By Matthew Longcore
Father’s Day is an important day on the Ivy Style calendar. Many of us learned about classic men’s style from our fathers. My dad is an Ivy League guy. He attended Brown University as an undergraduate and Cornell University for his MBA. I was born in Ithaca, New York when my dad was a graduate student there. Dad is a good gift giver. He gave me my two favorite graduation gifts – a Harvard University wallet from Smathers & Branson in 2010, and a Yale University watch from M.LaHart in 2018.
This year, when I received my Ph.D. from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, he gave me a wonderful coffee table book titled America’s Eden: Newport Landscapes Through the Ages.
Dad is a hard act to follow. With Father’s Day coming up, it is time to start thinking about good gift ideas. With that in mind, here is my list of Father’s Day gift ideas.
American Trench
Cut from Irish linen woven by esteemed mill Baird McNutt, this sport coat is perfect for the summer months ahead. A 3-roll-2 front and patch pockets lend a quiet nod to traditional Ivy Style.
A denim shirt is a classic staple for the casual site of any man’s wardrobe. This shirt is made in a luxurious denim that is guaranteed to get better with age and rich in character over time.
The Andover Shop
Mixed Drinks Needlepoint Coasters
The Gimlet, the Manhattan, the Margarita, and the Transfusion. Classic cocktails for a classic dad. These coasters from Smathers & Branson feature cocktail recipes, making them both whimsical and functional.
Swim trunks should be flattering and fun. Navy is a good choice as it is a flattering color. Lobsters are fun.
Card wallets are a nice streamlined alternative to bulky full-sized wallets. If dad is an Anglophile, he is sure to love this handsome card wallet made in England by Launer.
Brooks Brothers
American-Made Oxford Cloth Button-Down Dress Shirt
This classic OCBD from Brooks Brothers is made in the USA. Blue, white, and pink are all great choices.
Cotton Broadcloth Madras Lounge Pants
Who said that pajamas must be sloppy? These madras lounge pants are a stylish way to casual comfort.
Smathers & Branson Needlepoint BB Uniform Card Case
This needlepoint card case from Smathers & Branson features a classic repp tie pattern.
Davey’s
Madras Patchwork Nautical Tote
Handcrafted in India, this tote combines 100% cotton madras patchwork and soft leather trim, paying homage to Davey’s heritage and classic preppy style.
If you travel, this leather monogrammed tag from Davey’s is a great way to have your luggage stand out from the crowd.
Jay Butler
Suede loafers are a stylish alternative to leather. Dark brown is a conservative choice while navy blue is a bit more daring.
Cromwell Penny Loafer Dark Brown Suede
Alfred Penny Driving Loafer Navy Blue Suede
J. Crew
This is an Ivy Style staple that will look great on Dad and keep him warm and cozy in cool weather.
J. Press
J. Press just dropped their Summer 2026 collection — we’ve pulled a few selections ranging from their Made-in-USA Oxford cloth sport shirts and silk club ties to a striped polo and an Armor-Lux collaboration tee. Plenty more worth exploring at jpress.com.
L.L.Bean
Regardless of whether or not Dad has a boat, he will surely love this classic boat tote from L.L.Bean. These bags are handmade in Maine.
Mercer & Sons
With the summer months ahead, blue and white a winning combination, evocative of blue skies and coastal scenery. Mercer & Sons makes some of the finest Oxford cloth button-down shirts available, and here are two favorites.
Surfside Blue 1/8″ Bengal Stripe Broadcloth
Meyers Manx
The California brand behind the original dune buggy — launched its apparel line last year, and it’s quietly become one of the more interesting things in menswear. Their intarsia-knit sweaters are a standout. Full collection at meyersmanx.com.
Ralph Lauren
The U.S. Postal Service has announced that it will honor the nations 250th anniversary with the release of American Icons, a collection of 13 commemorative stamps, curated by legendary American designer Ralph Lauren.
St Johns Fragrance Company
St Johns Fragrance Co. just released Three Saints, a limited 80th anniversary scent rooted in the brand’s U.S. Virgin Islands heritage — warm, masculine, and a perfect gift at an approachable price point. The West Indian Lime Dopp Kit Set is another great gift idea for dads. More at stjohnsbayrum.com.
Three Saints 80th Anniversary Scent
West Indian Lime Dopp Kit Gift Set
Secret Society Neckwear
Secret Society Neckwear specializes in neckties for men who still believe in dressing well. Here are two great choices.
Blue w/ Lime Linen Foulard Tie
Traditional Seersucker Bow Tie
Timeless Tartans
Dad loves his alma mater. Check out Timeless Tartans for a great gift to celebrate his school pride. More at timelesstartans.com.
Princeton University Collection
Hopefully this gift guide will provide some inspiration Ivy Style readers looking for the right gift for Dad. Remember, of course, it not the gift itself that matters so much as the thought that counts.
Congrats on your degree this year!
Thank you, Craig!
Professor!
Matthew
Congratulations on your degree!!!!
Thank you, Sandy!
The photograph of you and your father is priceless. Well done, Matthew.
Kind Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich
Many thanks, Heinz-Ulrich!
On the IS feed, The Future of Golf for RL was just below this feature. It reminded me that for a golfing father, a box of his favorite kind of golf balls is always welcome, as would be making a tee time for you and any siblings to play a round with him.
Congratulations, and thank you for keeping this site going, Dr. Longcore. Something edifying and light-hearted for us steadfast few to look forward to.
Re: BB OCBD, Traditional fit is too big in the waist and Regular fit is too tight in the upper chest and shoulders.
So I bought one leftover Blue U-Stripe, on “sale”, and wear it, unbuttoned, to the gym and to the pool. It’s perfect for that. I suppose, if they had one available 1/2 size up, I would have exchanged it.
Mercer sells stripes.
I bought a standard sized, O’Connell’s poplin somewhat recently by mail. It fits perfectly, with or without a necktie, and it is handsome.
I miss my dad.
Clearly your justifiably proud father has raised both a scholar and a gentleman! A picture remains worth a thousand words and the world would be so much better and more beautiful if your and your Dad’s relationship was to become the invariable standard. I would offer congratulations to both of you!
Your blog is a testament to your dedication to your craft. Your commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of your writing. Thank you for being such a positive influence in the online community.
Congratulations on your achievements, Dr. Longcore.
Thank you very much!
I only have a humble BA, but my Dad beamed ear to ear on Graduation Day in 1984. I became a CPA a couple years later. Dad would hand out my business cards like candy everywhere he went. He passed away in 2005 at age 85.
Dad was a great guy,although he was more at home with khakis and OCBDs from JC Penney and Aqua Velva. Me,too.
Congratulations.
Congratulations on your three stripes, Dr. Longcore! I appreciate what you do on this website and enjoy your writing and content very much.
Cordially,
KFD
Thank you very much, KFD!