt
- Brown suede 2-eyelet chukka boots
- Dark brown socks
- Vega IB339 suede cognac IWB holster for Walther P99 pistol
- Persol 2244-S gunmetal gray satin metal framed sunglasses with brown lenses (option 834/33)
- Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Size” 2900.50.91 on a large black rubber strap
Bond famously wears the Sunspel “Riviera” polo, but Iconic Alternatives offers a great rundown of affordable options to channel this and many other 007 outfits.
Do Yourself a Favor and…
Buy the film.
The Quote
M: I would ask you if you could remain emotionally detached, but that’s not your problem, is it, Bond?
Bond: No.
I have been looking for a good polo and I have considered the Sunspel, but I’m cautious over ordering the right size and fit. I’ve tried all of the Ralph Lauren cuts, J Crew, Banana Republic, and H&M (bleeech!). Nothing fits right. Any opinions on the Sunspel are appreciated. The Vega holsters look good and this IWB model looks reasonably priced. I carry a similar type made by Tagua out of Miami. Great holsters for a great price.
From what I understand, Sunspel is a great fit especially for lean physiques (which I no longer have), although most are advised to order a size up. There have been a range of comments – from very positive to slightly negative – regarding the shirt’s construction, but it sounds as though it holds up nicely for occasional wear on normal days without leaping onto moving trucks or getting into gunfights.
Personally, I’ve worn this style polo from J. Crew, Banana Republic, Kenneth Cole, and even H&M. The latter fit nicely back when I was more lithe, but now wearing an H&M polo is my way of telling the world that I have a beer gut. I’ve noticed the best overall combination of fit, durability, and price from J. Crew and Banana Republic.
Holster-wise, I have the Vega IB330 for my Browning Hi-Power, which conceals it nicely both with and without a jacket. I used to use the economically-priced Uncle Mike’s 89051, but I now prefer the Vega. I think I found my IB330 for only $20ish anyway. Tagua is one of the few manufacturers I’ve seen offering a snap-fastened IWB. Do you know anything about those?
Ditch the Uncle Mike’s. I don’t mean to sound like a gun snob, but nothing screams “tightwad” more than an Uncle Mike’s holster. I have 2 of the Tagua OPH models with the spring clip, which I use to carry my Bersa Thunder .380 CC and S&W Shield. The leather on the one fitted for the Shield is a little stiff, which makes presentation a chore at times, but the leather on the one fitted for the Bersa has been perfect out of the box. The Bersa holster is brown and the Shield holster is black, so that may have something to do with the softness of the leather. I can tell you that the quality of both holsters is great, which should be a reflection of the rest of their product line. You get your money’s worth from Tagua based on my experience with them.
Yeah, I don’t even have the Uncle Mike’s anymore. I have a Bersa Thunder .380 as well (DLX) which I carry in a brown leather Bianchi IWB. I was lucky enough to receive the holster as a gift from a friend who used to carry his PPK in it. I’m on the hunt for an IWB for my 2″ Taurus .38; currently, it’s either carried on the ankle or under my left arm. I will keep an eye out for the Tagua OPH. It might be nice to get a new one for the Bersa as well. Thanks for the tip!
For a gun snob you buy some shitty guns.
I’m taking donations if you want to contribute to my ‘Get Better Guns’ fund. I’ll admit the Bersa and Taurus aren’t my favorite pieces, but I am pretty pleased with the Hi-Power.
I have been disappointed by the quality, I think penguin stands up very well by comparison.
I own a Sunspel Riviera, pique polo, and pique long sleeve. You often have to order a size up from American sizes, due to British sizes, but pay very, very careful attention to Sunspel’s size guide. Bear in mind that they use stick-thin models in illustrations. E.g. a size 37 chest on a guy who stands 6’1″! I used to buy Sunspel tee shirts and A-shirts from Sierra Trading Post in the 2000s, and sizes were erratic.
I have the polo and pique long-sleeve in a size smaller than ideal (meant for a chest size 41-42, I’m a 43 or so), and the mesh cotton will stretch a little. If you want the Danny Craig look — they dress him regularly in too-small clothes — consider ordering the size accordingly, but be forewarned that your physique (or lack thereof) will be on display. Hit the gym, do the situps and planks, then consider ordering the smaller size with caution.
Women’s sizes are even more all over the map.
Those pants look ridiculous in most of these pictures- we’re almost in bellbottom territory. They’re out of proportion with the very fitted polo.