FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+ HOW MUCH ARE YOUR GARMENTS?

Patrick Mackenzie suiting starts from $999 and ranges upwards depending on your choice of cloth and details. Separate jackets start at $699, trousers $300 and shirting $250

+ DOES MAKING AN APPOINTMENT HAVE A FEE/COST?

No, appointments are obligation-free, and we are more than happy to show you the collection of fabrics and styles available.

+ HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SUIT?

From our first consultation, your suit will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete, including your second fitting and final alterations. Please note that special requests, including sourcing specialized textiles, may take longer despite our best efforts to keep them within this time frame.

+ WHAT HAPPENS AT THE APPOINTMENT?

At your consultation, we will discuss your needs and lifestyle. We will go through the various styling options to create your ideal look. You will be fitted and sized for the suit at this initial appointment. You should allow up to an hour for this initial consultation.

+ WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

The Patrick Mackenzie Showroom is located on Level 2, suite 201, Embassy Chambers building at 214 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City. The Showroom is via appointment only.

+ WHAT MAKES A CUSTOM SUIT DIFFERENT FROM OFF-THE-RACK OPTIONS?

Investing in a custom suit guarantees that you will get a unique masterpiece tailored to your preferences and aspirations.

Fit is crucial, and purchasing off-the-rack suits cannot compare to made-to-measure. Every person's body shape is entirely different, and it is impossible to have a perfect fit off-the-rack.

Off-the-rack options are often of lower quality and lack individuality. Our made-to-measure suits are meticulously crafted, ensuring that you will be amazed by the attention to detail and quality of your purchase.

+ WHAT STYLES OF SUITING DO YOU OFFER?

With options ranging from double-breasted, tuxedos, lounge suits, sports coats and everything in between, and more than 4000 fabrics, the limit of styles is endless. We can range between soft and structured constructions, lined or unlined; you have the freedom to determine every detail and even have it monogrammed so your style becomes quintessentially your own. The Patrick Mackenzie Made to Measure service allows you to create, with a designer's advice, something appropriate and styled to you; we can offer a more hands-off approach that defers our designer's expert judgement if you prefer.

+ DO YOU MAKE WEDDING SUITS?

Our job is always to make your day… but sometimes our customers make ours. We do this because we are honoured enough to be asked to make a suit for your big day. Please see our wedding page for more information. We are equipped to consult a wedding party all at once, or we can arrange an off-site fitting if your groomsman cannot join us at your consultation. We would love to be part of your celebration and create a seamless style; we will happily help you choose the perfect accessories.

+ WHAT ABOUT ALTERATIONS?

We aim to get your suit as close as we can, but there may be a need for some minor adjustments at your second fitting. We want you to leave looking and feeling confident and stylish, which is why all alterations are complimentary.

+ WHAT IS CANVAS FOR, AND WHAT IS A FLOATING CANVAS?

The canvas of the suit is vital; it lies between the lining and the outer fabric and gives the suit its shape. Four types of construction are mainly used in making suits: completely un-canvassed and deconstructed, half canvas, full canvas and fused. Fully canvas is considered the best, meaning the chest piece runs across your chest and to the bottom of your jacket. The main difference between canvassing and fusing is how it is attached. Fused suits are glued down, and we don’t believe this gets the fabric the best drape or flow; fully canvas suits are our preference and are reflective of a luxury garment. You may not see the canvas itself, but you will see its benefits. Fully canvas has many benefits; it's natural and therefore breathes. It will help form the suit to your shape over time, giving it a lighter and easier feel and extending its life if taken care of properly.

+ ARE YOUR SUITS FUSED, HALF CANVAS OR FULL CANVAS?

Patrick Mackenzie does not make fused suits. Instead, we opt for full canvas and half canvas or deconstructed; these are more luxurious garments and offer a range of benefits, including (in the case of full canvas) a sharper look.

+ WHAT IS ‘SHAPE AND DRAPE’ REFERRING TO?

Suits can have many different appearances based on how the fabric moves. A casual linen suit, for example, will have more flow; it will give off a more dropped appearance off the shoulder. On the other hand, a formal, pure wool suit will be slightly neater fitting; it will have more structure. We are talking about these elements when referring to shape and drape.

+ WHAT CLOTH IS USED?

Australian merino wool is the best in the world; a mixture of climate and wool growers’ dedication to innovation means Australia is the source of the finest wool available. Most of the raw material is sent to Italy to be turned into luxurious cloth. Many of the finest mills are located in northern Italy, and we offer fabrics from many of them. These mills include Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Holland and Sherry.

+ WHAT IS SUPER WHEN REFERRING TO FABRIC AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Simply put, the higher the number, the finer the wool. Especially for Brisbane's heat, you will find finer wool that is lighter, more breathable, and more luxurious. During your consultation, please speak to the designer to select the best wool count for you. If it's a 'work' suit that you're looking for, a Super 150s may be too fine. The micron thickness of the individual strands of wool determines the super count. Wools between 11.8 microns (the world record) and 19.5 microns are considered superfine wools. For context, the average human hair is between 60 and 80 microns.

+ RETURNS AND REFUNDS POLICY?

We are committed to customer satisfaction, and our process means we will make a suit appropriate for the intended purpose. Blatant misuse, over-wearing and damage caused by a non-recommended dry cleaner may affect our ability to help. Please Note: Made-to-order items are in the final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. Once placed, orders cannot be cancelled.