Stereotypical Dad Fashion Archetypes That Every Dad Has Worn At Some Point
Dad fashion is one of those all-encompassing terms that could apply to literally anything a dad wears because all of it is iconic. There are no laws or limitations when it comes to what a dad will wear, but there are some stereotypes that they all meet, and there's an Instagram account that shares all your dad-fashion pictures.
From the graphic T-shirts to the sportswear to the New Balance trainers, there are some fashion choices that immediately scream 'dad' and we need to pay homage to them.
Vacation Mode Activated
You know he wanted to bring this coat "in case it's unseasonably cold in Florida" but didn't have room in his suitcase so now he's stuck wearing a jacket for 5 hours on the plane.
Athleisure Dad
If he doesn't own a two-piece tracksuit and hat branded with his favorite team on it, is he really even a fan? One good thing about having a superfan for a dad is if you ever don't know what to get him for his birthday, just head on over to the University of Michigan website and you'll be sure to find something.
Print Mixing Dad
Oh, you thought you were supposed to match up your prints or commit to one at a time? Not when you're a dad. The more the merrier, whether that's plaid, paisley or floral; anything goes.
The Dad Apron
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it'll soon be time for your dad to break out that funny/festive apron that you bought him a couple of years ago as a joke. You figured he'd wear it one year then forget about it, but now it's going on 7 years and your mom hates you for bringing it into the house.
Wilderness Wednesday Dad
Every season can be Tilley hat season when you're a dad, but it takes a special kind of man to be able to also pull off those chocolate brown Uggs at the same time.
Dog Walking Dad
Why would he change out of his "lounging around the house" outfit just to take the dog out for a walk? It's not like he could possibly see anyone he knows, plus he loves that shirt!
Safari Dad
Despite the fact that he has probably never been on an African safari, it takes a certain kind of man to be able to pull off head-to-toe beige. It started with one khaki button up but now the collection has grown to take up half the closet.
National Holiday Dad
Every dad has that outfit for the Fourth of July that's made an appearance in every family photo since 1993, and it almost definitely involves some sort of US flag tie or themed polo.
Professional Photographer Dad
A dad on vacation who just got a new camera for Christmas is a species of their own. They've got the cushioned neck strap, some sort of fancy camera bag to lug all their equipment around in... they completely look the part. But in the end, a quarter of the pictures end up with a finger over the lens...
Matching Dad
Nothing screams 'dad' more than accidentally matching or blending in with your surroundings. Once they realize they're matching, they have to have you take a picture of them as well, or it wasn't worth it.
Cruise Dad
Every dad who's ever been on a cruise owns a Tommy Bahama Hawaiian shirt. You can tell he planned ahead for this one too because the shirt matches his shoes, and he's proud of it.
Yardwork Dad
From the clogs to the mismatched gardening gloves to the headphones that look like they came with a walkman 20 years ago, every dad has worn an outfit similar to this while pulling weeds or mowing the lawn.
Pet Loving Dad
This shirt is for all the dads out there who claimed they never wanted a dog in the first place, and now they own matching t-shirts with their dog's face on it. Looks like we all know who the favorite child of the family is.
Hardcore Workout Dad
You know that he's been working out in this shirt for the past decade, and he doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. If you try to buy him any sort of Under Armor sweat-wicking shirt, he's just going to return it so don't bother.
Griller Killer Dad
A dad's grilling style says a lot about him, and we're not talking about how long he grills his burgers before flipping them over. If you can't rock a fur skirt and some white Sauconys, we don't want anything to do with your chicken kebabs.
Nature Dad
A different species than the wilderness dad, nature dad is ready for some birdwatching or perhaps a stroll through the local trails. He's got his water bottle as well as his multi-utility cargo shorts and vest so he can store some snacks and his car keys too.
Denim Dad
Oh you think dads have to follow the rules of fashion? Absolutely not. They're the ones that set the rules and they're the ones that break the rules. They'll wear denim on denim all day long and there's nothing you can do about it.
Safety First Dad
How can he enjoy his run with his best friend if he doesn't feel safe in his own neighborhood? Ever since he picked up that safety vest at Lowe's he can run at dusk or dawn!
Camo Couture Dad
This camo dad outfit has all our fashion standards vanishing before our eyes, along with your dad. Every dad who loves hunting has a variety of camo patterns ready for any occasion.
Socks And Sandals Dad
Nothing says pool day like slipping on some crisp white socks and breaking out those Tevas that have been tucked away in the closet all winter, just waiting for their chance to reemerge.
Ready For Any Weather Dad
It can be hard in the fall or spring to know what kind of weather to dress for, but you can balance it out by dressing for both seasons at once! Business on the top, party on the bottom right?
Graphic T-Shirt Dad
What dad doesn't love a t-shirt with a cool picture or a funny saying on it? Whether it was given to him as a gift or he bought it for himself, he wears it with pride at least once a month, if not more.
Festive Dad
Unlike any other time of the year, Christmas is a special time reserved for peak dad fashion, like this "NinjabreadMan" festive turtleneck. He's been wearing it to Christmas parties since '03 and your embarrassment is certainly not going to stop him from continuing that trend.
Golf Dad
Dads who golf are on a completely different level when it comes to fashion, and we love it. If you thought there were no laws for dad fashion, that becomes even more true on the golf course. As long as that colorful shirt has a collar, you're set to go and strut your stuff.
Fashion-Forward Dad
A real man can rock some fresh denim jorts along with a polo and a mini backpack. Your wife needs you to hold her purse? Don't just hold it, you rock that handbag.
Fashionable Footwear Dad
How can we talk about dad fashion and not give praise to the legendary chunky white sneaker: the New Balance 90s sneaker. You can't call yourself a dad and not own a pair of NB trainers or Nike Monarchs.
Loungewear Dad
Comfort is every dad's number one priority, especially if it's a chilly Sunday morning and he knows he's not going to be leaving the house that day. Sundays are for repping your favorite football team's gear and cozying up by the fire with your slippers.
Underprepared Dad
If they're not over-prepared then they're under-prepared right? Nothing screams 'ready to do some yard work' like a thick heavy pair of jeans and polo shirt! Especially under the hot sun, it's perfect.
Money-Saving Dad
"Nancy, it's only got a couple of holes in it it's still fine to wear." Why would any dad waste money on a new shirt when this one is still perfectly good and covers all the necessary parts a shirt is supposed to?
Plaid Dad
What dad doesn't love a pair of plaid bottoms? From plaid pajama pants to those plaid shorts that they've worn on every family vacation for the past 28 years, you'll never be able to get rid of that trend.
