This page once talked about suit fashion of an earlier year. But the thing most worth remembering about suits is this: trends change from year to year, while the principles of a good-looking suit rarely do. Narrow or wide lapels, a long or short jacket may rise and fall, but a good fit at the shoulders, a clean chest and the drape of the cloth decide every year whether a suit looks good.
Quick answer
Choose lasting men's suit fashion in three layers: a fixed foundation (shoulders that fit, a collar that hugs, a jacket that covers the seat), styles that can change (lapels, number of buttons, a slim or classic cut) and the main cloth color (navy, gray). Keep the foundation solid, then choose the trend by taste.
What does not change with the fashion season
- The shoulders. The shoulder point sits exactly at the end of the shoulder bone, neither sagging nor sticking out. The shoulders are almost impossible to alter, so choose the jacket by the shoulders first.
- The collar. The suit collar must hug the shirt collar, with no gap when you stand straight.
- The jacket length. Usually just covering the seat; too short looks boyish, too long makes the legs look shorter.
- The sleeves. Showing about 1–1.5 cm of shirt cuff.
- The drape of the cloth. Good cloth drapes cleanly, wrinkles little and keeps its shape after many wears.
Suit styles you can choose
| Style | Characteristics | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Classic cut (regular) | A comfortable body, easy to move in | A fuller build, formal settings |
| Slim fit | A slim waist, trim shoulders, narrow trouser legs | A balanced build, parties, creative workplaces |
| Tailored cut | A moderately close fit, clean lines | Most builds, everyday wear |
| Double-breasted | A closed chest, a strong look | Tall men, an upright figure, formal events |
As for lapels, the notch (V-shaped lapel) is a safe choice for all year round, the peak (pointed lapel angled upward) is more formal, and the shawl (continuous rounded lapel) is usually reserved for the tuxedo.
Colors and cloth you can wear for a long time
If you only have one suit, choose navy or mid-gray. These two tones go with most shirts, ties and shoes, and rarely go out of date. Standout colors or large patterns are best saved for the second or third suit.
As for material, wool is still the classic choice: breathable, elastic and slow to wrinkle. You can see the colors and weights in person in the fabric library to choose one that suits the Ho Chi Minh City climate.
Choosing by build
- Slim build: choose a cloth of moderate thickness and lapels that are not too narrow so the shoulders look fuller.
- Heavier build: choose a tailored cut rather than one that is too fitted, in a dark color with fine vertical stripes.
- Tall build: a slightly longer jacket, double-breasted or large checks suit you.
- Shorter build: choose a neat, moderately short jacket and straight-leg trousers, and avoid large patterns.
Tips from Mon Amie's master tailors
Fashion should show itself only in details that are easy to change, such as the lapels, tie and pocket square. The core, the shoulders, chest and waist, must be made to fit your build. That is why made-to-measure always gives a more lasting result than ready-to-wear: the artisan takes more than 30 measurements, does a baste fitting and adjusts until it fits, so the suit still looks good even after the trend has changed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a slim-fit suit out of date?
The slim fit is still popular, as long as it is only moderately close. A fit so tight that it creases across the chest or strains across the back looks bad in any year.
How many seasons can a suit be worn?
That depends on the cloth and how it is cared for. A suit made to measure for your build, in good cloth and carefully kept, can stay with you for many years.
An invitation from Mon Amie
Want to know which style suits you? Book an appointment for a stylist to advise you by build, or see the price list and the lookbook to choose a direction before coming to the showroom.