John Smedley Size Guide
John Smedley is a prestigious British luxury knitwear brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and use of premium natural fibres, including fine merino wool and Sea Island cotton. Established and based in the United Kingdom, John Smedley combines traditional manufacturing expertise with contemporary design to create timeless, high-quality garments. The brand's sizing philosophy adheres to standard UK sizing conventions, making it accessible to customers familiar with British garment sizing. John Smedley knitwear is characterised by refined, well-fitted silhouettes that flatter the body without excess bulk. The brand caters to discerning customers seeking luxury knitwear pieces that combine durability, elegance, and comfort. Whether you're investing in a classic merino crew neck or a sophisticated Sea Island cotton cardigan, John Smedley delivers the quality and attention to detail expected of a heritage British brand.
John Smedley Size Guide
How to Measure
To ensure the perfect fit from John Smedley, follow these measurement instructions carefully. You will need a soft measuring tape and should wear minimal clothing.
- Chest Measurement: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure horizontal and comfortably loose (not tight or saggy). Stand naturally with your arms at your sides. This measurement is crucial for selecting the correct size in John Smedley knitwear.
- Waist Measurement: Measure around your natural waistline, typically where your trousers would sit. Keep the tape measure parallel to the ground and ensure it sits comfortably without compression.
- Shoulder Width: Measure across the back from shoulder point to shoulder point, with your arms relaxed at your sides. This ensures proper sleeve and garment fit.
- Sleeve Length: Extend one arm slightly and measure from the centre back neck, across the shoulder, down to your wrist bone. This is particularly important for getting the correct sleeve length in John Smedley knitwear.
- Length: For knitwear, measure from the back neck down to your desired hem length. Most customers prefer the garment to sit just below the hip bone.
- Record Your Measurements: Write down all measurements in centimetres, then compare them with the appropriate John Smedley size chart below. If your measurements fall between sizes, consult the product-specific guidance and customer reviews.
| Size | UK | US | EU | Chest (cm) | Chest (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36 | 36 | 46 | 96 | 38 |
| M | 40 | 40 | 50 | 102 | 40 |
| L | 43 | 43 | 54 | 109 | 43 |
| XL | 46 | 46 | 56 | 117 | 46 |
| XXL | 48 | 48 | 58 | 122 | 48 |
| Size | UK | US | EU | Bust (cm) | Bust (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 6 | 2 | 34 | 80 | 31.5 |
| S | 8 | 4 | 36 | 86 | 34 |
| M | 10 | 6 | 38 | 92 | 36 |
| L | 12 | 8 | 40 | 98 | 38.5 |
| XL | 14 | 10 | 42 | 104 | 41 |
| XXL | 16 | 12 | 44 | 110 | 43.5 |
| UK | EU | US | Foot Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 | 40–42 | 7–9 | 9.5–10 |
| 6–12 | 40–46 | 7–13 | 9.5–11.5 |
| 9–11 | 43–45 | 10–12 | 10.5–11.5 |
Product-Specific Sizing Guidance
Merino Wool Knitwear
John Smedley's fine merino wool collections are the cornerstone of their offering. These pieces are designed to be worn close to the body for optimal temperature regulation and comfort. Merino knitwear typically follows true to size according to the charts above. However, if you prefer a more relaxed fit or plan to layer underneath, consider sizing up by one size. The natural elasticity of merino wool means the garment will mould to your body over time, so avoid sizing too large initially. Many customers report that their John Smedley merino pieces actually improve with wear, becoming softer and more comfortable.
Sea Island Cotton Knitwear
Sea Island cotton is a luxury fibre known for its softness, durability, and beautiful drape. John Smedley's Sea Island cotton pieces are perfect for warmer weather or layering in transitional seasons. These garments tend to run true to size. Sea Island cotton has less elasticity than merino wool, so it's essential to choose the correct size to avoid an overly tight or loose fit. If you fall between sizes, the trim fit of John Smedley means you should generally choose the smaller size for a flattering silhouette.
Cardigans and Layering Pieces
John Smedley cardigans and layering pieces are designed to sit comfortably over other garments. These styles typically run true to size according to the charts. If you plan to wear your cardigan over substantial knitwear or other layers, consider sizing up. Always review the product images and descriptions carefully, as some styles are cut more fitted whilst others are designed for a relaxed, oversized aesthetic.
Sizing Tips
- Always check product-specific measurements: John Smedley provides detailed measurements for individual items on their website. Chest, waist, shoulder width, and length measurements are usually available. Compare these measurements to a garment you currently own and enjoy wearing, rather than relying solely on size labels.
- Account for shrinkage: John Smedley knitwear should be carefully laundered following the care instructions. Merino wool and Sea Island cotton can shrink slightly if not cared for properly. Always hand wash or use the delicate cycle with appropriate temperatures. Consider this when selecting your size—a slightly looser fit initially will allow for minor shrinkage without affecting the garment.
- Try the "fit between sizes" method: If your chest measurement falls exactly between two sizes, John Smedley's trim fit philosophy suggests choosing the smaller size for a snug, flattering fit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed silhouette, the larger size would be appropriate. Review customer feedback to understand how different styles fit.
- Read customer reviews for fit feedback: Existing customers often provide valuable insights into how John Smedley pieces actually fit. Pay particular attention to comments from people with similar body types or measurements. Reviews may indicate whether a specific style runs small, large, or true to size, and whether customers typically layer underneath.
- Consider the season and layering: John Smedley offers both lightweight and heavier knits. Lightweight merino pieces designed for warmer months should be fitted closer to the body, so true to size is usually correct. Heavier winter knits may benefit from being slightly looser to accommodate layering beneath. Always consider your typical layering habits.
- Understand the difference between regular and slim fits: Whilst John Smedley's standard offering tends toward a refined, fitted silhouette, some pieces may be cut more generously than others. Check whether a specific style is described as standard fit, slim fit, or relaxed fit, and adjust your sizing accordingly. When in doubt, contact John Smedley's customer service team—they can provide guidance on specific pieces.
- Invest in a soft measuring tape: John Smedley knitwear represents a significant investment in quality. Spending a few minutes with a soft measuring tape to accurately measure both your body and reference garments will ensure you receive the perfect fit. This is far more reliable than guessing based on size labels alone.
- Colour variation and dye lots: Whilst not directly related to sizing, John Smedley garments in different colours may vary slightly due to natural fibre dyeing processes. However, the sizing should remain consistent across the colour range within a particular style. Check size charts for the specific style and colour you're interested in.
International Size Conversion
| UK | US | EU | Japan | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | XS | 34 | 5 | 6 |
| S | S | 36 | 7 | 8 |
| M | M | 40 | 9 | 10 |
| L | L | 42 | 11 | 12 |
| XL | XL | 44 | 13 | 14 |
| XXL | XXL | 46 | 15 | 16 |
Contact & Further Assistance
If you're uncertain about sizing or have specific questions about fit, don't hesitate to contact John Smedley's customer service team. They have extensive knowledge of their products and can provide personalised recommendations based on your measurements and preferences. Many customers find that a brief conversation with the team results in a perfect purchase.
When contacting customer service, have your measurements ready and be specific about how you like your knitwear to fit. Mention whether you plan to layer, if you prefer a snug or relaxed silhouette, and any relevant body shape considerations. The team can then guide you toward the size most likely to please you.
Care & Maintenance Considerations for Sizing
Proper care ensures your John Smedley investment maintains its fit and appearance. Always follow the care label instructions provided with your garment. Hand washing in cool water with a specialist wool or merino detergent is recommended for most pieces. Lay flat to dry—never tumble dry, as this can cause shrinkage and distortion of the garment shape. With proper care, your John Smedley knitwear will retain its fit and beauty for years to come, making the initial investment in the correct size worthwhile.