Just the other day I received the John Smedley V neck sweater/jumper that is seen in the SkyFall Shanghai scene. When it was first discovered, I was excited to begin finishing off the Shanghai outfit especially with the Billy Reid coat in my possession. As I ordered the sweater I began reading the sizing information. As a matter of habit I read VERY carefully the sizing information on all these pieces to decipher the very best one to purchase. After all in some brands I am a small, some I am a medium, and yes, some I am a large.
Sigh, it’s enough to drive someone batty.
But I move in with caution because there is nothing worse than being excited about getting an acquisition in only to discover it looks baggy on you, or the reverse. The Smedley sweater actually said it was a classic fit and generous in the chest and arms etc…so naturally I thought it was made like a Brooks Brothers sweater and tent-like, so I was going for a small.
Then my friend Simon not only reminded me that European sizes are more fitted than the USA classic fits but he also found a picture of a model who is about my size wearing a medium.
The medium looked damn good and well fitted so I was convinced that I should listen to Simon (Simon says) and order a medium.
Ripping open the package, I had premonitions of a black sack draped over me but as soon as I held it up I smiled…this thing was not baggy. Hell, it looked slim fit! Then I tried it on (see quick pics to the right) and the smile grew.
Damn, Simon was right and once more an article of clothing comes in that fits perfectly thanks to some advice, detective work, and research.
So…any good techniques out there on sizing?
still waiting to see what the pants are and color for the rest of the outfit.Oh and lets not forget the tie.European sizes in my opinion are always a size larger than you are.
Hey, that’s an iPhone and not a Sony Xperia T… 😉 Go on with your page and good luck! P.S.: The Sweater looks great!
Thanks! Need a few more items to complete the look…
I have a sweater that’s very similar to this. And I have most of the outfit pieces however, I’d like to know because I cannot remember for seeing the movie if he’s wearing french cuffs. That’s really all I wear and saying from experience, french cuffs are sometime uncomfortable and look a little funny with a sweater. What are you thoughts David?
They were not french…COS shirt with plain cuffs I believe…
Where online can I purchase this v-neck?
Yes the COS shirt was a barrel cuff not French cuff. This outfit was my favorite throughout the whole movie paired up with the Billy Reid coat
Congrats on this great website David !
You really put together a mecca for bond fans worldwide.
Having a bit of trouble in acquiring the products though… I’m 17 and buying them off my allowence haha… anyway,got to keep going !
Hey Dave I’ve been following your posts and podcasts since Casino Royal and just wanted to say that I really appreciate all information on the films, fashion and gadgets. You really know what us fans want to see. I have stated my own collection with the TF 108 sunglasses from Quantum and I just got the glasses from Skyfall. I wanted to get a Billy Reid peacoat but my girl friend brought me down to earth and talked me out of it, but none the less it’s fun leaning about the style and what you have put together really helps us fans stay involved so in this I thank you. I hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday season.
once again thank you,
Matt
p.s.
Its good to know that I’m not the only one who loves this stuff.
Dave, the sweater who is it from and where can I order it ?
Thanks!
It’s from John smedley. The bobby edition v-neck jumper in black
What do you think or the quality David? Worth the investment? I’m confused about sizes, my BR peacoat is an XL… I’m guessing ill need a L or XL again.
The size of the Smedley? Pretty true to size…I am a 40/42 and I took a medium.
Thanks David. I was just debating sizes as I surf the British clothings sights, including John Smedley. Good to hear you’re 42 is a Med and thus JS is true to size– will help me buy with confidence!
By the way, would you confirm that the Acne trousers are slimmer cut? (I think I read this warning on their site, or the bondlifestyle site perhaps…)
Take care,
Langford
They are a VERY slim cut!
I always buy two sizes and promptly return the item that doesn’t fit. Brooks Brothers is particularly inconsistent with sizes depending on where the item is manufactured. Shoes made in Italy? Go a size down. Jacket made in Italy, go a size up lol.
I live close to the John Smedley Mill in Derbyshire, England. They have a good factory shop that you can visit and buy from directly.
They manufacture knitwear for many top designer brands. You may be wearing a ????? ?????? sweater, but it was probably made by John Smedley in Derbyshire.
Great site David, keep it up!