When it comes to menswear, there is no doubt that MJ Bale is one of Australia’s standout brands. Their online and retail presence has made them a staple in wardrobes Australia-wide.
Over the last 10 years of wearing their suits, I have been consistently impressed by the quality and the affordable prices. So I thought it was time I updated the MJ Bale suit review, that I wrote in 2016 alongside their Perfect Suit for Travel campaign.
Are MJ Bale suits good quality?
One of the things I love about MJ Bale is the fabric they use in their suits. It’s high-quality wool that’s both durable and comfortable. Plus, it’s breathable, so it’s great for those scorching summer days when you still need to wear a suit.
The quality of the construction is impressive, and the suits hold up well to the wear and tear of office use or wedding dancefloors.
Another thing that I like about MJ Bale’s suits is their attention to detail. They have a lot of great features, such as functioning buttonholes, pick-stitching, and double-vented jackets. These little details make their suits stand out and add to their overall quality.
How do MJ Bale Suits Fit?
MJ Bale suits come in 2 different fits when you are buying off the rack:
- Slim Fit – Jacket; Tapered chest and waist for a sharp silhouette. Pants; Tapered waist and leg for a fitted silhouette.
- Regular Fit – Jacket; Moderately tapered chest and waist for a relaxed fit. Pants; Moderately tapered waist and leg for a relaxed fit.
While these fits are generally true to size, they aren’t a custom fit — so getting them altered can make a big difference in how they wear. Shortening the sleeves and pant hems is relatively cheap, just take them to your local dry cleaner or alterations shop.
But personally, I reckon it’s worth going the extra mile and getting the jacket altered to fit better around the waist, and even slimming down the jacket sleeves and pant legs— which is best done at a specialist tailor or alterations shop.
Do MJ Bale suits look good?
One of the standout features of MJ Bale suits is the range of colours and patterns available. From classic navy and black, to more modern greys and plaids, there’s something to suit every style. I particularly like the subtle texture of their wool suits – they add a bit of interest without being too loud.
Is MJ Bale good value?
In terms of value for money, I think MJ Bale’s suits tick many boxes. They’re not the cheapest option out there, but the quality of the fabric and construction more than justifies the price. Plus, they often have sales and promotions, so you can snag a great deal.
In terms of pricing, MJ Bale suits are very affordable. Their suits start at around $600, which is a great price for the quality you get. While you can find cheaper suits out there, they often sacrifice quality and features for the lower price. With MJ Bale, you get a high-quality suit at a great price.
Is MJ Bale a good brand?
MJ Bale is one of Australia’s best menswear brands. Doing for Australia what J Crew and Brooks Brothers do for the US, and Drakes does for London (albeit at a steeper price point).
Overall, I highly recommend MJ Bale products, but also their brand— they produce great content for their lookbooks. They look great, are well-made, and are perfect for the Australian climate. I’ve been a loyal customer for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Does MJ Bale offer Made to Measure suits?
Yes, they have a custom tailoring option that allows you to get the perfect made-to-measure fit. While selecting custom fabric, canvas options and 40 different style choices. They also advertise a 4-week turnaround time, so bear that in mind when ordering.
I’ve never used the custom tailoring option before, so I can’t comment on the fit, quality or value.
Does MJ Bale do wedding suits?
Yes, you can choose to suit the whole wedding party in the same (or similar) off-the-rack suits. Or choose to go down the custom tailoring option.
I’d recommend booking an appointment at a larger store for this, as some of the retail locations can be quite cramped with a whole group of you.
MJ Bale’s wool and the environment
M.J. Bale has a strong focus on provenance, working with natural fiber producers who share the company’s vision of creating a better future.
The brand is also officially “Net Zero Now,” having become Climate Active-accredited as Australia’s first fully carbon-neutral fashion brand in 2021. In that same year, M.J. Bale also created the world’s first zero-emission wool at its Kingston farm in Tasmania by feeding Merino sheep an asparagopsis seaweed supplement to reduce their methane emissions.
M.J. Bale is currently working on “The Lightest Footprint,” a project to create the world’s first carbon-neutral garments in Australia with the lightest possible carbon footprint. In addition, a percentage of every sale of Kingston wool is returned to the Kingston farm to be reinvested in projects that enhance local biodiversity and the land’s natural values.
