I did come across that M&S polo during my hunt. But as you'll see, there are so many great options for the SPECTRE one that I decided not to include it. But that quilted jacket is awesome! Do you have the link? If not, I'll just search for it on their website.
I also added a separate section for the QoS TF polo this time. Just in case any of us needs another blue polo ... 😁
Thanks lads for all these great suggestions. This year I'm trying to build up my camp-collar wardrobe and I've pulled the trigger on many of the suggestions on here and the Iconic Alternatives site. Cheers for all the tips. But I'm finding that dealing with camp-collar shirts' fit and sizing is a bit trickier than standard shirts and polos. There's a fine line between a camp-collar shirt that drapes well and the more voluminous Hawaiian circus tent variety. Regarding my experience so far, I'm happy to share my ten shillings.
FYI, I'm 52 years old, 6ft 2", in decent shape, certainly not peak-Connery but then again in no way peak-John Goodman. I live in Japan so now the summer is kicking in there are a lot of opportunities to wear this stuff.
Orlebar Brown TB Navy camp-collar, size XL.
Expensive, not excessively well made for the price, but it fits well. Good strong navy colour. It looks good on.
Ted Baker Chatley in Pink Shirt size 5.
A nice shirt, a bit looser fitting than the OB but decent enough. Looks good on, but my main gripe is with the colour. On the website the pink colour looks vivid and bold but in real life it's sightly washed out and the mixed fabric also reflects the light in an odd way, again kind of like an item of clothing that's been worn many times. The collar gorge is deeper than the OB so if you do have luxuriant chest hair then this could be your big chance. Overall, good but it won't be the end of my quest for a definitive pink Thunderball shirt.
Harmony Short Sleeve Christophe Shirt-Light Blue Stripe size L
Actually, as a skinflint, I would have preferred to have bought the (cheaper) Mango shirt option but they don't deliver to Japan. Damn American isolationists. Anyway, the Christophe. Solid quality shirt, lovely fabric, good stripe placing. Nice fit on the shoulders and chest. A bit pricey for what it is. The main issue I have is with the length of the shirt. The OB and Ted shirts are both 32 inches long from collar to hem, good for me as I'm tall. But the Christophe shirt is 29 inches in length. Not terrible but not as balanced, a bit "boxier" looking, in the overall ensemble. No excess hem so can't really get it adjusted. We'll see how it goes when worn out in the field.
Cubavera Cross Dye linen Shirt in Chinchilla size L
Great colour, great match for Big Sean's original. As soon as I unwrapped the shirt, I chuckled, "Welcome to Japan, dad." But then disaster. The sizing is off. Is this a US thing? The fit is very baggy and billowy which is a shame as everything else is so on point. There's a genius seamstress with a little shop just down the road, so I've given her the shirt to see if she can retrieve something from the wreckage. We live in hope.
So as you can see, for me, buying camp-collar shirts has become a deep voyage of spiritual growth and discovery. The journey continues. Thanks to the legend that is Mailfist, I'm now awaiting delivery of two Revere shirts from Marks & Sparks. Their stuff usually fits me well. I hope they past muster. Surely they will. Come on England!
@Sadanoyama those are some great insights, thanks so much for sharing! Shame to hear about that Ted Baker, I had high hopes for that one. And Harmony is a bit more of a streetwear brand, so the boxier fit isn't surprising. But it defintiely won't be for everyone.
This is a MASSIVE post and I've tried to cover everything from the gingham cabana shirt from FRWL up to the Connolly from NTTD. And I added another Dalton shirt this year. Look forward to hearing what you guys think!
After the craziness that was May and pouring over hundreds of shirts, I'm going to take a breather for a couple of days. But I want to start checking out pants next week before I tackle swimwear
There's a few things in the post I've already shared here and few other things I found along the way. Nothing earth shaking, but there are still some decent deals.
I cheated a little in this one and looked at options for 4 pairs, using the navy and light grey suit trousers as stand alone pants. But I included some full suit alternatives as well just in case anyone is looking for one.
This is an update of a post from a couple of years ago, with new options for the TB espadrilles and sandals, Moore suede bit loafers, some sneakers and the NTTD boat shoes. Tried to mix up the styles a little to offer something for everyone.
Thanks guys. Pure luck to find them. @Agent Eternal unfortunately they're too small (I'm a 10.5 and these are an 8.5). But they're a nice addition to the collection and will make a good prop for photos.
I haven't done one of these in a couple of years (I think the last one was 2019?). Not much directly Bond related in the post but there are a few fun finds inspired by other style icons that I thought were worth sharing.
Any chance of resurrecting your Patterson project with that maker? The prototype looked really good, albeit in brown. I know you mentioned tweaks were needed and covid put a damper on it. Just curious if possible. Were they working from a sample jacket or pictures only?
Regarding the leather jacket, I can certainly recommend Bill Kelso Mfg if you've come across them? They use some of the best leather I've come across and don't need breaking in, but I guess it comes down to whether you like any of the designs! 😊
@TheExit148 I would have to say no at this point. The main issue for me was the leather and the price. The leather was decent quality but it just wasn't going to break-in and patina the way the Belstaff does. And by the time we had calculated all the extras, the price was creeping up to over $400. For a hundred more you could get a Schott model on sale that came close to the look of the Patterson. Honestly, any project that I do like this needs to be something I would be proud to have you guys own and needs to represent good value for the money. And it just didn't click this time.
@emtiem I definitely know Kelso! And he does have an amazing reputation and makes some beautiful jackets. I think I've included his Westfall as an alternative for the Menlo in past posts. For today's post, I was looking at off-the-rack options for the Patterson, which I don't think he has. As I said, there are definitely some out there (Aero leather does a nice one). But the leathers are all pretty heavy. Anyway, I came across the one in the post from Cockpit, I've spoken with them in the past and think they're really nice people. So I thought I'd share it. But I'm always looking at options, especially for the Craig Fall Jackets post.
Hi all! I thought I'd take a short break from sharing affordable alternatives and write a little about how I search for affordable alternatives. So the post today discusses some of the insights I've gathered over the last six years or so of running IA and a few of websites I consistently use to find options.
I'm sure not everyone will find this particularly interesting. But if enough people have questions, comments, suggestions I'll be happy to write another one and share more.
I find it very interesting! The hunt for alternatives has always been a community effort, and I still do my own searches regularly and try to share anything Bond-related I come across. It has been getting rarer though due to a combination of the items I already have, the lack of new movies coming out, and of course the amazing website you have built. 👍️
On the subject of ebay, I would add how helpful it is to create custom searches for several products at once, which one can keep checking over time.
"I'm afraid I'm a complicated woman. "
"- That is something to be afraid of."
This year (in what I'm sure will be a controversial move) I decided not to include the tight trunks from Goldfinger and Casino Royale. For two reasons: first, it's really difficult to find more than one or two options for those designs. And second, when I've included them in the past, almost no one clicks on the links. Which tells me not that many people are interested in them. So I thought I'd skip them this year and focus on the finding more alternatives for the popular styles. Don't hate me ....
Comments
Hi John
Like the comfort shirt with bowling collar.
Two more budget alternatives from Marks & Spencer
Cotton rich revere polo shirt. Budget alternative for SP Tangiers polo. £29.50
Quilted jacket. SP clinic alternative £49.50.
Looking forward to the short sleeve polo alternatives.
@Mailfist perfect timing! Here's the updated post on the polos.
I did come across that M&S polo during my hunt. But as you'll see, there are so many great options for the SPECTRE one that I decided not to include it. But that quilted jacket is awesome! Do you have the link? If not, I'll just search for it on their website.
I also added a separate section for the QoS TF polo this time. Just in case any of us needs another blue polo ... 😁
Cheers!
John
These arent a terrible alternative to the Morocco J Crew Boots:
https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/steve-madden-chukka-boots-0400014538133.html?site_refer=DFA_BEH_O5_CRITEO_CONTEXT
Decent alternative to the Skyfall N. Peal teal sweater.
Cashmere too:
https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/greyson-tomahawk-cashmere-sweater-0400014931551.html?dwvar_0400014931551_color=FERN
Decent alternative for the Tom Ford Spectre ribbed front jacket:
https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/bertigo-quilted-front-jacket-0400015047864.html?dwvar_0400015047864_color=NAVY
Spectre houndstooth trousers (no frog mouth pocket):
https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/ag-marshall-slim-fit-pants-regular-big/6466497?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FClearance%2FMen&color=023
Hi!
The Barbour Covert is on sale at Farfetch for $97!
https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/men/barbour-x-engineered-garments-covert-bond-jacket-item-16111660.aspx
Sizes small to XXL in stock when I last checked.
Edit: seems like the link isn't working. Just search for Barbour Covert
@Obi Sean Kenobi I saw those AGs in the store and they are actually quite nice!
Thanks lads for all these great suggestions. This year I'm trying to build up my camp-collar wardrobe and I've pulled the trigger on many of the suggestions on here and the Iconic Alternatives site. Cheers for all the tips. But I'm finding that dealing with camp-collar shirts' fit and sizing is a bit trickier than standard shirts and polos. There's a fine line between a camp-collar shirt that drapes well and the more voluminous Hawaiian circus tent variety. Regarding my experience so far, I'm happy to share my ten shillings.
FYI, I'm 52 years old, 6ft 2", in decent shape, certainly not peak-Connery but then again in no way peak-John Goodman. I live in Japan so now the summer is kicking in there are a lot of opportunities to wear this stuff.
Orlebar Brown TB Navy camp-collar, size XL.
Expensive, not excessively well made for the price, but it fits well. Good strong navy colour. It looks good on.
Ted Baker Chatley in Pink Shirt size 5.
A nice shirt, a bit looser fitting than the OB but decent enough. Looks good on, but my main gripe is with the colour. On the website the pink colour looks vivid and bold but in real life it's sightly washed out and the mixed fabric also reflects the light in an odd way, again kind of like an item of clothing that's been worn many times. The collar gorge is deeper than the OB so if you do have luxuriant chest hair then this could be your big chance. Overall, good but it won't be the end of my quest for a definitive pink Thunderball shirt.
Harmony Short Sleeve Christophe Shirt-Light Blue Stripe size L
Actually, as a skinflint, I would have preferred to have bought the (cheaper) Mango shirt option but they don't deliver to Japan. Damn American isolationists. Anyway, the Christophe. Solid quality shirt, lovely fabric, good stripe placing. Nice fit on the shoulders and chest. A bit pricey for what it is. The main issue I have is with the length of the shirt. The OB and Ted shirts are both 32 inches long from collar to hem, good for me as I'm tall. But the Christophe shirt is 29 inches in length. Not terrible but not as balanced, a bit "boxier" looking, in the overall ensemble. No excess hem so can't really get it adjusted. We'll see how it goes when worn out in the field.
Cubavera Cross Dye linen Shirt in Chinchilla size L
Great colour, great match for Big Sean's original. As soon as I unwrapped the shirt, I chuckled, "Welcome to Japan, dad." But then disaster. The sizing is off. Is this a US thing? The fit is very baggy and billowy which is a shame as everything else is so on point. There's a genius seamstress with a little shop just down the road, so I've given her the shirt to see if she can retrieve something from the wreckage. We live in hope.
So as you can see, for me, buying camp-collar shirts has become a deep voyage of spiritual growth and discovery. The journey continues. Thanks to the legend that is Mailfist, I'm now awaiting delivery of two Revere shirts from Marks & Sparks. Their stuff usually fits me well. I hope they past muster. Surely they will. Come on England!
@Sadanoyama those are some great insights, thanks so much for sharing! Shame to hear about that Ted Baker, I had high hopes for that one. And Harmony is a bit more of a streetwear brand, so the boxier fit isn't surprising. But it defintiely won't be for everyone.
Post update: Bond's long sleeve summer shirts
This is a MASSIVE post and I've tried to cover everything from the gingham cabana shirt from FRWL up to the Connolly from NTTD. And I added another Dalton shirt this year. Look forward to hearing what you guys think!
John
Anyone have a quality alternative to the Madagascar linen trousers? Proving to be more difficult to find the proper color or something close
After the craziness that was May and pouring over hundreds of shirts, I'm going to take a breather for a couple of days. But I want to start checking out pants next week before I tackle swimwear
Enjoy your rest John!🍻
Morning all!
After a lazy holiday Monday, I've just published the latest best budget style finds
There's a few things in the post I've already shared here and few other things I found along the way. Nothing earth shaking, but there are still some decent deals.
Cheers!
John
Hi everyone! New post: alternatives for the CR Linen Trousers:
I cheated a little in this one and looked at options for 4 pairs, using the navy and light grey suit trousers as stand alone pants. But I included some full suit alternatives as well just in case anyone is looking for one.
Cheers!
John
Great article and options John
@Aussiebondguy Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Time to turn our attention to footwear
This is an update of a post from a couple of years ago, with new options for the TB espadrilles and sandals, Moore suede bit loafers, some sneakers and the NTTD boat shoes. Tried to mix up the styles a little to offer something for everyone.
Enjoy your Sunday!
John
Speaking of Bond shoes: had fun thrift find today
The soles are beaten to hell and the heels are completely worn down. But I wasn't going to leave them for $4!
The uppers don't look beaten up at all. Great find! I hope they are your size!
Great find. I love it when I find Bond brands like OB and Sunspel in charity shops for little money 💥
Thanks guys. Pure luck to find them. @Agent Eternal unfortunately they're too small (I'm a 10.5 and these are an 8.5). But they're a nice addition to the collection and will make a good prop for photos.
Morning all! New edition of the very old series 5 Things I Want
I haven't done one of these in a couple of years (I think the last one was 2019?). Not much directly Bond related in the post but there are a few fun finds inspired by other style icons that I thought were worth sharing.
Cheers!
John
Any chance of resurrecting your Patterson project with that maker? The prototype looked really good, albeit in brown. I know you mentioned tweaks were needed and covid put a damper on it. Just curious if possible. Were they working from a sample jacket or pictures only?
Regarding the leather jacket, I can certainly recommend Bill Kelso Mfg if you've come across them? They use some of the best leather I've come across and don't need breaking in, but I guess it comes down to whether you like any of the designs! 😊
@TheExit148 I would have to say no at this point. The main issue for me was the leather and the price. The leather was decent quality but it just wasn't going to break-in and patina the way the Belstaff does. And by the time we had calculated all the extras, the price was creeping up to over $400. For a hundred more you could get a Schott model on sale that came close to the look of the Patterson. Honestly, any project that I do like this needs to be something I would be proud to have you guys own and needs to represent good value for the money. And it just didn't click this time.
@Gymkata with the "I own TWO Pattersons" flex 😁
@emtiem I definitely know Kelso! And he does have an amazing reputation and makes some beautiful jackets. I think I've included his Westfall as an alternative for the Menlo in past posts. For today's post, I was looking at off-the-rack options for the Patterson, which I don't think he has. As I said, there are definitely some out there (Aero leather does a nice one). But the leathers are all pretty heavy. Anyway, I came across the one in the post from Cockpit, I've spoken with them in the past and think they're really nice people. So I thought I'd share it. But I'm always looking at options, especially for the Craig Fall Jackets post.
Hi all! I thought I'd take a short break from sharing affordable alternatives and write a little about how I search for affordable alternatives. So the post today discusses some of the insights I've gathered over the last six years or so of running IA and a few of websites I consistently use to find options.
I'm sure not everyone will find this particularly interesting. But if enough people have questions, comments, suggestions I'll be happy to write another one and share more.
Cheers!
John
I find it very interesting! The hunt for alternatives has always been a community effort, and I still do my own searches regularly and try to share anything Bond-related I come across. It has been getting rarer though due to a combination of the items I already have, the lack of new movies coming out, and of course the amazing website you have built. 👍️
On the subject of ebay, I would add how helpful it is to create custom searches for several products at once, which one can keep checking over time.
"- That is something to be afraid of."
EAT THE RICH!*
*But take their Belstaff jackets first 😁
Happy Sunday, gang! I've updated the post on Bond swimwear:
This year (in what I'm sure will be a controversial move) I decided not to include the tight trunks from Goldfinger and Casino Royale. For two reasons: first, it's really difficult to find more than one or two options for those designs. And second, when I've included them in the past, almost no one clicks on the links. Which tells me not that many people are interested in them. So I thought I'd skip them this year and focus on the finding more alternatives for the popular styles. Don't hate me ....
Cheers!
John
Is it just me or does this blazer color get pretty darn close to the Brunello?
It's an Etsy blazer with pre-set sizes at $150.
Can't tell if the one on top is better, or the one below.
Or if they both suck. haha
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1144420827/men-linen-blazer-linen-blazer-for-men?click_key=556e0a45ac33e92f8eded66c9abb7d1460ce22e9%3A1144420827&click_sum=2affb4d1&ref=shop_home_recs_12&pro=1&frs=1