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Comparison Men’s cashmere knitwear

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men vs John Smedley Merino Crew: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men if you want great cashmere for less. Buy the John Smedley Merino Crew instead if you want fine knitwear that lasts.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men
Buy

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men

Best for Best value

Typically $400–$550

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
John Smedley Merino Crew
Buy

John Smedley Merino Crew

Best for Fine merino

Typically $250–$320

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureJohnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew MenJohn Smedley Merino Crew
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$400–$550$250–$320
Best forBest valueFine merino
Key featureScottish cashmere crewneckSea Island-style fine merino crew
Yarn2-ply cashmereExtra-fine merino
WeightMediumFine
FitRegularSlim
Made inScotlandEngland
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Yarn

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: 2-ply cashmere; John Smedley Merino Crew: Extra-fine merino.

Weight

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: Medium; John Smedley Merino Crew: Fine.

Fit

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: Regular; John Smedley Merino Crew: Slim.

Made in

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: Scotland; John Smedley Merino Crew: England.

Why buy it

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: Scottish cashmere crewneck; John Smedley Merino Crew: sea Island-style fine merino crew.

Made for

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: best value; John Smedley Merino Crew: fine merino.

Usual price

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men: $400–$550; John Smedley Merino Crew: $250–$320.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men if you

  • you want great cashmere for less
  • value excellent value
Check Price Paid link

Choose the John Smedley Merino Crew if you

  • you want fine knitwear that lasts
  • value durable
Check Price Paid link

If neither feels right

Neither is the only answer. See every piece we would buy (and the ones we would skip) in our list of the best men’s cashmere knitwear.

Not sure about either? Consider these

Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men

Loro Piana · Men’s cashmere knitwear

Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men

Buy it if you want the softest cashmere.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
The finest
Typical price
$1,800–$2,400

Pros

  • Exceptional

Cons

  • Very pricey
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Roll Neck

Brunello Cucinelli · Men’s cashmere knitwear

Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Roll Neck

Buy it if you want refined knitwear.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Refined
Typical price
$1,800–$2,500

Pros

  • Superb

Cons

  • Pricey
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men or John Smedley Merino Crew: which should I buy?

Buy the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men if you want great cashmere for less. Buy the John Smedley Merino Crew instead if you want fine knitwear that lasts.

Is the price difference worth it?

The Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men usually costs $400–$550 and the John Smedley Merino Crew $250–$320. Pay more only if the differences above matter to you.

Opulique Editorial Team

Part of the Opulique research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men or John Smedley Merino Crew: the full reasoning

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men or John Smedley Merino Crew? Both are strong men’s cashmere knitwear, which is exactly why the choice is hard. The short version first: buy the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men if you want great cashmere for less, and buy the John Smedley Merino Crew if you want fine knitwear that lasts. The rest of this page explains why, with usual US prices.

Where they differ

The Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men wins on Scottish cashmere crewneck. The John Smedley Merino Crew answers with sea Island-style fine merino crew. Yarn: 2-ply cashmere on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Extra-fine merino on the John Smedley Merino Crew. Weight: Medium on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Fine on the John Smedley Merino Crew. Fit: Regular on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, Slim on the John Smedley Merino Crew. Made in: Scotland on the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men, England on the John Smedley Merino Crew.

Reasons to buy the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men

Excellent value, Durable. What to accept: plain. Usual price: $400–$550. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men review.

Reasons to buy the John Smedley Merino Crew

Durable, Fine, Value. What to accept: not cashmere. Usual price: $250–$320. Our verdict: buy. Read the full John Smedley Merino Crew review.

Neither one?

Our list of the best men’s cashmere knitwear has every other piece with its own call. Ply: 2-ply and heavier knits last longer and keep shape; very thin single-ply cashmere pills fast.

Also consider the Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Crew Men ($1,800–$2,400): baby cashmere crewneck. Buy it if you want the softest cashmere.

Also consider the Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Roll Neck ($1,800–$2,500): cashmere roll neck. Buy it if you want refined knitwear.

Buyer tip

Buy in the January sales: knitwear is discounted heavily and classic colors (navy, gray, camel) are always there.

Buying in Europe: Italian tailoring uses chest sizes such as IT 48 or 50 (about a US 38 or 40), while knitwear and outerwear use S–XL or IT sizes depending on the house. A European tailor can adjust sleeves and hems on any jacket.

Luxury prices move in a different rhythm from everyday shopping. The great houses (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex) raise prices once or twice a year, often in January and in spring, and almost never discount their icons. Seasonal pieces, colors and many shoes, coats and knitwear drop 30–50% in the end-of-season sales in January and from late June. Watches from brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines and Breitling, and most fragrance, see the best prices around Prime Day and Black Friday. Judge any deal against the usual price we show.