A DILFs Guide to How to Dress the Perfect Dad Look
You may already know that your grandfather is very well-known right now. Since Balenciaga put real dads and their real kids on the catwalk, there’s been a new fashion group called the DILFs
You were wrong if you thought the word meant something else. We think that DILF stands for “Dads In Latest Fashions.” Okay, I think you might be having trouble with the word “latest.” We’re talking about styles that have been around for 25 years, like stonewashed jeans that are a bit loose, smart coats, dad hats, and more. Which brings up a question:
How did dads, who used to be associated with bad clothes and a sad attitude, become cool?
Some people say that the Dad look came about because young adults who don’t have a lot of money wanted the security that their dads had when they were kids, with their big houses, nice cars, and retirement savings. Things that were dull are now things that people want.
That might be true, but there are also better reasons. In her writing and styling, Jess Punter says, “Fashion goes and away.” The dad trend brought back shapes and styles from the early 1990s. It’s also comfortable and useful. Dads dress to do their jobs, not to look good.
They like outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face because their clothes are eco-friendly, which makes the people who wear them look more awake. Patagonia sued the Trump administration for making US national parks smaller.
Also, a Dad Look is cool just because it’s not cool. If everyone were rocking it, it wouldn’t be your turn. It’s what James Lawrence, head of male design at ASOS, Calls this trend that goes against fashion: “pointing the finger at fashion.” “Have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously.”
In the end, the style is a mix of different types that make it stand out. Lawrence adds, “It’s made a great way of clashing styles from different genres together and making them all work.” Dads don’t have time to think about putting together clothes that match; dads are the ones who really know how to dress well, not Steve McQueen.
What a DILFs wears
Dad Cap
A few years ago, plain cotton-twill baseball caps were all the rage, and you could see a lot of people wearing them at peewee games. This is where the dad trend began.
Streetwear has used them for a long time because they’re cheap and simple to name. Once Balenciaga made one with the brand’s name on it and sold it for $285, it became a strange fashion must-have.
Dad Jeans
However, high-waisted, straight-legged dad jeans are the best because they combine the durability of denim with the ease of joggers and let you bend over and sit down, which is very important when you have kids.
You only need Levi’s 501s. They’re just regular jeans for guys. Also, please don’t bring your unwashed blue jeans here; they won’t wash.
Denim shirt
Plain, well-fitting. It matches everything. Classic, stylish, and not flashy.
Plain short sleeved T-shirts
Plain T-shirts with short sleeves that aren’t too tight or too loose. They can be navy, grey, white, or have a light Breton design. If you wear a printed T-shirt, a MILF will think you’re a sad nerd who didn’t become a man until you were 20. Or the fact that your mum STILL buys you clothes.
Suits
This is tricky because it depends on your line of work, but in an ideal world, dark navy and plain. Stay away from things that have a slightly manufactured shine. It makes us think of teens with spots who just graduated from college and got their first work clothes (without any help from a woman). They were always dark, had a stripe, and had a bad shine. Instead, become more like Thomas Shelby, a famous DILFs.
leather jackets
Five percent of dads can pull off a leather jacket, and those five percent are all rock stars.
Caleb Follow ill from Kings of Leon looks good in a leather jacket. He is married to a Victoria’s Secret model as well. It makes sense. Check out a parka, a pea coat, or a trendy anorak. If you believe you’re cool enough to wear a hood, go ahead. But chances are, you’re not.
Chunky Trainers
“The chunky trainer is definitely the shoe trend of the season,” says Lawrence of ASOS. “It’s the epitome of ‘dad style’ because it’s so ugly and goes with everything.”
Again, high-fashion brands like Balenciaga have their own versions that people want, like the Triple S (which probably means “Sell like shit off a shovel”). Get something like a New Balance 990 instead, which will look more like a dad shoe and won’t cost you a cool $800.
Technical Jacket
A tech jacket that is too big on you is also important because it gives the anti-fashion look a “trainspotter” vibe,” says Lawrence. “Like your dad’s favorite jacket, wear it over everything from suits to sportswear.”
Supreme and The North Face often work together. The North Face makes the stylish Nuptse. Helly Hansen is also coming back, which will make people who remember it from the first time feel old.
Half-Zip Fleece
It’s a toss-up between this and the mock turtleneck. The only thing that is really good for DILFs is a half-zip fleece. It’s been sitting on the racks at hiking shops unloved because of this, which is a shame because it’s warm without being too bulky.
It’s perfect for layering under your technical jacket and can also be worn as outerwear (though not waterproof) on days when the weather isn’t quite right. It’s a good thing to get ripped off this time.
Khakis
Nothing screams Old Man Steez like a good old pair of khakis. Skinny jeans are quickly becoming less popular, and stiff, high-waisted khaki trousers with a loose fit, like the Dickies your dad wore everywhere, are back in style. When dressing in khaki trousers, it’s important to play with proportions. For a subtle, Pretty look, wear a cropped top with them, or for a more ‘dad’ look, tuck a white shirt into the trousers and cuff the bottom.
Tie-dye hoodie with khaki pants? Cool Dad JB.
JB’s style was laid-back, carefree, and, most of all, very comfy. Now that summer is officially over, “dadcore” looks like a good summer style to add to my collection of sundresses with puffy sleeves, linen two-piece sets, and skirts that skim the body. Should I feel squished in bike shorts or free as a bird in basketball shorts that are too big? Should I bring a big tote bag or a fanny pack or backpack purse to be a super-organized parent on a school trip? These practical, not-so-trendy ‘dad’ clothes are closet staples that you can easily dress up with the right accessories. They’re great to have when the summer temperatures in New York City hit the high 90s.
How To Dress Like A DILFs
Look To Jerry And The Tastemakers
“Watch reruns of Seinfeld for style inspo” suggests Punter. The show is on Amazon Prime. The famous comedian in question in his prime in the 1990s, dressed in loose jackets, loose shirts tucked into stonewashed jeans, and chunky Nikes, looked like he was straight out of the Balenciaga runway. All he needs is a child.
Wait for George Costanza or Cosmo Kramer, who wears a lot of flowery Cuban collar shirts. They are surprisingly Pretty.
Weigh Up The Situation
If you’ve gained weight because of being a pitiful baby or middle-aged spread, following the Balenciaga trend will help you a lot. “As with all fashion trends, dad style looks best on tall, lean men,” says Punter. And slim dads were cast in fashion shows for a reason.
“Unfortunately, if you have a dadbod, you won’t be able to pull it off. Man rolls and Chest are too real.” When you go to the gym next time, you might want to do some pull-ups.
Don’t Kid Yourself
This brings us to the important point: As seen on the runway, the DILF look is not at all for dads. It’s “elevated” pieces from brands like Balenciaga that make a fashion statement, not everyday clothes from the grocery store, says Punter. “If you are a real dad, I also think you shouldn’t spend £700 on trainers because you need to feed your kids.” Lawrence from ASOS says, “Don’t do it if you are a dad.”
A DILFs is always prepared
When I say “condom in your wallet,” I don’t mean a real one. If a MILF knows she has a real DILF, he’ll have probably cut her by the time school starts. I mean having things in order. Make a plan for the day, at the very least. Lunchtime taken care of? Not a problem. People who are the biggest DILFs don’t mind when Pizza Express is packed, and seeing a dad at work with a smile on his face will earn you a lot of points with the MILFs.
Most dads take their kids somewhere on Saturday mornings, like swimming classes, a long walk, or anything else that makes them sweat. But it makes my knees weak when I hear a DILF say, “I gave the kids lunch,” just as their partner walks in the door.
Are you the first mom to say “hello” at the playground? If you’re reading this and thinking if other moms think you’re a DILF, ask yourself that question. Do you have a pair of Crocs? (If so, burn them right away.) Would you be happy to take your kids to a soft play place on a Saturday morning? It’s not that hard, right?
What If You’re Not A DILFs, Just A Dad?
What should a dad who wants to look good do if he’s not a young scenester who cares about fashion? Here are some suggestions:
- should fit close to your feet and hug your hips, not your belly button. Leave the dad jeans to Gen Zers who don’t have kids (because they are basically kids).
- A technical jacket is a good choice for raincoats because it doesn’t let water in. However, you should avoid anything with big logos that is too bright or too big. You’re too old to “play with silhouette” or do anything else besides seeing your kids.
- Instead of wearing “ironic” chunky trainers, choose lighter classics like Stan Smiths, Converse, and Vans or more modern styles like Flyknit. These shoes are in the middle of the range between “sneakerhead” and “Obama’s Asics.”
- Unless there are clear mistakes, effort, or lack of it, it is often what sets a good dad’s style apart from a bad one. Keep your body in good shape by getting your hair cut regularly and pressing and cleaning your clothes. You want to look clean, not like you have pieces of one all over you.
FAQs of of A DILFs
Final Verdict
Dressing like a DILFs combines comfort, practicality, and timeless style with a touch of confidence. From dad caps and denim shirts to technical jackets and chunky trainers, these wardrobe staples redefine what it means to be effortlessly cool. Embracing this look means celebrating individuality and practicality while staying true to classic pieces that stand the test of time. Whether you’re a dad or just love the vibe, the DILF style proves that looking good doesn’t have to be complicated it just has to feel right.
