There is a suit in Dad's wardrobe that has been with him through your wedding, a few family memorial anniversaries and a few gatherings, and now it is tight at the belly and loose at the shoulders. Dad doesn't say anything, but every time he wears it, he keeps tugging at the hem. If you are thinking of having a made-to-measure suit for dad as a gift, the biggest challenge isn't choosing the fabric but a very down-to-earth question: how do you measure Dad and still keep the surprise?
Quick answer
To give Dad a made-to-measure suit as a gift and still have it fit, put accurate measuring ahead of absolute secrecy: ask an artisan to come to the house, or take Dad to a showroom with a gentle excuse. Choose a light, low-wrinkle wool in navy or charcoal, a classic single-breasted cut with natural shoulders.
Why a suit is a gift worth making just for Dad
A suit that fits says what words can't: I've noticed you. For older people, a suit also has practical benefits:
- Wearable on many occasions: a child's or grandchild's wedding, a longevity celebration, big family gatherings, meetings with old partners.
- Helps Dad feel confident: a jacket that sits right on the shoulders makes him stand straighter, a feeling that is hard to buy with other material gifts.
- Lasts over time: a well-fitted made-to-measure suit serves for many years, unlike a gift used a few times and put away.
Even so, a suit only has value if Dad can wear it. So “fits well” always matters more than “surprise”.
Three ways to get Dad measured and still keep the surprise
Way 1: Take the measurements from a jacket Dad wears comfortably
If Dad has a jacket or suit that still fits, borrow it while he's out. A tailor can record the basic measurements: shoulder width, chest, jacket length, sleeve length. With Mon Amie's online made-to-measure service, you can also book a video call with a stylist for step-by-step measuring guidance, or use measurements already on file.
One thing to remember: measurements from an old jacket are only a starting point. The old jacket may no longer match his current build, so Dad needs at least one baste fitting.
Way 2: Take Dad to the showroom with a gentle excuse
Invite Dad for coffee or breakfast near the showroom, then drop in to “just have a look”. This keeps most of the joy of the surprise, and Dad also gets to choose the fabric and style he likes. Mon Amie has five showrooms in Ho Chi Minh City; you can choose the one nearest home and book ahead so a stylist can prepare suitable fabric samples.
Way 3: An artisan comes to the house
If Dad dislikes travelling far or being among crowds, choose made-to-measure at home. Mon Amie's mobile measuring team comes to your home, office or hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing a selected set of fabric samples so Dad can choose in person. For older people this is usually the most comfortable way: sitting in the familiar living room, with a cup of tea, touching each fabric sample.
Whichever way you choose, what matters is that Dad has the chance to try the baste fitting and say “it's a bit tight here”.
Choosing fabric that is easy for Dad to wear
Older people need fabric that is soft, low-wrinkle, breathable and easy to care for:
- Light to medium wool, tightly woven: holds its shape, wrinkles little, doesn't crease after sitting a long time.
- Wool with a little stretch fibre: comfortable in movement, the arms don't feel restricted.
- Matte surface, not too shiny: suits his age, easy to pair.
- Avoid fabric that is too thin, too stiff or wrinkles heavily: such as pure linen for an evening wedding.
On price, Mon Amie's price list for complete made-to-measure suits has three lines. The Essential line runs from VND 4.8 to 10 million, the Signature line from VND 10 to 20 million, and the Heritage line above VND 20 million. If Dad doesn't wear the suit very often, Essential or Signature is usually a reasonable choice; you can see the details in Mon Amie's price list.
Suit colours for Dad: safe but with character
| Colour | Suits | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Navy blue | Every occasion: weddings, ceremonies, gatherings | The safe colour, suits most skin tones |
| Charcoal grey | Formal occasions, work | Easy to pair with white or light blue shirts |
| Dark blue, midnight blue | Evening parties | Elegant, rarely dated |
| Muted brown | Weekends, family gatherings | Needs a light shirt with it |
| Black | Funerals, formal ceremonies | Shouldn't be the only suit for happy occasions |
If Dad has only one suit, choose navy: it works for both weddings and gatherings, and isn't as gloomy as black.
A classic cut that suits his age
A suit for Dad should be comfortable, discreet and not chase trends:
- Single-breasted, two buttons: easy to wear, easy to button.
- Medium-width notch lapels: balanced, not flashy.
- Natural shoulders, light structure: not rigid, suits an older man's build.
- Body that fits but leaves room at the belly: not tight.
- Pleated trousers with a slightly higher rise: comfortable when sitting, no pressing at the belly.
- Breathable lining: especially when Dad goes to a wedding on a sunny day.
To choose the cut, you can also read men's suits for older gentlemen, an article with detailed suggestions on styles at this age.
Occasions that suit giving Dad a suit
- A milestone birthday: a gift with a lasting mark.
- A longevity celebration: a formal suit for the family ceremony.
- Your wedding: Dad in a new suit standing next to you on the big day.
- Father's Day or Tết: a gift that shows respect.
- Retirement or a job handover: a suit to “turn the page”.
If you would like to learn more about choosing and gifting, the article a men's suit for dad: choosing and having one made as a gift is also worth reading alongside this one.
Common mistakes
- Ordering in total secrecy with no baste fitting. If the shoulders or belly are wrong, the surprise turns into disappointment.
- Choosing by trend when Dad isn't used to it. Narrow lapels, a slim fit and loud colours make Dad reluctant to wear it.
- Choosing the size from his old build. A person's build changes over time.
- Choosing shiny, heavy fabric. Dad won't be comfortable.
- Forgetting accessories. A matching shirt or tie completes the gift.
Tips from a Mon Amie master tailor
The master tailor always says: “Older people are shy about saying ‘this jacket is tight’, for fear of disappointing their children.” So at the baste fitting, sit beside Dad and ask about each point: shoulders, underarms, belly, collar, sleeve length. Don't ask “Does it fit, Dad?”; ask “Sit down and see whether it pulls anywhere.” Another tip is to have Dad try it with exactly the shirt and belt he usually wears. On the bespoke line, Mon Amie takes more than 30 measurements and keeps them for life, so if Dad later needs another jacket or trousers, the measurements are already there. That means the gift doesn't end with a single giving.
Frequently asked questions
What style of suit should I choose for Dad?
Single-breasted, two buttons, medium notch lapels, natural shoulders. This is a style that is easy to wear, suits every occasion and doesn't date.
Does a suit for Dad need to be made specially?
If Dad has a particular build (belly, shoulders, height), made-to-measure gives a better result than ready-to-wear. For older people, fit matters more than the brand.
What colour suit should I choose for Dad?
Navy is the safest colour. Charcoal grey suits formal occasions, muted brown suits weekends, and black is for formal ceremonies.
How long does it take to make a suit for Dad?
The time depends on the measuring appointment, the baste fitting and the finishing. Order early before the occasion so there is time for alterations if needed. You can book an appointment so a stylist can tell you the specific schedule.
Conclusion
Having a made-to-measure suit for dad as a gift is a gift of care: the right person, the right shoulders, the right occasion. Put fit before surprise, and choose easy fabric, a safe colour and a classic cut. When Dad puts it on and stands a little straighter, you will understand why the jacket is worth making just for him.