Dad style gets a bad rap from guys who have only seen the sloppy version: cargo shorts to the shins, a hockey jersey two sizes too small, and shoes from the same aisle as the lawn mower. Done right, it’s the opposite. Real khakis, a thick oxford, a clean pair of white New Balances. It’s one of the easiest ways to look put-together without looking like you tried.
Dad style has been just about everywhere for the past several years. It started with the return of chunky sneakers. Suddenly, we looked down to discover we were all wearing New Balances again. Gradually, it developed into a wider appreciation of old band tees, classic fit blue jeans, ball caps, braided belts, and a whole lot more.
But what exactly is dad style? And how can you nail the look for yourself?
Well, it can be tricky to pinpoint, because dad style is a constantly evolving force of nature. What your dad wears today might not mirror the fatherly uniform of the early 2000s, late 90s, and so on.
To truly understand dad style, its better aspects, and what is worth emulating, simply read on. Or call your dad – afterwards, that is.
Is Dad Style Still In?
Yes, and it isn’t going anywhere. Dad style was never really a trend. Khakis, oxfords, loafers, and straight-leg jeans were the everyday uniform long before anyone called it dadcore, which is why it keeps coming back instead of dying out.
The sneakers are the part that moves. Chunky white New Balances came first, then gray 990s and other retro runners. Everything above the ankle barely changes, and that’s exactly why it’s a safe thing to build a wardrobe on.
Classic Dad Style Pieces That Never Left
A great deal of what we now refer to as dad style is really just classic men’s style pieces that have stood the test of time. Wardrobe staples for generations that are reliable, versatile, and practical. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of what we mean:
- Khakis and Chinos:While originally designed to outfit British troops, khakis have cemented themselves as one of the foundational pieces of any man’s wardrobe – and that especially applies to dads. They’re a lot like blue jeans in that they pretty much go with anything, but with an ounce of more formality.
- The Oxford Shirt: Button-down shirts aren’t always formal, and the oxford shirt is proof that casual can still look incredibly sharp and put together. Their iconic buttoned collar points are a trademark of classically casual style. Crafted from typically thicker, structured, cotton oxford cloth, these shirts pair perfectly with anything – and are especially at home with a reliable pair of khakis or chinos.
- Blue Jeans:Possibly the most iconic piece of clothing ever created, dads of decades past did a lot of the legwork to get these denim icons where they are today! The most classic blue jeans are also the ones typically favored by dads, from brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, Lee, and other denim powerhouses.
- Chunky Knitwear: The best dads among us favor sweaters with a bit of extra thickness about them. No wimpy, thin merino knits. Think of chunky shetland wools, lambswool fair isle crew necks, fisherman sweaters, cable-knits.
- Crew Neck T-Shirts: Until millennials started becoming fathers, you wouldn’t have caught any dad dead wearing a v-neck tee. The way a classic crew-neck hugs the neck just feels incredibly dad-like. Then, once they tucked them into their jeans? That’s a fatherly aura, no question.
- Chunky Sneakers: Remember what your old man wore when he used to mow the lawn? Money has it that he was sporting a pair of classic white New Balances. Other classic chunky sneakers might hail from brands like ASICS, Saucony, or HOKA.
- Loafers:When dad wasn’t wearing big sneakers, he might have been wearing a knockaround pair of loafers. Loved for their ability to traverse the lands between formal and casual, loafers are an enduring staple of classic men’s style, and hence, dad style.
Good Dad Style vs Bad Dad Style
A clash of titans, to be sure. But in all honesty, the differentiation between what makes a dad fit good and what makes one bad often comes down to the execution. Pulled off correctly, dad style signals a sense of responsibility, reliability, a dorky charm that you can trust and share a beer with while debating which of The Eagles’ songs is their very best.
Bad dad style? It’s sloppy. Past its prime. Things don’t fit like they did when the old man was in college, and he seems painfully unaware of this fact. Basketball shorts with flip-flops and hockey jersey from college that’s about to burst at the seams. Bad dad style doesn’t age gracefully.
Imagine two versions of a dad. One is wearing the lousy outfit described above. Oh, and he uses 5-in1 shampoo/body wash, to really sell the idea that this is a poorly-adjusted man.
The second version of your dad is wearing classic blue jeans by Lee. They’re a bit loose, but they fit him well, secured with a brown braided leather belt. He’s wearing a classic white t-shirt adorned with a tasteful Miller Lite logo. His shoes? Chunky and white. A ball cap celebrating his favorite team. He’s got a great stache, too.
Now think, which dad exudes confidence and responsibility? Which one will be able to teach you how to do your taxes, realistically?
Get what we’re saying? The best dad style is definitely a bit dorky, sure. But it’s also put-together, in its own way. It shows care and commitment. He knows how to dress up just fine too, when the occasion calls for it. He’s not blissfully unaware. His style communicates that he’s got a strong head on his shoulders.
The short version? Always strive for dorky charm over sloppiness.
How To Tell Dad-Loose From Sloppy
Here’s the thing: dad style runs a little loose. Straight-leg jeans, a roomy oxford, pleated khakis. Loose is fine, and loose on purpose is the whole look. The problem is that “a little loose” and “I gave up” can look identical from across the street, and the difference comes down to three checks.
Shoulders. The shoulder seam on your shirt or jacket should land right at the edge of your shoulder bone. If it droops down your arm, that’s not relaxed, that’s too big. Everything below the shoulder can be roomy. The shoulder can’t.
Rise and break. Dad pants sit higher, at or just above your hip bones, and finish with a slight break or none at all. That’s what makes a full leg look intentional. When the same roomy leg slides below your hips and pools over your shoes, you’re just wearing sagging pants. We covered where straight and wide legs stand right now in our guide to slim vs. wide trousers.
Fabric weight. Thick oxford cloth, heavy denim, chunky wool. Heavy fabric hangs cleanly and keeps its shape wash after wash. Thin cotton that’s been through the dryer a hundred times clings, wrinkles, and fades. That’s the college hockey jersey.
Carrying a little extra around the middle? The same three checks apply, and our guide to dressing a man with a big belly goes deeper on what to do about it.
Dad Style: Done Right vs. Gone Wrong
Same pieces. The difference is fit and care.
Pass all three and the rest of the outfit can be as dorky as you like. Miss one and fix that before you buy another thing.
How To Make Dad Style Look Sharp
The thing is, dad style can be objectively sharp, too. Dorky charm is, well, charming. But the best dad style indicates that pops knows how to dress up a bit when he needs to. It all comes down to his understanding of the classics, beyond just the most casual types of attire.
Here are a few easy steps and rules worth following.
- Sure, khakis are involved. But at their best, they’re not just any old pair. They’re full-fitting through the leg and the seat, giving the legs room to breathe. They sit higher on the waist, elongating the leg profile. They might even have a couple of pleats, to add visual depth and perhaps some extra space for thicker thighs.
- Those oxford shirts we mentioned before? Trust us, styled properly, they can look plenty cool. Again, fit is key here. The ideal oxford shirt is on the thicker side, and not terribly tight-fitting. If anything, it should be ever so slightly loose! Tucked in and with the sleeves rolled up, it creates the perfect masculine silhouette. Wearing a ribbed tank top undershirt? Pop a few buttons to expose it for extra burly dad points.
- Heading to dinner? The versatility of this particular fatherly uniform allows it to be dressed up with total ease. All you need is a classic sport coat or blazer and you’re good to go. Go for an iconic navy blazer with gold buttons for a dash of preppiness, or perhaps a tweed sport coat to get some extra texture mileage.
Cool dads get that classic style never goes out of, well, style.
That’s why they commit to wearing foundational pieces that fit them well and work for a variety of situations. Casually, they refuse to look sloppy. Formally, they know what good tailoring is. In-between? They combine the two effortlessly.
Outerwear, Caps, And The Watch
Tops and bottoms get all the attention, but the outer layer is where dad style jumps from casual to sharp.
A chore coat or waxed cotton jacket. Heavy canvas in tan, olive, or navy, with big pockets and a boxy cut. Throw it over an oxford or a crew tee and it works from a Saturday hardware run to a parent-teacher night.
A quarter-zip or shawl-collar sweater. A navy or gray wool quarter-zip over an oxford, collar out, makes a pair of khakis look like a decision instead of a default.
A clean ball cap. A team you actually root for, or a plain navy or olive one, with the brim curved by hand. Sweat rings around the band are the fastest way to turn good dad style into bad dad style. Retire it.
A real watch. A simple field watch or a Seiko 5 on a leather strap, matched to your belt and shoes. It tells people you pay attention to small things, which is the whole point.
3 Dad Style Outfits To Copy
Not sure how to put the pieces together? Start with these. Each one passes the three checks above.
Saturday errands: straight-leg blue jeans (a Levi’s 501 ‘93 or a pair of Lees), a heavy white or gray crew tee tucked in, a brown braided belt, chunky gray or white New Balances, and a clean ball cap. Our guide to wearing sneakers with jeans covers the proportions.
Backyard cookout or school pickup: full-cut pleated khakis, a thick oxford with the sleeves rolled, a brown belt, and either white sneakers or brown loafers. Add the chore coat once the sun goes down.
Dinner out: tan khakis or dark jeans, an oxford tucked in, a navy blazer with gold buttons, and brown loafers that match your belt and watch strap. Same pieces as the weekend, with one jacket doing the work.
Also read: How to become a better dad
Where To Buy Dad Style Staples
So, you want to try it out for yourself? We don’t blame you. There’s something special about this whole genre. It’s like a soft-spin on classic menswear, but not so stuffy that it doesn’t permit you to break out shorts and a tee. But those shorts will be glorious, no doubt about it.
Here’s where to shop to get your hands on some wardrobe classics, and to find even more style inspiration.
- J.Crew:The kings of mall-prep and more recently, a return to their signature looks. Their current offerings are filled to the brim with dad-core pieces at a solid value, especially if you shop their frequent sales.
- Brooks Brothers: The granddaddy of American tailoring still has a ton to offer for slightly more sophisticated dad-inspired looks. Their oxford shirts won’t fail you, and they’re a good shout for some solid blazers, as well.
- New Balance: The king of iconic chunky sneakers, they currently offer a ton of fashion-forward options within the lifestyle and running shoe categories. Our tip? Go for something neutral, in white, gray, or beige, for maximum versatility. Their Made in the USA line, including the 990 series, will make your old man proud, too.
- Ralph Lauren:If you want some of the best, most timeless pieces currently available on the market, head to Ralph. From great khakis to excellent oxford shirts, not to mention spectacular knitwear and tailoring, Ralph Lauren is a shortcut to enduring dad style with a dash of elegance.
- G.H. Bass:One of the best options for a wide range of loafers, you can count on G.H. Bass for quality. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, check out their chunky lug-sole Weejuns loafers or their boat shoes, too. Now that’s hardcore dad-mode.
- Wrangler:With some of the best value jeans available, you can’t go wrong with Wranglers. Their Cowboy Cut jeans are especially popular, and with their slightly higher rise, absolutely scream dad vibes. In the best way, of course.
- Levi’s:Possibly the most iconic denim brand of all time, Levi’s is favored by just about everyone, and that includes stylish dads. Their 501s are timeless, but if you want our expert advice, go for their501 ‘93 Straight Fit jeans for a slightly more retro look that your own dad very well may have worn himself.
Dad Style FAQ
What is dad style?
Dad style is a relaxed, practical way of dressing built on classics: khakis, oxford shirts, straight-leg jeans, crew-neck tees, loafers, and chunky sneakers. It runs a bit loose, but it’s always clean and cared for.
Can younger guys wear dad style?
Sure. It’s just classic menswear, and a thick oxford and straight jeans look as good at 25 as they do at 45. The only trap is the costume version, where you wear every dad cliché at once. Pick two or three pieces and keep the rest of the outfit ordinary.
How do I dress like a cool dad without looking sloppy?
Run every piece through the three checks: shoulder seam, rise and break, and fabric weight. If you carry a little belly too, our guide to dressing for summer with a dad bod shows how to make it work.
Dad Style Endures
From icons like Tom Selleck to Billy Crystal, dad-core has been at the center of attention for longer than you’d think. It just took a bit for everyone to put a name on it.
While at its core, dad style is just about wearing classic pieces well, it’s also about standing firmly in the camp of good taste, exuding a sense of reliability and confidence.
Dad style can be dressed up. It can be dressed down. But it will always be an excellent source of style inspiration, no matter the occasion.