Britain is one of the largest wool producers in the world, yielding almost 70,000 tonnes per year, and surpassing other regions in variety, quality, and environmental responsibility. At John Smedley, we have been refining our craft using British wool since we began in 1784, and today, our commitment to producing the highest quality, most durable garments still reigns supreme. Our British wool is sourced from local farms and spun in the UK, and we are proud to have “Made in England” printed on the tag of every garment we make. If you’re interested in the expansive world history of British wool, come with us.
The Legacy Of British Wool
British wool is known globally for its exceptional quality and durability. Different types of wool are sourced from the diverse landscapes of the UK, creating fibres that are naturally resilient, insulating and breathable. Its quality stands alone, but combined with the heritage of British wool production, this fibre has a prestigious reputation that continues to influence global fashion trends.
Sheep have grazed across Britain for thousands of years, and the practice of spinning and weaving is thought to have developed around the year 1900 BC. From woollen blankets to stay warm in the British winter to the contemporary knitwear that appears on runways, wool has always been one of our most coveted natural resources. Despite many changes to the industry over the last 50 years, both sheep farming and the wool it produces continue to thrive due to strong foundations.
At John Smedley, we are committed to the same centuries-old production methods that preserve the integrity of British wool, treating it with the respect it deserves to create only the most high-quality, pristine garments. With two Royal Warrants for our premium knitwear, we endeavour to protect the history of the materials we use in our Derbyshire factory while maintaining exceptional quality with a touch of modern innovation.
From Farm To Fleece
British wool is generally more hard-wearing than softer varieties found around the world, and due to the unique production methods perfected over thousands of years, many people find it offers a surprisingly soft texture on skin.
Sheep in the UK originally descended from a breed similar to today’s Soay, which were bred from small, long-legged wild sheep in Northern Europe. Britain already boasted the beginnings of the wool industry when the Romans invaded around 55 BC, after which sheep were bred to become larger with finer, white wool.
Later, the Vikings arrived, bringing their breed of horned, black-faced sheep, which eventually led to modern breeds like Swaledale and Herdwick. Crossbreeds then developed, creating the diversity in British wool we know today. After the Industrial Revolution, sheep farming prioritised breeding for meat over wool, resulting in many of the breeds you may see grazing in UK fields, such as the Border Leicester, Wensleydale and Devon Longwool.
Britain has more sheep breeds than any other country, with over 60 different breeds of sheep, including Clun Forest, Cheviot, Dorset Horn, Ryeland and Shetland. The fleece of each breed has evolved to adapt to its location; hill farmers require sheep with a hardy fleece to withstand harsher climates, while those in the lowlands are generally larger as grazing conditions are better in milder weather.
“It depends on which breed the wool comes from and where that breed is located. The Northern and Scottish breeds, which produce the coarser yarn, are used for tweed and interior textiles, whereas the lowland breeds in Devon and Dorset produce a much softer wool and this is often used by hand spinners to produce yarn for clothing.”
– Bridgette Kelly from British Wool
British Wool & The Environment
One of the greatest features of British wool is its eco-friendly production methods. By maintaining responsible practices and celebrating the craftsmanship involved in producing refined wool garments, British brands like John Smedley ensure woollen garments are well-made, well-looked after, and as a result, long-lasting. Investing in quality craftsmanship reduces the need for frequent replacements, and turns the tide on the fast fashion trends that produce excessive textile waste.
Studies have found wool products are extremely environmentally friendly, and British wool specifically is a natural, renewable fibre, requiring low-impact production processes to turn it into clothing. Unlike more synthetic fibres that take years to decompose in landfills, British wool is biodegradable in months and requires less frequent washing to prolong its life.
Our ZQRX accreditation guarantees fair and ethical practices in the way our suppliers treat their sheep, and all of our wool is now regeneratively farmed, meaning it helps to improve soil health. As a result, all our farming processes are carbon neutral.
Our Commitment To British Wool
We are committed to considerate processes and unmatched quality. Since our family business began, we have been undeterred from doing things the honest way, and eight generations later, we continue to put quality craftsmanship first.
Placing an order at John Smedley is an investment that triggers a production process involving several skilled artisans. Every part of our process is proudly and distinctly British, from our thriving workshop at Lea Mill in Derbyshire to the water sourced from the Peak District.
Our commitment to tradition is clear in our collections. Take our limited edition Duchy Cardigan made using 100% British wool in partnership with The Campaign for Wool. Sourced from farming tenants of the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, it utilises undyed yarns sourced from Cheviot, Polled Dorset, and Dorset Down breeds — sheep known for their wool’s chunky softness. From farm to finished garment, the Duchy cardigan has travelled just 300 miles. This ethos is precisely what sets us apart from the rest.
If you are looking to incorporate British wool into your wardrobe, find advice in our style guides, which detail how to include classic woollen pieces in men’s business casual, smart casual, and casual wedding attire.
