A positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a positive current collector; a high elastic modulus layer on the positive current collector and including a first positive active material and a high elastic modulus binder; and a low elastic modulus layer on the high elastic modulus layer and including a second positive active material and a low elastic modulus binder, wherein the low elastic modulus binder has a lower tensile modulus than the high elastic modulus binder. A winding element includes the positive electrode. A rechargeable lithium battery includes the winding element.