Australian-owned menswear brand M.J. Bale has launched a ‘natural tech’ marine collection in collaboration with North Sails, the iconic maker of ocean yacht-racing sails. North Sails was founded by former aerospace engineer, two-time Olympic sailor and American’s Cup Hall of Famer, Lowell North, in California in 1957.  

The M.J. Bale x North Sails collection is a 15-piece capsule of nautical race wear and off-deck garments. The collection combines M.J. Bale’s expertise in natural, sustainable fibres with North Sails’ heritage in high performance sailmaking. It will be sold in M.J. Bale’s flagship stores, selected David Jones stores, and online at mjbale.com. 

The collaboration is the result of a 15-year friendship between M.J. Bale Founder & CEO, Matt Jensen, and designer Michael Sondag from North Sails. “Michael and I have always caught up in Italy over the years when visiting M.J. Bale weavers and makers. When he highlighted the opportunity to do a collab, I thought it would be very cool,” said Jensen. “North Sails have been the world’s number one ocean racing sailmaker for almost 70 years, renowned for their cutting-edge technology and innovative materials. I’ve always maintained a belief in high performance tailoring, and this is a sporty, functional, super-wearable collection for the M.J. Bale customer on and off the water.” 

Key M.J. Bale x North Sails garments include the reversible ‘Regatta’ jacket, an update on North Sails’ original foul weather Sailor’s jacket. Inspired by the classic aviator’s jacket, the twin-zipper green and navy reversible Regatta is constructed in tough, water-repellent, recycled Taslan and soft, flexible plant-based Sorona. 

The ‘Bertrand’ gilet reimagines the classic gilet as a quilted, reinforced high-performance sailing vest, crafted from a recycled, thermal-controlled Smawarm and with a two-way front zipper closure, external-internal pockets and detachable hood. 

One for the skippers – a collector’s piece in the making – is the limited-edition ‘Smerelda’ deck blazer. Made from bonded French linen woven from Normandy flax, it is clubhouse dapper but also high seas functional, with two-way front zipper closure with button fastening and hand warmer pockets.

For cruising enthusiasts, the collection includes chambray overshirts, vintage French terry sweats, cargo shorts and pants, cotton knits, co-branded polos and swim shorts.  

The M.J. Bale x North Sails collection will be ocean-tested by the Unicoin crew in the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024.

About M.J. Bale 

Founded by Matt Jensen in 2009, M.J. Bale is an Australian-owned menswear brand with over 80 stores nationwide. The brand creates ruggedly elegant ‘garments of integrity’ from sustainable natural fibres, in particular, Australian Merino wool. M.J. Bale creates single-source wool suits with its conservationist partner in Tasmania, Kingston farm, and reinvests in Kingston’s unique ecology via biodiversity preservation and revegetation projects. M.J. Bale became a B Corp Certified™ business in April 2024. 

About North Sails 

North Sails was founded in the USA in 1957 by former engineer, two-time Olympic sailor and America’s Cup Hall of Famer, Lowell North. The company revolutionised the world of sailing, creating the first laminated sailcloth, as well as three-dimensional membranes. In 1983 Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, won the America’s Cup with North sails. Today the company is considered the world’s leading ocean racing sailmaker, recognised for its ground-breaking designs, pioneering technology and commitment to ocean sustainability.