Skip to content
Compare products

Comparison Men’s cashmere knitwear

John Smedley Merino Crew vs Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: which one should you buy?

Quick answer

Buy the John Smedley Merino Crew if you want fine knitwear that lasts. Buy the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere instead if you want cozy.

By Opulique Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

John Smedley Merino Crew
Buy

John Smedley Merino Crew

Best for Fine merino

Typically $250–$320

Check Price on Amazon Paid link
Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere
Buy

Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere

Best for Cable

Typically $2,500–$3,500

Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Quick comparison

FeatureJohn Smedley Merino CrewBrunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere
VerdictBuyBuy
Typical price$250–$320$2,500–$3,500
Best forFine merinoCable
Key featureSea Island-style fine merino crewCable cashmere
YarnExtra-fine merinoCashmere
WeightFineHeavy
FitSlimRegular
Made inEnglandItaly
Where to buyCheck Price Paid linkCheck Price Paid link

Main differences

Yarn

John Smedley Merino Crew: Extra-fine merino; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: Cashmere.

Weight

John Smedley Merino Crew: Fine; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: Heavy.

Fit

John Smedley Merino Crew: Slim; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: Regular.

Made in

John Smedley Merino Crew: England; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: Italy.

Why buy it

John Smedley Merino Crew: sea Island-style fine merino crew; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: cable cashmere.

Made for

John Smedley Merino Crew: fine merino; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: cable.

Usual price

John Smedley Merino Crew: $250–$320; Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: $2,500–$3,500.

Which should you choose?

Choose the John Smedley Merino Crew if you

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

Choose the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere if you

  • you want cozy
  • value superb
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
Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men

Johnstons of Elgin · Men’s cashmere knitwear

Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men

Buy it if you want great cashmere for less.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Best value
Typical price
$400–$550

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Durable

Cons

  • Plain
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

John Smedley Merino Crew or Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: which should I buy?

Buy the John Smedley Merino Crew if you want fine knitwear that lasts. Buy the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere instead if you want cozy.

Is the price difference worth it?

The John Smedley Merino Crew usually costs $250–$320 and the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere $2,500–$3,500. 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

John Smedley Merino Crew or Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere: the full reasoning

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

Where they differ

The John Smedley Merino Crew wins on sea Island-style fine merino crew. The Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere answers with cable cashmere. Yarn: Extra-fine merino on the John Smedley Merino Crew, Cashmere on the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere. Weight: Fine on the John Smedley Merino Crew, Heavy on the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere. Fit: Slim on the John Smedley Merino Crew, Regular on the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere. Made in: England on the John Smedley Merino Crew, Italy on the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere.

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.

Reasons to buy the Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere

Superb. What to accept: pricey. Usual price: $2,500–$3,500. Our verdict: buy. Read the full Brunello Cucinelli Cable Cashmere 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 Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men ($400–$550): Scottish cashmere crewneck. Buy it if you want great cashmere for less.

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.