Reintroducing: The Finest Crewneck (and new Dartmoor)

Friday, April 7th 2023
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This feels almost nostalgic. The 'finest knitwear' was one of the first proper collaborations we did, six years ago, with the amazing Umbria Verde in Italy. 

We discontinued it because I wanted to focus on collared knits and cardigans - the Dartmoor, the Finest Cardigan - and that felt more like a gap in the market. 

But ever since, regularly and even frequently, affectionately and sometimes passionately, PS readers have written to say how much they loved it. 

The finest crewneck was a wardrobe staple, a base layer to go with everything. It was great for travel, because it was lightweight and packed up so small. I remember a few customers snapping up the last dozen or so, to guard against future needs. 

Fortunately, PS is now a bigger operation, and we can afford more lines (the cost being largely advance payment, the cost of holding stock, and to a lesser extent storage). So we’ve brought the crewneck back - initially just in navy, but potentially in more colours if it proves popular. 

And we’ve also restocked the collared Dartmoor this week - originally a collaboration with John Smedley, but now made to a higher standard by Umbria Verde - including a new black colour (below). 

So what was - what is - so nice about the Finest Crewneck?

Finest wool, finest gauge

The idea was that it would be both the finest materials and the finest make.

Why? Well, the finest merino feels as soft as cashmere, but is more robust. When cashmere is knitted finely, it pills more and can lose shape - that’s why fine cashmere knits usually have a silk element, for strength. 

For me, fine merino is a better option. It looks smart but matte, without any silkiness. More of a menswear staple. 

Working with Umbria Verde, we could then knit that merino particularly closely. They use an adapted knitting bed to knit at 37 gauge (the number of needles per inch); Smedley’s fine knit, by comparison, is 30 gauge. 

This denser knitting is what gives the crewneck such body, a really lovely drape, and makes it stronger. I don’t like the concept of ‘stealth wealth’, but this fits that definition of something that is superior but understated - everyone goes for cashmere because it’s a label, but for a fine knit, merino is better (and no cheaper!). 

Finest make

Just as with the knitting, Umbria pulls out all the stops when it comes to the manufacture. 

These little details elevate the product, but are also what the material deserves: there’s no point using beautiful cloth and then putting it together in anything but the best way. 

Below are two examples. In the first image, note the join between the body and the sleeve. This is almost twice as wide as on a piece of regular knitwear and, as a result, thinner and flatter. As with the same seam on a bespoke shirt, having it flatter (and curved) makes it more comfortable.

Second, look at the shoulder point in the second image, where the shoulder and two sides of the sleeve meet. On most knitwear there is a hard little knot, where the yarn is folded back on itself. With Umbria, the point is flattened out and re-stitched, so the knot is removed.

As mentioned back in 2017, this is work Umbria developed for its top-end customers, who are basically the luxury brands I still respect and would buy from. It’s better not to name them, but readers won’t have hard time guessing who. 

The style

We’ve made one small change to how the Finest Crewneck is cut, which is that the body is now 2cm wider on all sizes. 

To be honest, the previous iteration was pretty slim - slimmer than any other PS product - and this makes it a little more comfortable as well as more in line with other PS items. 

As you can see from the images, it has a fairly high collar - but still works nicely with a shirt collar underneath, not strangling it. The knit has a longer rib on the bottom (7cm), which I’ve always thought is a nice way to push body proportions subtly towards the more flattering. And the cuff is a touch longer too. 

That’s has a single cuff, unlike the Dartmoor, as I think it fits the cleaner, stripped-back look of the crewneck and its use often as a mid-layer. 

Like the Dartmoor, being a fine gauge makes it smarter than most knitwear. It is therefore most at home with a smart pair of trousers - perfect for the office worker who wants something to wear instead of a shirt with his tailored strides or nice chinos. 

It can be worn with more casual trousers, such as jeans, but I would always err towards the smarter end of any such category - an ecru denim or a dark indigo one, in a neat cut, not a baggier mid-blue with rips or heavy fades. It wouldn’t look wrong necessarily, you’re just not making the most of the style. 

As well as wearing it on its own like that, indoors, I wear the crewneck as a layer under tailoring (as below) as well as under more casual outer layers like Tebas, fleeces, suede jackets and layered under shawl-collar cardigans. 

As readers have often commented, it’s a great layering piece - particularly useful at this time of year - and is great for travel. It folds up small and only weighs 150g. 

Underneath, I tend to wear a fine T-shirt, like the PS Undershirt. It can be worn against the skin, but you’ll need to wash it more regularly and that takes more care.

The full details of the Finest Crewneck are listed at the bottom of this post, including points on care and maintenance.

I also need to mention that the popular Dartmoor is back, with the navy, grey and olive restocked, and new colour - black. 

Readers probably won’t be surprised to hear that this is the new iteration, particularly as I’ve found knitwear one of the easiest ways to wear black. It’s a nice, less classic alternative to navy with a whole range of trousers - brown, olive, cream, navy, many shades of beige, all shades of grey - and can even be combined with black trousers for a more evening look, as with the popular all-black look posted here

I should also say that we’ve had to increase prices on both the Dartmoor and Finest Crewneck as a result of increased costs from suppliers. That’s the only reason, however, and those luxury brands mentioned know sell this quality of knitwear at over £500. (There’s an interesting multiplier effect there - if bigger brands use bigger multiples on their costs, they become even more expensive relatively as costs increase.)

Details on the Finest Crewneck:

  • Made with Loro Piana Wish merino wool
  • Knitted at 37 gauge by Umbria Verde in Italy
  • Finely fashioned and finished on all seams
  • Weighs 150g, folds up small
  • Cost £225 plus VAT

Care:

  • Generally hand wash or dry clean 
  • Can be machine washed on a cool, wool setting, but machines vary, so only recommended with a machine that you regularly wash woollen knits
  • Brush with a soft clothes brush to remove lint and light dirt
  • Although strong, this is still a fine garment, so treat with care
  • Do not chuck into the bottom of a bag or shove into an overcrowded drawer
  • Equally, do not pull hard or fast when taking on/off (sounds crazy, but I’ve seen people rip at the thing)

Sizing: 

  • Fits moderately slim, regular length
  • Simon wears a Medium, and is 6 foot, with a 39-inch chest and 33-inch waist
  • But as ever, compare measurements below to a garment you already have, rather than begin with body measurements
  • Should not shrink or stretch/give over time 
Size S M L XL XXL
Chest 52cm 54 56 58 60
Shoulders 41 42 43 44 45
Sleeve length 63 64 66 67 68
Front length 64 66 68 70 72

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Tamaki

Hi Simon,

Great to have them back and the Dartmoor in an even finer quality! I noticed that the finest crewneck was already possible to purchase yesterday and I already put my order! I have a question though: I also purchased the Dartmoor yesterday and so I wanted to ask if it’s made by John Smedley or Umbria Verde. What are the difference for the Dartmoor now that is being made by Umbria?

Thanks in advance

Tamaki

Thanks Simon! Got the impression that the change was just now

Peter Hall

Simon, Couple of Qs

I read that a shirt works under it,specifically, will it work with the PS collar on the Oxfords?

I presume that a laundry bag and a wool wash will be Ok? I hate hand washing wool. But, a specific wool detergent ?

Oliver Price

Maybe it will go nicely over the top of the PS Chambray (I find it much lighter than the Oxfords) – I’ve gone one on order and will definitely try that combination when it arrives.

Akis

On that point Simon, i could not find details on the other post with the Hermes scarf, but are you usually having a vest underneath? I don’t know how much it shows underneath the sweater.

Anonymous

Simon further to this do you feel a standard poplin semi spread collar shirt will sit comfortably under this crewneck or also too bulky?

Also re the Dartmoor (specifically navy) is it made in a XXL or only up to XL? The sizing chart displayed below the item shows sizes up to XXL (with measurments) or is this a mistake?

Thank You

John

Hi Simon,
Do you think the finest crewneck pairs well with the PS Lighter Everyday Denim shirt and the PS chambray shirt, considering their weight, color and texture?
Thanks

Ian Skelly

Lovely! I have been waiting for this, I am usually between a small and a medium ( I have middle aged spread …) for the small the chest is 52cm , does it taper ? if so how wide is it at the narrowest? Is it available to try on any where? any plans to reissue the darker denim shirt / darker denim fabric?

Thor

I can attest to the quality of the finest crewneck. I got to try it on at the Rubato pop-up and the fit and fabric are excellent, it has a softness and feel nicer than other premium knitwear brands I have. Already ordered and looking forward to wearing and enjoying it.

Fred

I have both of these products. They feel great, look great, and offer good value for money.

Paul H

Excellent news! I’ve been looking forward to the reissue and have already placed my order. Thanks as always Simon

Peter

Happy to see the return of this product. Will the finest polo being restocked soon as well?

Nick C

Hi Simon, that’s a lovely navy coat, please might I ask where it’s from?

Craig

Simon, this is unrelated but I’m following the instructions on your contact page. In your Rubato pop-up Instagram story, you’re wearing a hat that has a backwards Y and N on it. Where did you/can I find it? Thank you.

Morten

Thx Simon & Co for bringing it back. I have the original blue and green and its perhaps the piece in my closet ive used the most over the past 6y. Very versatile, can be dressed up or down, which is perfect when you travel a lot or just for everyday flexibility. And the quality is superb. I dont think there is anything just like this one on market today.
I have used it so much that i feared i wouldnt be able to buy another. Will add 2 more to the closet for “just in case”.
From a fan ….

JH

Not knitwear related, but I noted you are wearing your JLC Reverso on almost every recent shot. I remember on your latest My Watches post you said you tended to favor the Tank. Is that no longer the case? If so, why are you preferring the Reverso now? Thanks.

Jan

Hi Simon, very nice. I have too many options in navy as it is and I would welcome the crewneck in other colours such as a mid-grey, light-grey, mid-brown, chocolate or forest green.

Matt L

It looks very nice Simon, regrettably I’m too far removed from your sizing block to buy your shirts and tops un-modified. My arms are just too long for even your largest sizes.

Matt L

Out of interest, do you know anywhere that does polo shirts and crew necks MTM?

Matt L

Thanks Simon.

Patrick Bateman

Hi Simon,

The crewneck looks great. I’ve always gone for the Lundy by Smedley and it’s become part of my casual winter wardrobe over the years. I’ve always worn on its own with nothing underneath.
How does the fit compare to the Lundy?

Many thanks

Justin

Simon, may I ask if there might be some returns coming in due to others ordering multiple sizes, as sadly, I missed out again? (but congrats on the crewneck being so popular!)

Alexander

Hi Simon,

Many thanks for producing such useful articles.

I wonder if I could ask your advice:

I have a number of RTW business suits and would like to take the plunge and get something more casual for the summer – I’m thinking a linen or a linen-blend suit (love your green/black G&H btw).

I have a budget of max 3,000€ and was considering getting two custom suits from Suit Supply, one in dark brown, the other in a taupe with two pairs of trousers each. I would love to go true bespoke at a traditional tailoring house, but it seems there just aren’t a huge number of reputable options at around the 3,000€ price point. Is there anywhere you might suggest that slipped under my radar? I am based in Paris but could travel.

All best wishes,
Alexander

Alexander

I haven’t, many thanks for the lead! I also just came across Artling, which is an interesting option in Paris – have you heard anything about them? They offer sur-mesure around the 2-3k price point.

Alexander

I’m sold. Thank you very much.

Tamaki

Jean Manuel and Nicolas have both good taste as well, so not only the garment itself will be good but also the advises they give. +1 for them

John

Hi Simon, I was wondering how the PS Undershirt sits with this – I assume the undershirt has a higher neckline and would poke out above the crewneck? Would you wear it like that, or does it remove too much formality from the sweater?

Many thanks.

A

Hi Simon,

The Finest Crewneck’s apparently selling like hotcakes.
May I know when will it be restocked?

Best,
A

Brendan

Great, when will the Dartmoor xl sizes be re stocked as well?

Brendan

Cool, I will be waiting 🙂

Robert

Simon,
Just received the Finest Knit crewneck Navy sweater last night in the mail and promptly wore it to the office today. Wearing it with a white dress shirt, bone trousers and dark brown shoes. Thank you for making the Finest Knit crewneck such a tastefully designed piece. The large size fits wonderfully (nicely fitted) and it’s so appropriate for just about any occasion.
Best,
Robert

JP

I received my Dartmoor and the quality is as expected from PS, i.e. excellent. The collar is so much better than my Smedley knits – it stays in place far better under a jacket.
A question on storage: assuming that space isn’t an issue, would you recommend keeping it folded in a draw or hung up?
Thanks.

Tamaki

Hi Simon, hope you are well
Just wanted to check up if there is some issue regarding deliveries, as I still haven’t got the order I requested last week, containing the funesta crewneck, the Dartmoor, and the finest polo

Bests
Raphael

Tamaki

He did, he is always very helpful. Imagined it was something like that but thank you for confirming

BC

Hi Simon,
When will these be available in the shop (or have I already missed out!)? Thanks.

BC

When will you re-stock it? (Same question regarding the new striped Oxford cloth.) Thanks!

Josh

Hi Simon,
A couple of questions on the Dartmoor. In a smart casual office, would you typically wear a vest or undershirt underneath? Also, what colour combination would you recommend with dark indigo jeans?
Thanks in advance.

Paul F.

Thanks Simon! This has solved a persistent sizing mystery for me. I own an earlier version of the PS finest crewneck in a L, which I’ve always thought fit quite well. Because it fit so well, I also opted for a L in a Dartmoor last year, but I’ve wondered why the body of the Dartmoor was so much baggier compared to the crewneck in the same size. Per your explanation, it’s evidently because the previous iteration of the crewneck was roughly 2 cm slimmer in the body than the same size in the Dartmoor. All to say that, I should make my next Dartmoor a M.

Alex

Hello Simon. Will there be more crewneck, is is that it for the foreseeable?

Gregory

Hi Simon!

Could you elaborate on “higher standard” of the current make vis-a-vis John Smedley?

Regards

J

Hi Simon,
Would it be possible to purchase/offer the Olive Dartmoor from last season in the new roomier cut of this season? I’m a Medium this season but the Medium olive is far too slim and I’m a bit hesitant to order it in a L and get a sloppy fit.

Ben R

Did the Dartmoor get a new fit for the 2023 versions? I’m a little unclear on which knitwear got new fit measurements and which have remained the same. It looks like the Finest Crewneck definitely has anew fit for this 2023 launch. What about the Finest Polo and Dartmoor?

Ben R

Do the Finest Crewneck, Finest Polo, and Dartmoor now all have a similar fit when comparing the same size across styles?

Anonymous

Looks great.
I’m a big guy with a 50 inch chest (25 pit to pit).
Trousers 45″waist.
I’d love to be able to try P.S. apparal but I fear that my size excludes me.
Can you do MTO in any of your products?

BC

Any chance the Finest Crewneck will eventually be offered in a cold dark brown/espresso (something that would fit in with a cold/tonal look)?

Alex

Hello Simon. With the crewneck, if worn to a reasonably formal office with flannels, and you wanted a shirt underneath, do you think a button down poplin shirt in blue would be a good option in terms of collar and corresponding cloth thickness?

And more casually denim with enough contrast or chambray?

Alex

Thank you Simon – waiting for the restock on both so getting what else I can while I wait 👍

Mike

Hello, could you share when you expect to restock the Dartmoor in XL? Also, I just bought both of the crewnecks and absolutely love them. Top work.

Magnus

Happy New Year, Simon.
Regarding the Dartmooor, is the measurement chart still correct? I understand the fit of the short sleeve polo was updated to make it a bit more relaxed, but it looks like the Dartmoor is still the same slim fit as before. Is that correct?

John

Hi Simon, any plans to add to the Finest Crewneck collection – the same green (as used for the Finest Cardigan) – which I absolutely love!

Jack

Hi Simon, I have been enjoying wearing the Finest cardigan for around a year with quite some care, but recently when I was putting it on the stitching under one of the armpits had bursted. Would you suggest stitching back together or something else?

Many thanks,
Jack

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Jack

Sorted! Thanks, Simon.

BC

Hi Simon,
Will you be re-stocking the Dartmoor in black, and if so, when?

SD

Hello Simon, wondering if the finest creneck is appropriate for summers in NY?

SD

Makes sense. Thanks!

MBB355

Received mine today–the fit is spot-on and the merino feels luxurious and breathable. My only criticism is that I wish the neckline were a bit higher/tighter. When I wear the crewneck over a standard white undershirt (which is how I’d typically wear it), the collar of the white undershirt remains visible beneath the collar of the crewneck, which makes it a little less flattering and a little less smart. In your article comparing heights of necklines, this one wears most like Luca Faloni on me, since undershirt collars are never visible under my Colhays crewnecks. This was a little unexpected, given your comment in the article that the crewneck has a “fairly high collar.” I think the test for a high collar is whether a standard undershirt is visible underneath, and here it is.

Vidit

I received the Finest Crewneck and the Finest Polo a few days ago, and both of them are impeccable in their make and quality.
Now that I have had a chance to try on both, I have some feedback:

  1. Even though the bottom width of both the Crewneck and Polo are listed as 45cm, I found the Crewneck’s bottom rib clings to my waist perfectly with the right tension. Finest Polo’s bottom rib feels bigger as it tends to move quite a lot as I go about my day, which makes it feel like the bottom rib has lost its elasticity after years of wear. Maybe, it would be a good idea to use the Crewneck’s bottom rib as a starting point to refine Finest Polo’s bottom rib in future iterations.
  2. The Crewneck’s neck feels lower despite the fact that the article mentions it as being fairly high. I think two things are contributing towards making it lower: a) the position at which the collar sits and b) the width of the collar band. If we were to increase the width of the collar band and move the shape/position of collar to make it verge ever so slightly towards a mock neck, it could be PERFECT!
  3. The collar of the Finest Polo feels tighter in comparison to my Colhay’s Cashmere Silk Polo. Although the Finest Polo’s collar sits higher, I think it could possibly benefit from a longer circumference. Currently, if I fasten the bottom two buttons, the collar spread and the collar leafs are pulled backwards leading to fabric being pulled around the collar bone.
  4. Lastly, I found the sleeve length of the Crewneck to be slightly short. I would have loved it to be longer by 1-2cm, but I think this is relatively inconsequential.

I have made these observations after comparing the Finest Polo and Crewneck (size M) with Colhay’s Polo and Crewneck (size 42/L).
I’m aware that it isn’t a fair comparison as the fabric and patterns are very different, but I thought it would be great if the best of both worlds could be combined in future iterations.
I imagine to wear both the Finest Polo and Crewneck with and without tailoring. Layering them with a jacket tend to hide these issues; therefore, they work perfectly with tailoring. However, I’m unsure if I would wear them on their own over my denims or tailored trousers.
Again, the products are impeccable in their quality, and I absolutely love them. I’m only documenting this feedback so that some, if not all, points could help inform the next iterations of the product.

Vidit Gupta

Hey Simon,
Have you thought of adding Roll-neck to the Finest knitwear? I have been trying to look for really light weight roll neck that could feel as soft and comfortable as the Finest Crewneck under tailoring. However, they don’t seem to exist. If they do, they are no where close to being as light or as finely knit (30+ gauge), let alone the design/style points like the bottom rib’s height, cuff length, etc.
Have other readers expressed the same desire elsewhere? I would love to have a roll-neck that is as well made as the Finest Knitwear!