The Sunspel Casino Royale swim shorts are, strictly, Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Shorts: the maker’s version of the pale blue trunks Sean Connery wore in Thunderball. Sunspel also dressed Daniel Craig’s Bond in Casino Royale, and the two stories tend to get run together. We keep them apart here and say plainly what is confirmed. What remains is a well-made pair of swim shorts that stands on its own terms.
In the film
Sunspel’s account of the Casino Royale collaboration says costume designer Lindy Hemming asked it to create Craig’s t-shirts, polo shirts and underwear. The same account describes recreating Connery’s pale blue shorts from Thunderball (1965), but it does not say Craig wore a Sunspel swim short on screen. A catalogue entry lists swimming shorts worn by Craig, shown in an exhibition beside Connery’s pair and credited to Sunspel; we rate that source as low confidence. A search result credits Craig’s pale blue trunks in the film to La Perla instead. Until the provenance is settled, we treat these as Sunspel’s take on the Connery shorts, not as the pair seen in the film. The Casino Royale film page has the wider picture.
The details
The fabric is a lightweight recycled polyester developed by SEAQUAL, made in part with upcycled marine plastic. Sunspel says it performs like a conventional swim fabric while reducing reliance on virgin materials. It is also quick-drying, which matters more than it sounds if the shorts have to go from the water to lunch.
The waist adjusts with side tabs rather than a drawstring, so the front stays flat and the line stays clean. The fly closes with a Sunspel-branded press stud. The inside leg is 6.5in, and the cut is a regular fit. The shorts are made in Portugal and come in Black, Navy, Light Blue, Forest and Dark Walnut.
Wearing it now
We’d choose the Light Blue. It is the nearest to the Connery original, and it is the colour that makes the link without needing a label. Navy and Forest are the quieter options for a man who would rather the reference stayed private.
Wear them with a plain polo or a crisp white shirt left open, and nothing more. Sunspel’s own Riviera Polo Shirt, cut from mesh cotton developed for the Riviera in the 1950s, is the obvious companion. The 6.5in inside leg suits the beach, the pool and the hotel terrace alike. Check the size chart before ordering: Sunspel’s model is 6ft 1in and wears a medium.
Care is simple. Wash gently at 30°C with similar colours, and do not tumble dry. Sunspel also lists them as dry cleanable.
Specifications
| Product code | MSHR3704 (Forest: MSHR3704-GNJD) |
|---|---|
| Colours | Black, Navy, Light Blue, Forest, Dark Walnut |
| Fabric | 100% recycled polyester, made in part with upcycled marine plastic (SEAQUAL) |
| Fit | Regular fit, 6.5in inside leg, adjustable waist with side tabs |
| Fastening | Sunspel-branded press stud at the fly |
| Care | Gentle wash at 30°C, do not tumble dry, dry cleanable |
| Made in | Portugal |
| RRP | US$200 (RRP at the time of writing, October 2026) |
Full details are on Sunspel’s swimwear page.
Questions
Did Daniel Craig wear Sunspel swim shorts in Casino Royale?
It is not confirmed. Sunspel says it made Craig’s t-shirts, polo shirts and underwear for the film. A low-confidence catalogue entry lists swimming shorts worn by Craig, and one search result credits La Perla instead.
What are Sunspel’s Tailored Swim Shorts based on?
They are based on the pale blue shorts Sean Connery wore as Bond in Thunderball. Sunspel recreated that pair and says it then launched its first swimwear line.
What are the shorts made from?
They are 100% recycled polyester, made in part with upcycled marine plastic from SEAQUAL. The fabric is lightweight and quick-drying, and the shorts are made in Portugal.
How should I care for them?
Wash gently at 30°C with similar colours and do not tumble dry. Sunspel also lists them as dry cleanable.
For the man and the film behind the shorts, read more on Daniel Craig’s Bond.
