John Smedley Merino Crew review: worth it or skip?

What the John Smedley Merino Crew does well

The headline: sea Island-style fine merino crew. The details: Yarn: Extra-fine merino; Weight: Fine; Fit: Slim; Made in: England. In our list it is the pick for: fine merino. It usually sells for $250–$320 in the US.

Made in Derbyshire since 1784.

The trade-offs

Good: durable, fine, value. Not so good: not cashmere. Read the skip-if line before you spend: skip it if you want cashmere.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the William Lockie Lambswool Crew ($200–$280): Scottish lambswool crewneck. Better if you want a tough knit for less.

Instead, consider the N.Peal Cashmere Crew ($350–$450): mongolian cashmere crew. Better if you want value.

Instead, consider the Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Crew Men ($400–$550): Scottish cashmere crewneck. Better if you want great cashmere for less.

Before you buy

Ply: 2-ply and heavier knits last longer and keep shape; very thin single-ply cashmere pills fast. Fit: knitwear should skim the body; too tight shows wear, too loose looks sloppy under a jacket. Neck: crew necks are the most versatile; roll necks work under tailoring; quarter zips are casual.

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.

Buy from the fashion house, an authorized retailer or a reseller that authenticates and guarantees every piece, and keep the receipt, the dust bag, the box and any warranty card: they matter for repairs and for resale. Swiss watches carry a 2- to 5-year international warranty when bought from an authorized dealer, and buyers in the EU and UK also have a legal guarantee of at least two years on new goods.