John Smedley vs All Saints Roll Neck

[Textbook]

I've been after a fairly timeless thin roll neck for a while and have narrowed it down to two.

The first is a John Smedley 100% marino wool roll neck in the Outlet store. Its £89 down to £45 and is the Beal in Serene Blue.

I can't show it because the Outlet store requires membership.

The second is an All Saints Cotton, Silk and Cashmere one for the same price:

Mens Roll Neck Jumper | Link Roll Neck | AllSaints

I'm really in two minds. John Smedley is the iconic knitwear brand but I prefer the colour of the All Saints one.

On the other hand, is 100% marino wool not better than a cotton, silk and cashmere mix?

Any thoughts welcome!

[Nath6644]

I think I glimpsed the John Smedley one on google images and the colour was a bit vibrant for my tastes. I like the colour of the Allsaints one, but it hardly qualifies as a 'classic' rollneck in my books. It's far too contemporary in the way the neck falls.

That's not to say you shouldn't get it, only that it might not be quite what you're looking for.

My most 'classic' rollneck is by Calvin Klein: it's 100% merino wool and in dark navy, fits like a dream and feels wonderful against bare skin. I think if you're looking for a more versatile piece, navy is the way to go.

[Textbook]

Yeah, I think I'll rule the John Smedley one out on colour grounds alone.

I have three blazers that I'll probably wear the roll neck under: a light blue herringbone, a berry coloured donkey jacket and a tweed blazer.

I think brown would work under all of them, especially given I'd normally wear indigo jeans on the bottom half and brown pairs well with indigo.

I'm curious why you think the All Saints one isnt classic? I think its just the way they display the neck in the picture - I seem to remember from looking at it in-store that the roll neck was fairly conventional.

[Nath6644]

Yeah, I think I'll rule the John Smedley one out on colour grounds alone.

I have three blazers that I'll probably wear the roll neck under: a light blue herringbone, a berry coloured donkey jacket and a tweed blazer.

I think brown would work under all of them, especially given I'd normally wear indigo jeans on the bottom half and brown pairs well with indigo.

I'm curious why you think the All Saints one isnt classic? I think its just the way they display the neck in the picture - I seem to remember from looking at it in-store that the roll neck was fairly conventional.

You're probably right about the display, if you've seen the piece in person then I'm sure it's fine. Like I said, I really like the colour. And it will definately work with all three blazers. Go for it!