The Rundle Story

In 1908 Richard Thomas Rundle opened his tailoring shop on Hunter Street in Newcastle NSW calling it Rundles. Richard was an early innovator and was one of the first tailors to see the potential of sewing machines as a more cost effect method of tailoring, controversially moving away from hand sewing on the knee. For more than a century Rundles has been looking for ways to offer its customers exceptional value for money.

In the 1950s, under second-generation tailors Nelson Rundle and Lindsay Rundle, Rundles began its expansion by wholesaling quality suits and blazers nationally while maintaining a retail presence in Newcastle. In 1952 it became a public company, Rundles Pty Limited.

The 70s was an exciting time for Rundles under the guidance of Lindsay Rundle and now third generation tailor, Peter Rundle. The business established itself as one of Australia’s largest suiting manufacturers. The company employed more than 500 people and was one of the largest employers of women in the Hunter region. Today, staff still look back fondly at their time with Rundles.

Expansion continued and Rundles purpose-built a 5,000sqm factory in Kotara for the manufacturing of suits for large-scale production.

With the reductions in tariff protection, the 90s was a difficult time for clothing manufacturers in Australia. The Rundles large-scale facility was closed down in March 1998. Later that year Peter and his son Andrew Rundle reopened a small factory and retail store under the name Rundle Tailoring.

Today, Rundle Tailoring has established itself as the go-to menswear destination in the Hunter region and still manufacture’s quality suits on a small scale. In 2016, fourth generation tailor, Andrew Rundle and his wife Bronwyn proudly took over the reins. They have been instrumental in continuing the proud family business, while cementing it firmly as a modern and contemporary tailor and menswear destination.