John Smedley
John Smedley has been making the world's finest knitwear at Lea Mills, Derbyshire since 1784 - the oldest manufacturing factory still in operation. Every garment is crafted using traditional techniques with extra-fine merino wool and rare Sea Island cotton, hand-finished by skilled British craftspeople.
Iconic Styles, Timeless Quality
The John Smedley Isis polo became the uniform of 1960s mods and remains our bestseller - its 30-gauge Sea Island cotton construction as relevant today as when The Beatles wore them. The Hawley roll neck channels beatnik style, while the Adrian polo and Belper jumper offer contemporary fits in classic British knitwear tradition.
From Paul Weller to Daniel Craig's Bond in Skyfall, from Audrey Hepburn to the Royal Family (John Smedley holds a Royal Warrant since 2013), these understated pieces have defined British style for generations.
Why John Smedley?
- Made entirely in England using 240 years of expertise
- Extra-fine 24-micron merino wool and Sea Island cotton (just 0.0004% of world production)
- 30-gauge fine knitting for unmatched softness and fit
- Improves with age - becomes softer with each wash
- Machine washable at 30°C on wool setting
The Collection
Each season brings fresh colourways in both classic and contemporary shades. Choose lightweight Sea Island cotton polos and tees for spring/summer sophistication, or extra-fine merino wool jumpers and roll necks for autumn/winter warmth. All styles feature John Smedley's signature tailored fit - slim but not tight, with sizes from S to XXL.
Heritage & Innovation
Founded by Peter Nightingale and John Smedley, Lea Mills represents British manufacturing at its finest. While the techniques remain traditional, the designs evolve - from the mod-adopted Isis polo of the 1960s to contemporary pieces worn by Roger Federer and the Royal Family. This balance of heritage and modernity, combined with an emphasis on quality over branding, ensures each piece remains relevant for decades.
Shop with Confidence
Atom Retro is an authorized John Smedley stockist offering worldwide delivery. Every piece comes with our authenticity guarantee and John Smedley's commitment to sustainable, ethical British manufacturing. Whether you're seeking the perfect knitted polo, a luxurious crew neck jumper, or an elegant roll neck, discover why John Smedley remains the world's finest knitwear.
