You are not logged in.
#1 2010-08-30 04:41:17
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Smedley or Sunspel?
Any major competition between them? Perhaps, like Stella Artois, they are reassuringly expensive. More importantly, they are not outsourced but made a stone's throw from where I live. Lots of blokes I know take a little trip to the factory shop at Lea Bridge. Long Eaton has a proud history of top-quality textile production, on the Derby-Notts border.
#2 2010-08-30 13:47:07
- Bishop of Briggs
- Member
- Posts: 3948
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
There is no major competition as the companies' products are complimentary - Sunspel for sporty polos, t-shirts and underwear, Smedley for dressier sea island and merino crews and polos.
Contrary to lies of FNB and Woofboxer, I (and most of the other "Buff Bastards") have been banned from posting on this forum. There are only a few posters left so don't waste your time on here. This forum is dead and nobody cares.
#3 2010-08-31 07:01:59
- Si Cheeba
- Member
- Posts: 82
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
like ebony and ivory - they live together in perfect harmony....
Reminder: I - must - buy - more - of - these.....
#4 2010-08-31 09:24:22
- Trojan
- Member
- Posts: 217
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
Have just ordered myself a Sunspel pocket tee.
When will it stop...
Robbo what a fucking wanker you are.
#5 2010-08-31 09:28:53
- Trojan
- Member
- Posts: 217
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
I don't actually own any Smedley.
I did get a v neck earlier this year from Secretsales.
Very nice it was too, apart from the fault which caused me to return it.
Probably a good thing though - it was a little snug and probably wouldn't fit now.
Last edited by Trojan (2010-08-31 14:25:46)
Robbo what a fucking wanker you are.
#6 2010-08-31 13:24:30
- heikki k
- The Ivyist's Ivyist
- Posts: 1442
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
..never tried sunspel. got two smedley polos + 2 rollnecks. don't wear them too often these days but like them nevertheless.
#7 2010-08-31 14:27:55
- Trojan
- Member
- Posts: 217
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
It's very nice stuff Heikki.
I particularly like the Riviera polos, but hope to sample a bit more of the range.
Robbo what a fucking wanker you are.
#9 2010-09-03 02:51:32
- Brideshead
- Member
- Posts: 417
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
Last edited by Brideshead (2010-09-03 05:48:59)
#11 2022-06-23 14:13:31
- AFS
- Member
- Posts: 2740
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
I've never bought Sunspel, the reason being sheer contempt for the local stockist with their proudly displayed copy of 'Take Ivy' in a shop that was about as interesting as our local Aldi (and they didn't sell croissants). Much appears to be made in Portugal, which is all right, I suppose.
B of Bs summing up went down well with a good former poster.
If L/S polo sleeves are available I might bite.
#12 2022-06-23 15:28:05
- AlveySinger
- Member
- Posts: 901
Re: Smedley or Sunspel?
I'm a massive fan of both brands but you can't compare them at all.
First and foremost Smedley is a manufacturer and they only do knitwear. It's all made at their own factory. Yes, they make for other brands too but it's all good stuff.
Smedley can be pricey but you're paying for good materials, great design and UK manufacturing. So there is a tangible relationship between merchandise and price.
Sunspel at best only manufacture a small proportion of their products and even their famous underwear is now outsourced. Their product range is extensive and covers everything from overcoats to underwear. They even do shoes. All the Sunspel items I own are manufactured in Portugal. They claim to still design in the UK. Quality wise it's all very good.
From personal experience I always go Smedley sea island Isis polo shirts and Sunspel merino knits.
The collar on the Isis has a nice deep V and works well casually or under a jacket. Smedley merino is finer gauge than Sunspel and sadly makes me look like I have tits.