A familiar story: the children grow up, start work, and one day notice that their father’s only suit is still the one he has worn since your older sister’s wedding. The shoulders are worn, the sleeves have grown short, the colour has faded. Many people want to make Dad a new suit but do not know where to begin, because Dad rarely agrees to be measured. This article is for anyone searching for a suit for dad, from choosing the style to taking his measurements without dampening his spirits.
The short answer
A suit for dad should have a comfortable cut that is close to the body without being tight, soft shoulders, a single-breasted two-button front, in navy or charcoal, in light crease-resistant wool. To make one as a gift, the easiest way is to measure an old jacket for reference figures, then have an artisan come to the house for accurate measurements. A gifted suit should come with a tie or pocket square in the same tone, so Dad can wear it straight away.
A suit for dad: which style fits?
Do not choose by trend. Dad needs a suit that is comfortable, holds its shape, and is easy to button and easy to wear all day. Mon Amie’s master tailors suggest:
- Single-breasted, two buttons: the easiest style to wear, and it suits every build.
- Soft shoulders, no heavy padding: Dad’s shoulders may have sloped, and heavy padding would stick out.
- A cut that is close but not tight: leave enough room at the armholes and chest.
- High-rise trousers with pleats: comfortable to sit in, and they will not slip during long periods of sitting.
- A notch lapel of medium width: elegant, not harsh.
To read more about adjusting a suit to an older man’s build, the article on suits for older men covers each point in detail.
Colour: choosing to suit his age and the occasion
| Colour | Suited to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | Work, gatherings, weddings | The safest, everyone looks good in it |
| Charcoal grey | Business, ceremonies | Sober and solid, suits a fuller figure |
| Black | Formal ceremonies, a child’s wedding | For important occasions only |
| Light grey | Daytime, the hot season | Suits fair skin |
| Dark navy with a fine stripe | Dad is cheerful and likes to stand out | A faint stripe lengthens the figure |
If Dad likes a colour of his own, let him decide the jacket lining or the pocket-square colour. He will be happier with one detail that is “his”. In short, the colour of an older man’s suit should favour sober shades; bright shades belong in the accessories.
How to take measurements from Dad’s old suit jacket
If you want to keep it a secret, or Dad lives far away, an old jacket still gives you plenty of information. Lay the jacket flat on a table, button it, then measure:
- Shoulder width: from one shoulder point to the other, measured across the back.
- Chest width: measured across the body about 2.5 cm below the armpit, then doubled.
- Waist width: measured at the narrowest part of the body, then doubled.
- Jacket length: from the highest point of the shoulder next to the collar down to the hem.
- Sleeve length: from the shoulder point to the cuff edge of the sleeve.
- Trousers: waist, length, thigh, leg opening.
Details of how to measure are in the article how to measure a ready-made suit jacket. Remember that measurements from an old jacket are only a reference, because that jacket may no longer suit Dad’s present build. He may have grown slimmer, his back more stooped, his stomach fuller. Measurements taken on the body are always more accurate.
A way to measure without Dad going anywhere
If Dad is in Ho Chi Minh City, the gentlest way is made-to-measure at home: a Mon Amie artisan brings cloth samples and measuring tools to his home or office. Dad sits in his usual chair, has a cup of tea, chooses the cloth and is measured within half a morning. If Dad lives far away, online made-to-measure allows measuring by video call, choosing cloth through detailed photos and receiving the suit at home.
Choosing cloth for Dad: light, breathable, easy to care for
Dad does not usually wear a suit often, but each time is an important occasion, and the suit often hangs in the wardrobe for quite a long time between wearings. So the cloth for Dad should prioritise three things:
- Light and breathable, so Dad does not feel the weight on his shoulders when sitting for a long time at a party or ceremony.
- Crease-resistant, because few people press a suit every time the way a tailor does. A low-crease wool blend, or wool with good recovery, is a sensible choice.
- A matt surface, not too shiny, so the suit looks dignified and not gaudy.
In addition, remember to have a spare pair of trousers made in the same cloth if the budget allows: trousers always wear out faster than the jacket, and with two pairs the suit lives twice as long.
Accessories to give with it for a complete gift
A finished suit without accessories is like a meal without soup. The stylist’s suggestions:
- A white shirt in the right collar size, so Dad can wear it right after receiving the suit.
- A plain tie in the same tone as the suit, plus one with a subtle pattern if Dad likes.
- A pocket square in white or in the same tone as the tie.
- A pair of leather shoes in black or dark brown, because old shoes diminish a whole new suit.
The first three items alone are enough for Dad to wear to a party within the week.
Gift ideas by occasion
- Father’s Day: choose a navy or charcoal suit, with a plain tie and a white pocket square.
- Longevity celebration: choose a dignified sober tone such as charcoal or black, with a burgundy tie or pocket square for a celebratory touch.
- A child’s wedding: a three-piece or two-piece suit in dark blue, simple but dignified.
- Tet (Lunar New Year): a light grey or dark blue suit, with a red tie or pocket square for the atmosphere of spring.
Reference budget: the Essential line from VND 4.8 to 10 million for a work suit, Signature from VND 10 to 20 million for finer, more fluid cloth, Heritage above VND 20 million for major occasions. The exact price is confirmed by the stylist when the cloth is chosen.
Mistakes when choosing a suit for Dad
- Choosing by your own size and “guessing” for Dad. Everyone has their own shoulders, stomach and back.
- Choosing a colour that is too young. Pink, yellow or cobalt blue rarely make Dad feel comfortable wearing them.
- Choosing thick cloth because it is “durable”. In Ho Chi Minh City, thick cloth makes Dad hot, and he will not wear it often.
- Not letting Dad try it on. Even if it is a surprise gift, always have one fitting for adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
What colour should a suit for Dad be?
Navy or charcoal. These two colours suit every occasion and even men with darker skin. Black is only for very formal ceremonies.
Does Dad need to come in to be measured?
It is best if he does. If Dad is shy, made-to-measure at home is the gentlest route because the artisan comes to him. If you want it to be a surprise, measure from the old jacket and ask the tailor to adjust at Dad’s first fitting.
What colour should an older man’s suit be?
Favour sober colours such as navy, charcoal and light grey. Avoid large patterns and bright colours. Small details such as a pocket square or the lining are where to add colour.
What suit should I choose if Dad has a stomach?
Choose a cut that is close but not tight, soft shoulders, high-rise trousers and a jacket that is long enough. Cloth that holds its shape and a dark colour make the whole look neater.
In closing
A suit made as a gift for Dad is not only a present. It is also a way of saying that Dad still deserves to dress well. If you would like to bring Dad in, book a measuring appointment, or call 0888.111.118 for an artisan to arrange a home measurement at a time when Dad is most at ease.