Bond’s best shirt in The World Is Not Enough is not a dinner shirt. It is a plain blue cotton shirt that goes through a good deal: a meeting with Elektra King in Istanbul, a dive into the sea, a fight in Renard’s submarine. The Turnbull & Asser Istanbul shirt, released in May 2023, is the maker’s answer to it, and a very good blue shirt in its own right.
In the film
Pierce Brosnan’s Bond wears the original shirt in Istanbul, meeting Elektra King, diving into the sea and fighting Renard in his submarine. Turnbull & Asser describes its Istanbul shirt as inspired by that original and as resembling the one Bond wears, rather than an exact copy, and we treat it the same way.
The details of the Turnbull & Asser Istanbul shirt
Blue oxford cotton. It is 100 per cent cotton in a blue oxford weave, a cloth that is textured, hard-wearing and relaxed enough to wear without a tie.
The No.3 collar. Turnbull & Asser’s collars are named by number, and this one takes the No.3. It is the collar the maker pairs with this shirt, and it works with a tie or without one.
Three-button cuffs. The cuff fastens with three buttons, a small detail that gives the sleeve a more tailored finish.
Regular fit. The cut is the maker’s regular fit. It is made in the United Kingdom, in the maker’s Gloucester workrooms, according to its general notes on how its shirts are made.
Wearing it now
Blue oxford is the most useful shirt a man can own, and this version carries a story with it. We would wear it two ways. Under a navy suit with a dark knitted tie, it reads as quietly formal. Open at the neck with chinos and a navy blazer, it is the weekend version, which is closer to what Bond does with it.
Pairings. Navy and grey cloth suit it best; tan trousers and brown suede shoes bring out the blue. We would avoid a patterned jacket, since the oxford weave already supplies the texture.
Care. The maker’s care label allows a 30 or 40 degree machine wash, no tumble dry and a medium-heat iron.
Sizing. It is cut in regular fit, so if you are between sizes try it before you buy, or check the maker’s size guidance.
Specifications
| Maker | Turnbull & Asser |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% cotton, blue oxford |
| Fit | Regular |
| Collar | No.3 |
| Cuff | Three-button |
| Product code | ZZSR0225 0053 06 |
| Care | 30 or 40 degree machine wash; do not tumble dry |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| RRP | US$535 on the US site; £395 on the UK site (October 2026) |
Full details are on Turnbull & Asser’s Istanbul shirt page.
Questions
Is this the shirt Bond wears in The World Is Not Enough?
It is inspired by it. Turnbull & Asser says it resembles the shirt worn in Istanbul, so think of it as a close tribute rather than a replica.
What collar does the Istanbul shirt have?
A No.3 collar, with three-button cuffs and a regular fit.
How much is the Turnbull & Asser Istanbul shirt?
US$535 on the maker’s US site and £395 on its UK site, at the time of writing in October 2026.
Can I wear it without a tie?
Yes. A blue oxford suits an open neck as easily as a knot.
See more of Brosnan’s style in Pierce Brosnan’s Bond, the The World Is Not Enough page, or browse clothing.
