It’s Time To Raid Your Dad’s Closet - Here's Why
The next big thing in menswear has been hanging in your father’s wardrobe since the ‘80s
In the near-constant onslaught of social media influence and runway videos, deciding what to wear can be overwhelming. Turns out, like most other things in life – our fathers know best.
Once considered excruciatingly uncool, dad dressing has now become the cornerstone of men’s fashion. The nylon windbreakers, high-waisted ‘80s style jeans, khakis, bulbous sneakers, and chunky sweaters we used to cringe at? They’re front and centre on every runway today.
Demna Gvasalia introduced what is lovingly labelled “dadcore” at the Balenciaga Spring 2018 show, where actual dads wore actual dad outfits: easy-going, unglamorous, practical. Most importantly, they centred on comfort and functionality, and if the 2025-26 runways are anything to go by, dadcore endures. Looking like a middle-aged man who spends his weekends hammering away (at something) and coaching the kids' cricket team doesn’t get you bullied anymore – it’s actually cool. So, put down your credit card, and consider raiding your dad’s closet to put together a new one for yourself.
Trust us, tucked away between your dad’s rugby shirt and cargos lies the blueprint for dressing right!
Father Figure
When it comes to silhouettes, bigger is better. Remember: waistbands that cut into the skin or fabrics that cling are the antithesis of comfort. Everything oversized is in, so grab those baggy, heavyweight denims first when you go shopping in your father’s cupboard. Plus points if they’re high-waisted and washed, like the ones that littered the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2025 runway.
Next, aim for faded, billowy shirts, and don’t worry if they look a bit worn out, because that’s the point. With an uptick in the popularity of dad flannel, the checks are a no-brainer (blue is particularly popular at the moment), but also make sure you find a timeless white Oxford shirt that you can wear by itself, or layer under an ugly sweater for the cooler weather. Even your father’s infamous “bushirt” was seen strutting down the Prada Fall 2025 ramp, and it looks particularly breezy paired with the humble cargo short. That’s right, the short of the bottomless, bulging side pockets is now on top of the trends, and socks and sandals are (obviously) mandatory.
Fashion currently loves functionality, which is why your dad’s wilderness gear and winter basics are now considered foundational pieces. As the weather gets nippy, ditch the tailored trenches and opt for the zippy nylon windbreaker or the all-purpose winter jacket. Pockets? Check. Protection? Check. Weird colour combinations? Check.
As it gets colder, graduate to the dad-est of all winterwear: an oversized puffer vest or jacket with chunky high-top hiking boots. Nostalgia and sports have also been a driving force in menswear, so take that journey down memory lane with dad’s university wardrobe, because prep is hep. Dig out old varsity jackets, rugby polos, cardigans, and cricket jumpers from storage and throw them on, preferably one on top of the other, and you’ll look exactly like a Sacai model. If going all out vintage dad seems daunting, a happy mix of old-school accessories like baseball hats, leather belts, and slouchy crew socks with ugly but comfy sneakers can add that fatherly flair to your regular look.
Daddy Cool (For Real)
Over the years, dad dressing has also evolved into something a lot more sophisticated than just loose-fitting khakis and sweaters. There was also an unmistakable old-world elegance to their style, and 2025 has seen the return of the corporate aesthetic with a vengeance. The dominating silhouette has been the relaxed yet tailored suit, which harks back to the ‘80s when our fathers would wear roomy double-breasted jackets with pleated trousers to the office.
It is likely that his work OOTD looked almost exactly the same as what has been seen in Giorgio Armani’s Spring 2026 showing. So, skip the trip to the mall the next time you need formal wear, and fish out the tweed suits and oversized coats that manage to look sharp yet insouciant at the same time. The very old-school Prince of Wales check is poised to have a big moment in suiting, too, and shades of brown will dominate – all easily found in the patriarch’s suiting collection.
To be truly experimental, pair your dad’s vintage blazers with louche jeans or cargos, and if that’s not for you, opt for a white shirt and tie (the accessory is making a serious comeback), but make sure that your bottom wear is anything but formal. Conversely, tuck a t-shirt into dad’s best dress pants and tie it all together with a classic leather belt.
The bottom line is: today’s most-wanted pieces already exist, and they can be found almost too easily in your dad’s closet, no designer stores needed. Yes, even those buttery soft leather loafers that are so hot right now.