Spectre Sölden Jacket

Spectre stands out among the Craig-era films as the movie with the best winter wardrobe. It’s the first time we get to see Craig’s Bond in a variety of winter settings, from Mr. White’s dreary cabin at Lake Altaussee to the dazzling snowcapped mountain home of the Hoffler Clinic in Sölden, Austria, where Bond meets Dr. Madeleine Swann. Bond’s encounter with Dr. Swann and the subsequent car/plane chase sequence give us arguably the most iconic winter look from the movie: the Tom Ford Merino Quilted Zip Jacket.

The Tom Ford Merino Quilted Zip Jacket, lovingly referred to by Bond fans as the Sölden Jacket, is made from a merino wool base with down-filled quilted nylon front panels. It has two zipped front pockets, a funnel neck, and ribbing along the cuffs and hem. 

Bond wears the black version of the jacket, but Tom Ford has reissued it in a variety of colors annually since Spectre was released. This year’s model is grey and is currently available from Tom Ford’s website for $2,840. You can find previous releases on various third-party sites for around $2,500. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Tom Ford Sölden Jacket, check out this great option from another Bond brand. 

Barbour International (from Aphrodite)

Baffle Zip Top

$156.48

This Barbour International jacket is an excellent alternative to the Tom Ford Sölden Jacket. It has a black knit base with quilted padded front panels, two zipped front pockets, and ribbing at the cuffs, hem, and collar. I originally found it over at Aphrodite for $156.48 but I’ve since seen it on a number of third-party sites for less than $200.

From a design standpoint, the only significant difference between the Barbour International jacket and the Tom Ford jacket is the collar. The Sölden Jacket has a funnel neck, while the collar on this jacket wraps around the back of the neck before tapering down to form a V at the collarbone. (Personally, I think I like this better.) 

Functionally, the two jackets are made from very different materials. The Tom Ford jacket’s base is 100% merino wool while the Barbour International base is 100% cotton. Also, the padded panels on the Tom Ford jacket are filled with goose down for extra insulation but the Barbour International jacket is uninsulated. As a result, it’s best used a transitional jacket or a layering piece under a heavier coat during the winter. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Tom Ford Sölden Jacket, the Barbour International Baffle Zip Top is a great option. It gives you all the style points (except the collar) at a fraction of the cost of the original. And even though $150 might be a little high for a budget option, I think it’s worth it because Barbour and Barbour International are known for making long-lasting products. Barbour is a Bond brand, after all.

Happy shopping!