POST 2: SKYFALL Skyfall's Iconic Overcoats: Daniel Craig's Most Stylish Bond Film

October 25, 2025

If Casino Royale introduced us to a grittier Bond and Quantum of Solace showed us his relentless determination, then Skyfall (2012) revealed the fully formed 007—sophisticated, vulnerable, and impeccably dressed. Directed by Sam Mendes and shot by the legendary Roger Deakins, Skyfall is widely considered the most visually stunning Bond film ever made.

The overcoats in Skyfall reflect this elevated aesthetic. From the dramatic Shanghai sequences to the Scottish highlands, Bond's outerwear choices represent the perfect marriage of classic elegance and contemporary style. Let's examine the two remarkable coats that helped make Skyfall a masterclass in menswear.

*Image Sourced From Moviestills

The Melton Peacoat – Formal Perfection

The Scene

The Shanghai assassination sequence remains one of the most visually arresting moments in Bond history. As 007 stalks his target through a gleaming skyscraper, his midnight blue Tom Ford overcoat creates a striking silhouette against the neon-lit cityscape. This isn't just a coat—it's a statement of intent.

Style Breakdown

Cut & Silhouette: Double -breasted melton pea-coat with —a combination that exudes formality and sophistication. The half-length cut (extending over the posterior) creates a dramatic vertical line that elongates Craig's frame. This is Bond at his most elegant.

Colour & Fabric: Midnight blue in melton wool is a masterstroke. In certain lighting, it appears almost black, but the blue undertones add depth and richness that pure black cannot match. This color choice has deep roots in formal menswear—midnight blue actually appears darker than black under artificial lighting, making it the preferred choice for evening wear among style cognoscenti.

The melton wool provides:

Exceptional drape that flows with movement
A subtle sheen that catches light beautifully
Warmth without bulk
Durability for years of wear

Construction Details:

Structured shoulders: Provide definition without looking aggressive
Ticket pocket: A subtle nod to British tailoring tradition
Working buttonholes: A hallmark of bespoke or high-end tailoring
Full canvas construction: Allows the coat to mold to the wearer's body over time
Silk lining: Facilitates easy layering over suit jackets

*Image Sourced From Moviestills

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*Image Created By NB

Why It Works

This coat represents Bond at his most powerful and controlled. The mid length harks back to classic film noir, creating an almost operatic presence. When Bond stands on that Shanghai rooftop, the coat billowing slightly in the wind, he becomes an icon—timeless, mysterious, dangerous.

The midnight blue color is particularly clever for a spy. It's formal enough for any occasion, dark enough to blend into shadows, yet distinctive enough to be memorable. It's the sartorial equivalent of Bond himself—operating in darkness but never losing his sophistication.

Styling Tips:

Versatile enough to wear over suits or with casual separates
Pairs beautifully with navy, grey, or charcoal suits for business casual
Excellent over knitwear (crew necks or roll necks) with dark denim
Works with chinos, flannel trousers, or smart jeans
Choose brown leather boots, brogues, or clean white trainers for casual looks
Add a wool scarf in complementary colors for warmth and texture
Layer over Oxford shirts, chambray, or casual button-downs
Keep it relaxed—this coat thrives in smart-casual contexts

When to Wear:

Smart-casual weekend outings and city exploration
Casual business meetings and creative industry events
Autumn and winter daywear over suits or separates
Sporting events and outdoor social gatherings
Relaxed dinners and pub meetings
Travel days requiring style and practicality
Any occasion calling for refined casual elegance

Tailoring Insights: What Makes This Coat Exceptional

From a tailor's perspective, this peacoat demonstrates several key construction techniques:

Length Proportion:

The hip-length cut is crucial for a peacoat's silhouette. Too long, and it loses its casual, military character. Too short, and it looks juvenile. This coat hits Craig at the perfect point—just covering the hip bone—creating balanced proportions that work with his athletic build.

Double-Breasted Construction:

A proper double-breasted front requires precise pattern-making. The button placement must be symmetrical, the overlap generous enough to protect from wind, and the closure must lie flat without gaping. The six-button configuration (with four functional) is classic naval styling executed flawlessly.

Shoulder Expression:

Peacoat shoulders require more structure than unstructured casual coats but less than formal overcoats. This coat achieves the perfect middle ground—enough padding to maintain shape and military crispness, but not so much that it looks stiff or restricts movement.

Collar and Lapel Roll:

The wide lapels can be worn up (fastened at the neck for weather protection) or down for style. This versatility requires expert collar construction—the roll must be smooth in both positions, and the collar must sit flat against the neck without gaping or pulling.

Melton Cloth Handling:

Heavy melton wool is challenging to work with. It's dense, doesn't press easily, and requires strong needles and skilled handling. The clean seams and smooth finish on this coat demonstrate expert craftsmanship in managing this traditional naval fabric.

Here's the rewritten section for a single-breasted, notch lapel, 3/4 length dark navy cashmere overcoat: