John Smedley

John Smedley stands as a distinguished British clothing brand renowned for creating the world's finest knitwear. Established in 1784, they hold the distinction of being the oldest manufacturing factory globally, with a heritage deeply rooted in England. Their garments are crafted with exceptional quality and designed to endure, proudly bearing the "Made in England" label, which reflects their commitment to British manufacturing and tradition. Their story begins at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in their factory at Lea Mills, Derbyshire, where they continue to operate today. Initially producing simple muslin fabric and spinning cotton, they progressed to more complex knitwear by 1825, utilising one of the first fully fashioned knitting machines to create the original "Long Johns." Over the years, John Smedley expanded their reach worldwide, establishing themselves as one of Britain’s most iconic clothing brands. Throughout the mid-20th century, John Smedley became the preferred brand of many celebrated figures, including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and the Beatles. By the 1980s, they were the go-to knitwear brand for notable British designers such as Dame Vivienne Westwood and Sir Paul Smith, further cementing their place in fashion history. Their first retail store opened on Brook Street in Mayfair, London, in 2000, marking a significant milestone. In 2012, they showcased their style at London Collections: Men, the inaugural British Men’s Fashion Week. The following year, the brand was honoured with a Royal Warrant of Appointment as a “Manufacturer of Fine Knitwear” by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognising their trusted quality. John Smedley continues to innovate, exemplified by the 2015 relaunch of their womenswear line at London Fashion Week and the introduction of the contemporary unisex capsule collection ‘Singular,’ noted as the UK’s first-ever unisex knitwear collection. Their iconic style ranges from their enduring Mainline Collection, which features the best-selling polo shirt unchanged since 1932, to their modern unisex designs. They strive to produce garments with a contemporary look that transcends generations, reflecting both heritage and innovation. The brand remains proudly British and family-run, currently managed by Jess McGuire-Dudley. Their commitment to quality extends to customer care, offering repair or replacement for manufacturing faults within six months of purchase, reinforcing their dedication to craftsmanship and lasting value. John Smedley is also firmly committed to ethical business practices, actively working to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking within their operations and supply chains. They uphold the principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, implementing robust risk assessments, procurement policies, employee training, and whistleblower protections to maintain transparency and integrity. With a rich heritage spanning over two centuries, John Smedley continues to blend tradition, quality, and innovation, maintaining its reputation as a British knitwear leader cherished worldwide.