Figured rather than starting a new thread ...
You may have picked up from my comment earlier in the thread it is time for a new suit (or two) for me. I'm at the age where my body shape has changed (a little thicker around the middle) but also where I can probably afford a little more. On the other hand I do like a bargain and don't like paying more than I have to!
So with the time I've saved not collecting I've been researching options.
P.JOHNSON - Tailors is certainly highly recommended as indicated above, but really start at $1,800. They do have a MTM offshoot
The Suit Shop with prices from $750 if you are in SYD or MEL.
There are any number of online MTM suppliers. Places like -
For every good review - there is a bad one, for every rave there is a rant. Their business model, order online and outsource construction to Asia should result in cost savings and their descriptions of the construction and the options available is impressive. Many still rely upon you having a good tailor locally to alter and in a real downside for me, in most cases you cannot really tell what the fabric is like. I know some will provide swatches but even then it gives a poor representation of what it looks on you.
The fabric and feel was what I wanted. I had a fair idea of how to tell a good fit - the video below is probably the best primer I found that explains the different things to look for (ignore the American acent - it is good!)
So I ended up back with B&M stores.
Staff in the large department stores (Myer, David Jones) are hopeless and a lot of the brand suits are just overpriced. I looked at a local institution -
John Hanna menswear as they go through to 'bespoke' and I figured with that range they might offer some helpful advice. In some ways they did - just directing me to an OTR suit as I am blessed with a fairly standard size. The suite was nice enough but $900 and nothing special really. Fused construction but nice fabric - I wanted to look at other options.
The common recommendation of many online forums is M.J. Bale started by the guy who was behind Herringbone. They generally get good reviews but I wondered if the styling was a little too young for me. Ended up wandering in to check them out yesterday and came out with a
Columbus Suit and
Saunders Jacket and matching
Saunders Trousers. Effectively two suits for $1,437 including the tailoring on the trousers (they come long and unfinished to allow correct sizing).
I went for the larger block rather than the very tapered one. The half canvassed construction is clear in the soft drape and the fabric was great. I'm very curious as to how the 50% Cotton 40% Wool 10% Silk blend in the Columbus suit will hold up but it has a great look and feel new.
Ask me again in a couple of years about these but if you are in the market - worth checking out IMHO.