Only the best
natural fibres

John Smedley is known for creating ultra-fine 30-gauge knitwear. We can only produce garments this fine by using the very best natural fibres. It's this commitment to quality that sets us apart from other manufacturers.

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John Smedley's Sea Island Cottons

John Smedley's Sea Island Cotton was first used in 1922. Back then we were still primarily known as a high quality manufacturer of underwear. It wasn't until 10 years later, in 1932, that we introduced our first outerwear pieces using John Smedley's Sea Island Cotton. Garments included Isis, the three-button polo shirt, Leander, the long-sleeve polo and Pembroke, the roll collar. These iconic garments were pioneers and helped set the standard for everything we do today.

All in the detail

It's the exceptional fineness, luxurious staple length and high tensile strength of John Smedley's Sea Island Cotton that sets it apart from other fibres. We hand-pick the cotton as it matures which maintains its purity and means we avoid using a chemical defoliant. The result is ethically produced, exceptionally soft knitwear that can be worn and washed again and again.

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New Zealand Merino wool

John Smedley's extra-fine New Zealand Merino wool is specially bred by selected wool growers on the alpine pastures of the South Island. It's a soft, sumptuous yarn that's naturally warm, comfortable and easy to maintain. In 1995 we began a unique sourcing programme with a specially selected number of wool growers in New Zealand which we still maintain today. It means we can trace our knitwear and control its provenance.

We also have Zque accreditation which guarantees that we have fair and ethical practices in the way we work with our suppliers and the way they treat their sheep, as well as the quality of our wool.

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