Australian Members

Henry Carter · Jan 7, 2013

They wouldn't do it in store I dare say and usually they would charge, but no more than any other tailor would and you have the added insurance that if it's buggered up they need to take responsibility.

Re my ties; yes we are a bit low on stock, a lot of stuff is sold out over the holiday period but I do have a stockist in Melbourne, Ludlows on Lonsdale St and they will have a fair bit of stuff that I don't anymore. There were 6 new 7 folds and 5 new knit ties added to the site last week but it's kind of mid-season now so there wont be anything new until March, when the Autumn/Winter stuff comes out. There will be plenty of new grenadines, wool and some more wintery printed silks amongst other things.

lennier · Jan 7, 2013

lennier said:
So has anyone used M.J. Bale's online service much before? I've just had my first 'experience' of it and all I can say is if it is typical then they have a long long way to go to approach their overseas competition and be comparable to their in-store service standards.

...snip...

Thanks everyone for their feedback. Their response so far is encouraging, they are apologetic and offering to rectify the problems and assuring me things like the shipping packaging are in the process of being improved. I'll see how it pans out in the end..

Since I really only went on line in the first place as the 'easier' option and to save Tom and Paulo some work in getting stock I don't think I'm likely to have much incentive to do it again though. I'll stick to the store!

burnso · Jan 7, 2013

aussiejake said:
My most important question is, what should I be looking for in the fit of the suits? I have a quite slim frame, so I'm guessing I'll have to have alterations done, but what should definitely fit (shoulders and length of jacket?) and what can be easily tailored (sleeve and pants length and taper?)?

As others have said, shoulders and chest are most important.
Here's a link I found useful (http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-to-tailor-your-suit/) - great article about fitting and adjusting an off-the-rack suit..

For Loakes I would try on at David Jones and buy at Herringshoes. DJ's don't have the 1880's, but I found the sizing between them and 'Loake Design' are basically the same.

edit: Also regarding suits, I think the jacket should feel fantastic when you put it on. Perhaps try on a few cheap suits beforehand so you can really notice the difference/ what Im talking about

JimmyHoffa · Jan 7, 2013

lennier said:
Thanks everyone for their feedback. Their response so far is encouraging, they are apologetic and offering to rectify the problems and assuring me things like the shipping packaging are in the process of being improved. I'll see how it pans out in the end..
Since I really only went on line in the first place as the 'easier' option and to save Tom and Paulo some work in getting stock I don't think I'm likely to have much incentive to do it again though. I'll stick to the store!

Jay at the Blue Owl Workshop couldn't ship my jeans on a friday, because of Good Friday, so he gave me a $20 voucher. So did Apolis, who couldn't ship due to it being Good Friday and them having to get the chinos I want from the NY store first, so they gave me a $15 voucher.

States & Europe > Bogans United.

Journeyman · Jan 7, 2013

lennier said:
Since I really only went on line in the first place as the 'easier' option and to save Tom and Paulo some work in getting stock I don't think I'm likely to have much incentive to do it again though. I'll stick to the store!

Actually, I think that the local store would be very happy to order stock in for you as it means that they will get the sale figures for those things when you purchase them, whereas if you purchase online, the local store doesn't get the sales taken into account in its figures.

From speaking with the manager of the store (when MJ Bale had a pop-up store in Brisbane in 2011), the daily and weekly sales figures are closely monitored and, in Brisbane at least, the manager was always pleased to order things in.

sliq · Jan 7, 2013

lennier said:
So has anyone used M.J. Bale's online service much before? I've just had my first 'experience' of it and all I can say is if it is typical then they have a long long way to go to approach their overseas competition and be comparable to their in-store service standards.
It started with delays in getting my order shipped, where I was given plainly rubbish excuses that were contradicted by the courier's tracking information. Don't appreciate being lied to.
Then the order finally turns up, with a jacket completely missing from it. No indication at any point that this was a partial shipment, and the invoice enclosed lists all items.
The remaining two suits were 'packaged' by being stuffed together in to a single normal dust cover, which was just closed up (not sealed in any way) and had a shipping note stapled to it. Needless to say they are creased so badly they would need full pressing to wearable.
To round it off, one of the suits is mis-described on the website as being half canvassed and half lined, but is in fact completely unstructured and unlined.
I'll wait and see how they respond to my advice of these issues, as I generally judge companies by how they correct their mistakes, not on the making of them, but I'd have to say at this point I wouldn't be touching their online business again. I should have taken Tom up on his offer to get stock in for me, but I didn't want to put him to the trouble when I expected ordering online to be an easy option!

was thoroughly disappointed. still am.

I ordered a suit when their sale kicked off, only to be advised over a week later that they were sold out on the suit i was after, company wide. rather disappointing, considering i was told they were sold out with less than 2 weeks before a wedding which I was hoping to wear that suit. even when they asked whether i could exchange the suit, I did.. only to be told the second suit was also sold out. immensely frustrating.

Naka · Jan 7, 2013

Journeyman said:
lennier said:

Since I really only went on line in the first place as the 'easier' option and to save Tom and Paulo some work in getting stock I don't think I'm likely to have much incentive to do it again though. I'll stick to the store!

Click to expand...

Actually, I think that the local store would be very happy to order stock in for you as it means that they will get the sale figures for those things when you purchase them, whereas if you purchase online, the local store doesn't get the sales taken into account in its figures.

From speaking with the manager of the store (when MJ Bale had a pop-up store in Brisbane in 2011), the daily and weekly sales figures are closely monitored and, in Brisbane at least, the manager was always pleased to order things in.

When I was at Rhodes & Beckett it was extremely difficult to order items in due to inter-store competition. Some of the managers of the stores in Sydney were incredibly rude and would hang up when I requeated stock (especially suits) to be transferred. I found it very frustrating.

Nolvadex · Jan 7, 2013

I've used MJ Bale's online store numerous times and haven't had a problem. I ordered from them during the night and I get the shipping notification the next day or the day after. The customer service has been satisfactory for me, replying to my emails within about 12hrs depending when I email them.

The suits came in dust covers and were completely fine when they arrived.
The shirts came in a box and were undamaged. The sleeves seemed to be very long, almost going past the tip of my thumb which meant it was unwearable until i got it fixed up.

Dusty Brogues · Jan 7, 2013

Hi Gents,

l'm a huge fan of the soft shouldered (Neapolitan?) look on a jacket, which is part of a suit.
Apart from going MTM P Johnson etc, is there any OTR options, sub $1000.00 in Oz? Or do l have to look offshore? Is that look only achieved via MTM or bespoke?
Thanks guys

I tried to be as specific as l can - feel free to torch me if l crumbled!

Selvaggio · Jan 7, 2013

Yep - I've used the MJ Bale website a couple of times and had no problems. Hope they sort things out for you.

Selvaggio · Jan 7, 2013

Dusty Brogues said:
[COLOR=2F4F4F]Hi[/COLOR] [COLOR=2F4F4F]Gents,[/COLOR]

[COLOR=2F4F4F][COLOR=2F4F4F]l'm a huge fan of the soft shouldered (Neapolitan?) look on a jacket, which is part of a suit.[/COLOR][/COLOR]
[COLOR=2F4F4F][COLOR=2F4F4F]Apart from going MTM P Johnson etc, is there any OTR options, sub $1000.00 in Oz? Or do l have to look offshore? Is that look only achieved via MTM or bespoke?[/COLOR][/COLOR]
[COLOR=2F4F4F][COLOR=2F4F4F]Thanks guys[/COLOR][/COLOR]

[COLOR=2F4F4F][COLOR=2F4F4F]I tried to be as specific as l can - feel free to torch me [COLOR=2F4F4F]if l crumbled![/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]

...speaking of MJ Bale - I have one of their "Collection" suits and it has the least built up shoulders of any suit I own. I think the guy in the shop said it was just double canvassing in the shoulder. This, together with full canvass fronts and being made in Japan distinguish the "collection" line from their other suits. They are more than $1,000 at full price, but can be had for less on sale.

Dusty Brogues · Jan 7, 2013

Selvaggio said:
...speaking of MJ Bale - I have one of their "Collection" suits and it has the least built up shoulders of any suit I own. I think the guy in the shop said it was just double canvassing in the shoulder. This, together with full canvass fronts and being made in Japan distinguish the "collection" line from their other suits. They are more than $1,000 at full price, but can be had for less on sale.

Thanks Selvaggio, I will chase up your lead! There's a limited range of MJBale in DJ Brisbane, off memory l think they just stock the classic range and a few sport coats. MJ Bale are getting more publicity than Warney for his BBL fiasco!

Romp · Jan 7, 2013

Dusty Brogues said:
Hi Gents,

l'm a huge fan of the soft shouldered (Neapolitan?) look on a jacket, which is part of a suit.
Apart from going MTM P Johnson etc, is there any OTR options, sub $1000.00 in Oz? Or do l have to look offshore? Is that look only achieved via MTM or bespoke?
Thanks guys

I tried to be as specific as l can - feel free to torch me if l crumbled!

What part of a neopolitan shoulder are you looking for?
minimal padding, the bunching/pleating sleevehead or the spalla camicia shirt shoulder?

I think minimal padding can be found easily and possibly spalla camicia but the bunching/pleating ruffle effect id doubt you could find of decent quality.

The Ernesto · Jan 7, 2013

If anyone is not happy with MJ Bale, why not email the boss - [email protected]

I think Matt would be genuinely interested to hear of any issues people have had.

Journeyman · Jan 7, 2013

tobiasj said:
"Largely ignorant, but slowly learning"
Time to update this? You've been on here 7 years!

What can I say??? I'm a slow learner!

Australian Members

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Affiliate Vendor

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: