A Legacy Forged by Family, Nature, and Enduring Craftsmanship

With its exceptional quality and timeless design, John Smedley counts global icons like Tom Cruise and Madonna among its clientele. The brand's history is as meticulously crafted as its knitwear.

Founded in 1784 by Peter Nightingale and John Smedley at Lea Mills in Derbyshire, the John Smedley company initially focused on spinning cotton and weaving fabric. Under John Smedley II, the factory was modernized and expanded.
The company continued to grow, driven by family bonds, and eventually expanded its knitwear into international markets.

Still located in the same place, Smedley produces 30-gauge, ultra-fine knitwear with a unique process unmatched by others. The garments are then washed in the pristine waters of the Matlock region, a step that imparts John Smedley's signature soft touch.

Supreme Comfort, Courtesy of Sea Island Cotton

John Smedley uses a premium cotton known as "JOHN SMEDLEY’S SEA ISLAND COTTON" for its products.

Sea Island cotton requires a specific climate, suitable soil, and precise agricultural techniques, thriving only where these conditions align. Furthermore, each cotton boll is hand-picked as it ripens, a testament to the meticulous care involved.

The distinctiveness of this precious Sea Island cotton lies in its length and fineness. While typical cotton fibers measure 2-3cm, these range from 3-4cm and possess a fineness second only to silk. This length provides strength when spun into yarn, while its fineness lends the fabric absorbency and thermal insulation.

Knitted from "JOHN SMEDLEY’S SEA ISLAND COTTON," a supreme natural material that combines the luster of silk with the touch of cashmere, John Smedley's knitwear offers a feeling of pure bliss to the wearer.