Australian Members

One of my better op shop sources is relocating, so they had half off everything today. I indulged ...



Lots more here.

Most will be heading for eBay or B&S. Scream if you like something.

Oli2012 said:

Whatchu getting?!

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Something like these Dynamic Flex Craftsman (just have to check sizing/how boots feel):

aussiejake said:

General review of the process, your thoughts, whether you are happy with the product - we (I) haven't heard anything about them yet?

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No problem - please let me being the 'review' by stating the following: 1) I own only 1 suit (which I got from Suit Shop) and cannot compare the process/product with anything else and 2) I'm incresibly easy to please (ie, I don't have Foo levels of detail spying).

In any case here we go:

Process

After Rob put my name on the list, Matt from PJ made contact via phone, where he asked me general questions about what I was after - colours, style (single/double breasted, etc) and we set a time. He came to my parents' house in Melbourne for the initial fitting. We started by talking about what I was after (a continuation of the phone call) and I chose a very conservative navy in a lighter fabric (since I run hot) and my choice of linings, pockets, etc. I went the cheapest option (fully canvassed). He had some suits made up that I tried on and he based his measurements on.

After the measuring was over, the suit took 5-6 weeks to be finished and shipped to me.

Product

I am quite happy with the finished product. The pants, in particular, are fantastic - they need some adjustment (waist is a bit loose, say 1-2cm too much), but length and size are spot on for me. The coat, I believe, is also exactly what I asked for - neutral, classic, simple - it's neither too short nor long, the shoulders are lightly padded, but still structured, the buttoning point is not obscenely low, but not that high either - the sleeves are dead on and are not sausage tight or YY loose.

I've worn the suit 2 times, both times it was great (but my photography sucks so badly - trying to take a decent photo with a camera that performs badly in low light while awkwardly standing in front of an angled mirror - well, it's been impossible!). I've worn the pants as separates numerous times and will definitely order more pants from SS (especially when spring/smmer starts). Like with any custom project (I've bought custom instruments several times) one has to be realistic - putting on a suit for the first time won't turn you into some sort of style God (or at least it doesn't for me), but I recieved a product that fits well, fulfils my requirements to the T and is built from outstanding relationships.

I have to say I am particularly happy with how the jacket fits accross my chest, arms and shoulders - as well as mentioning how little I sweat in it. I run really, really hot and talked to Matt about the desire for a suit that would be breathable and cool - definitely met that need. The fabric is a wool (don't ask for details, I don't know them!)

Customer Service

Throughout the entire process (and afterwards) Matt has been in constant contact (he, I think) has been frustrated that I do not reply very often to his texts/calls. Since I live outside Melbourne/Sydney any necessary alterations were on SuitShop's dime (their offer, not my request) and Matt wanted to know how I found the suit and whether alterations would be required - I have yet to actually send him through photos so he can give me his thoughts. It is my understanding that those people in Sydney/Melbourne would have a 2nd fitting and those would be handled before they get the final product.

I ppreciate the extra concern Matt has had for me in my unique situation - starting an operation like this would be work enough without wondering how to handle a customer many miles away.

Rob, too, has been quite good at answering questions here (Matt was on holiday for some of the follow up) and also very supportive of asking PJ and Matt questions on my behalf at different stages of the process. He has also been a champ at following up an issue I had (and still have) with PJ (an order for a shirt is WAY overdue, but it's non-essential, and I'm not that bothered - mistakes are made and this was a minor one).

For the $750 I paid I think I got great value, and am lucky enough to have built some new relationships and supported people I feel deserve the support. As someone new to suits, unsure about what consistutes appropriate fit and style of a suit, and who was happy to be helped I certainly feel that I got great value.

I've strayed away rom reviewing for awhile simply because, as mentioned earlier, I'm no expert on the garmet itself - while I can compare customer service, etc, to many other places (and find SS doing well there) I really can't speak with great authority to how the garmet compares to others in the same price range - only how happy I am with it. I am happy to answer specific questions though, for those that I missed.

Hating the weather ...

Watched O'mast last night - was pretty cool and my daughter liked watching the old italian blokes talking so passionately on TV haha

also picked up some flat waxed laces "shoe stripes" from double monk - much better than typical round laces imo

Also - looks like 3sixteen may supply Owen & James with their denim. Im looking at getting the SL cut which is a modern slim in a mid rise and also the new CS which is based on the 1947 levi 501 cut - fuller in the leg and higher rise. Keen on anyone's thoughts

Romp said:

Also - looks like 3sixteen may supply Owen & James with their denim. Im looking at getting the SL cut which is a modern slim in a mid rise and also the new CS which is based on the 1947 levi 501 cut - fuller in the leg and higher rise. Keen on anyone's thoughts

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Higher rise is good... will it be raw denim or washed?.. I prefer washed

Hi Rob,

Posting this for the benefit of others here that may want to know, is there any linen in the swatch books? In particular I'm after a tobacco linen coat (maybe suit) for summer. Preferably quarter lined if possible.

I'll be in Sydney in late August so could organise a fitting for then. I'll pm you re pricing if it's actually doable.

Matt: I have those very shoes, they are my favourite. I think every Aussie should own those and a pair of moleskins IMO.

Rob: I'm no denim connoisseur but aren't Aussies kind of inundated with choice in selvedge denim? I prefer dad jeans myself.

Henry Carter said:

Hi Rob,

Posting this for the benefit of others here that may want to know, is there any linen in the swatch books? In particular I'm after a tobacco linen coat (maybe suit) for summer. Preferably quarter lined if possible.

I'll be in Sydney in late August so could organise a fitting for then. I'll pm you re pricing if it's actually doable.

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Hi Jase - we have a few linen blends but if you want a pure linen id acutally suggest that you are better off going with P.Johnson - he has a much wider selection and you can get some totally unstructured options that would do the linen justice. When you are up in Sydney welcome to catch up for a coffee (good to say hi anyway!) and flick through the books incase anything does catch your eye.

Oli2012 said:

Matt: I have those very shoes, they are my favourite. I think every Aussie should own those and a pair of moleskins IMO.

Rob: I'm no denim connoisseur but aren't Aussies kind of inundated with choice in selvedge denim? I prefer dad jeans myself.

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Hi Oli - true there are a few options but TBH ive never found any denim locally that ive liked. Ive worn my 3sixteens for about 6 mths now and im a massive fan. Understated, well made, decent price point. Id aim to have the jeans available at the same price as the overseas guys but in AUD so that after conversion we will be a bit better value.

Hi gentlemen,

Long time lurker and I've got to say that I've learnt so much just from reading and reading.

I'm finally getting my first MTM suit soon and I wanted to ask the Australian members if any of you had heard of Montagio in Sydney.

Any thoughts? I appreciate your opinion.

Cheers.

Hi gentlemen,

I wanted to get a MTM suit in Sydney and was wondering if any of the Australian members had heard of Montagio in Sydney.

I appreciate your help. Cheers,
Bernardo



California Dreamer said:

One of my better op shop sources is relocating, so they had half off everything today. I indulged ...

Lots more here.

Most will be heading for eBay or B&S. Scream if you like something.

Spoiler

Alden tassel loafers, size 8A/C (don't understand Alden's markings). Pretty sure these are calf, but would be delighted to be proved wrong.

Cantarelli Super 150s suit, EU48R

Cartier tweed suit, patch pockets, leather buttons. Made in USA. No size marked, but it looks like a US42L on me.

Burberrys suit, size UK40S

Zegna DB suit, EU54C

Zegna Trofeo, EU50R

Zegna su misura, EU52C. Note the hanger - they let me keep all the hangers because they need to clear the space.

Versace linen SC, size EU50. Please somebody tell me this is genuine

Hermes for Cifonelli DB suit. Size not marked, there is a name on the label instead. Looks like about a 42S

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Those are calf Aldens. Alden marks shoes as follows: NUMBER (e.g. 8, this is the shoe size in US sizing), LETTER (this is the heel width) / LETTER (this is the width), B/D is the most common, D corresponds to a UK E or F depending on the UK manufacturer in question. A/C designates a narrower than usual/normal fitting in Alden. Hope that makes sense.



Romp said:

Also - looks like 3sixteen may supply Owen & James with their denim. Im looking at getting the SL cut which is a modern slim in a mid rise and also the new CS which is based on the 1947 levi 501 cut - fuller in the leg and higher rise. Keen on anyone's thoughts

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Please make the belt loops not as big.

Fit pics for the forum. Enjoy.

iSurg said:

Fit pics for the forum. Enjoy.

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Nice - im thinking of commissioning a DB next - RAF blue cotton, smoked MOP buttons and wide peaks

Sounds killer. Can't wait to see the finished result!