Not every piece in a Bond wardrobe is meant to be noticed. In Shanghai, Daniel Craig’s Bond is working under cover as a driver, and the black v-neck beneath his coat does exactly what the disguise needs: nothing at all. The John Smedley Bobby is a fine-knit merino jumper with a low neck and an easy cut, and in our view it is one of the most useful pieces of knitwear in the Craig films.
In the film
Bond wears a black Bobby in Skyfall (2012). It appears in the Shanghai scenes, first at the hotel bar while he waits for flight information in his driver’s disguise, and then under the navy Billy Reid peacoat. Craig also wore the jumper at some of the film’s premieres and photocalls.
The details of the John Smedley Bobby
Extra fine merino. The wool is sourced through ZENTERA from ZQ+ farms in New Zealand and spun in Italy. It is a lightweight, fine knit, which is why it layers under a coat without bulk and still earns its place indoors.
A low v-neck. The neckline is cut low, which leaves a shirt collar in view. It is the quiet reason the Bobby works under tailoring as well as over a T-shirt.
An easy fit. John Smedley now sells the Bobby in its easy fit: longer in the body, looser through the chest, waist and sleeves than its standard cut. We cannot say it is cut exactly like the version on screen.
Made in England. It is knitted at John Smedley’s Derbyshire mill, where the firm has worked since 1784. By the maker’s account each piece passes through more than fifty pairs of hands.
Care. It can be machine washed at 30°C, turned inside out, with a non-bio detergent. Dry it away from heat, never tumble dry or dry clean, and press it slightly damp.
Wearing it now
The Bobby is the answer to a question most men ask every autumn: what goes under a good coat? Black merino with an open-necked shirt, grey flannels and dark boots is a complete outfit that looks considered rather than dressed up. Over a white T-shirt it becomes a weekend piece. Under a navy peacoat or overcoat, it is Shanghai.
Which colour? John Smedley makes the Bobby in 17 colours. Black is the one from the film and the one we would start with. A darker neutral is the sensible second.
Fit. Because the cut is deliberately relaxed, a closer-fitting man should read the maker’s size guide before ordering. The sizes run from XS to 3XL.
Layering. It is a lightweight fine knit, so it sits beneath a jacket or coat without bulk, which is where a heavier knit goes wrong.
Specifications
| Model | Bobby, men’s v-neck jumper |
|---|---|
| Colour | Black (17 colours available) |
| Fibre | Extra fine merino wool |
| Knit and neck | Lightweight fine knit, low v-neck |
| Fit | Easy fit, XS to 3XL |
| Made in | England, at John Smedley’s Derbyshire mill |
| Care | Machine wash at 30°C inside out; do not tumble dry or dry clean |
| RRP | US$430 at the time of writing, October 2026 |
Full details and sizing are on John Smedley’s own page for the Bobby.
Questions
Is this the jumper Bond wears in Skyfall?
Yes, the Bobby in black is the jumper Bond wears in the Shanghai scenes of Skyfall. John Smedley now sells it in an easy fit, and we cannot confirm that matches the cut used on screen.
How much does the John Smedley Bobby cost?
The RRP at the time of writing, October 2026, is US$430 for the black Bobby on John Smedley’s US site. Prices differ by region and change with sales.
Where is the John Smedley Bobby made?
It is made in England, at John Smedley’s mill in Derbyshire. The wool is sourced in New Zealand and spun in Italy.
How do you wash a merino jumper like the Bobby?
Turn it inside out and machine wash at 30°C with a non-bio detergent. Dry it away from heat, do not tumble dry or dry clean it, and press it slightly damp.
For more from the film, see our guide to Bond’s clothing.
