When we think of the world’s best dads, we might think of ball games, fishing trips, dad jokes, learning how to change a tire… and dad fashion. 

Simple, comfortable, practical and at times leaning too far into normcore, dad fashion doesn’t have to come at the expense of personality. You may be getting older, that doesn’t mean your style has to announce it. They say, "men age like wine" so let’s think of ways we can keep the dad style simple and comfortable, but give it a little lift of sophistication and good taste.

Debunking the dad outfit myth

First reframing the myth of dads lacking style is crucial. Instead of accepting the notion that dads lack style, let’s focus on the best elements of dad fashion and bring them more into light. Like classic rock and classic cars, it’s time for dads to embrace Classic T-shirts. 

Perhaps unlike music and car styles, the T-shirt has remained both timeless and fashion-forward. Classic T-shirts have been in style for nearly a century, and wearing high quality T-shirts has become a trendy move for men and women of all ages. Simple yet elegant, a classic T-shirt accentuates your best physical features while offering flexibility for many occasions. You can be active, relaxed, or even at work in a Classic T-shirt--depending on what you wear it with. 

This is the foundation for the future of dad fashion: your new dad outfit will defy these old myths instead of affirming them. The other essential ingredient is what makes dads dads--their kids. You don’t have to wear matching outfits per se, but having outfits that compliment each other just adds another layer of awesome to the look.

Hollywood Dad Style Inspiration

There’s nothing more important to a dad than his family, and with social media we’ve been able to see how some of the world’s most renowned fashion-forward men have adapted to fatherhood. Fashionable dads show us how to bring together comfort and style. How to embrace playfulness and maturity. How to make your nurturing side part of your masculinity. 

It’s also important that your T-shirt is the right fit. Gentlemen, at some point we all get to the age where we start putting on a few pounds in the belly, and that’s nothing to hide or be ashamed of. But it’s also not something you want to exacerbate with a T-shirt that’s too small or too tight.

The best thing to do is go with a T-shirt that’s a good fit--when in doubt order a size up, but the important thing is to choose a T-shirt that’s going to compliment your masculine frame by squaring up your torso. Some dads can still slide into a slim fit T-shirt, but generally speaking that’s more of a boyish look, whereas a man wears something that fits his frame.

The father-daughter dad style

There’s nothing more precious than seeing a father and his daughter together. Don’t be afraid to dress up for the occasion. It can be fun to let your very young daughter pick out accessories for you to wear, from your watch to your necklace to your hat--all of will go well with a Classic T-shirt. Let it be her canvas for making you look your best--you never know what she might be able to teach you! 

Plus, how adorable is it going to be when she can brag to everyone that she picked out her dad’s outfit? 

Another great look is the classic white T-shirt and black jacket. Nothing makes your daughter feel safe and protected like a dad that has a look that means business. To that end, let’s say you’re going to a nice dinner with your teenage or adult daughter. You want to clean up nice without being too over-the-top, and a T-shirt with a blazer can be the perfect balance of casual and class. 

DAVID BECKHAM’S DAD OUTFIT: "COMFORTABLE STREET STYLE"

 

Nearly 10 years ago David Beckham was candidly shot with his daughter in his arms while shopping in France.

The occasion: Shopping

The dad outfit: 

• A light grey short-sleeved T-shirt
• A grey matching knit beanie
• Dark jeans
• Black classic sunglasses

The daughter outfit:

• A plaid dress
• A lime yellow sweater
• Lime yellow matching shoes

Beckham’s look is a great style choice for fall. The light grey contrasts well with all the vibrant earth colors of fall, and the knit beanie adds a nice touch of warmth and playfulness while matching the outfit. Light grey T-shirts also pair well with dark blue jeans, denim, or even light blue jeans, but the dark color matches especially well with the sunglasses and provides great contrast.

Classic Tip: to create a summer look, substitute the hat with a grey matching summer cap to top off a summer monochromatic look.

Create this look with a short-sleeved crew neck T-shirt in light grey.

 

Take a further look at these fashionable dads and their daughter’s classic T-shirt styles. 

Kanye West’s Dad Outfit: "minimalist leisure"

Rapper and fashion designer, Kanye West, was photographed off guard and in style during nap time with his daughter as a tot.

The occasion: Around the house, in leisure time

The dad outfit: 

• A dark gray classic long-sleeved T-shirt 
• A simple gold neck chain to mix in luxury with leisure. 

The daughter outfit: 

• A gray long-sleeved T-shirt 
• A pair of gray matching leggings

If this simple look suits your taste, make sure you check out our mens grey crew neck T-shirts.

The father-son dad style

Your son is your spitting image. You’ve taught him everything you know. Whether you’re taking him on an adventure or showing him the ropes of an activity or task, your son will look up to you and emulate your style before finding his own.

Your T-shirt shows your son how to exude quiet confidence. How to dress sharp but simple. And how to value quality in his outfits.

Chris Hemsworth’s Dad Outfit: "beachside comfort"

The Hollywood actor known for portraying Thor, Chris Hemsworth, was recently photographed back in May barefoot along the beach taking his son by the hand.

The occasion: A day at the beach

The dad outfit: 

• A navy blue classic T-shirt
• Blue and black board shorts
• Dark round sunglasses 
• A grey cap
• A watch

The son outfit: 

• A dark navy T-shirt 
• Grey shorts

Dark colors don’t always scream summer, but when you pair them with nice shorts, it can be the perfect way to look cool while keeping cool. Notice the quality of their T-shirts almost mimic the tightness of a wetsuit, making Dad look all the more athletic but also relaxed because of the fit of his shirt and style of his shorts. Believe it or not, a long sleeve T-shirt would work well for this occasion and outfit, especially during evening or nighttime. Long sleeve T-shirts help regulate your body temperature by letting air pass over your skin and through the fabric with ease, and this combined with keeping the sun off your skin can actually keep you cooler than if you were wearing short sleeves. At night, long sleeve T-shirts are great for keeping you a little bit warmer while also keeping bugs off your arms. 

To recreate this dad style, grab a navy blue classic T-shirt. 

Mark Wahlberg’s dad outfit: "all-American casual" 

The Hollywood actor known for portraying Thor, Chris Helmsworth, was recently photographed back in May barefoot along the beach taking his son by the hand.

The occasion: A day at the beach

The dad outfit: 

• A navy blue classic T-shirt
• Blue and black board shorts
• Dark round sunglasses 
• A grey cap
• A watch

The son outfit: 

• A dark navy T-shirt 
• Grey shorts

Dark colors don’t always scream summer, but when you pair them with nice shorts, it can be the perfect way to look cool while keeping cool. Notice the quality of their T-shirts almost mimic the tightness of a wetsuit, making Dad look all the more athletic but also relaxed because of the fit of his shirt and style of his shorts. Believe it or not, a long sleeve T-shirt would work well for this occasion and outfit, especially during evening or nighttime. Long sleeve T-shirts help regulate your body temperature by letting air pass over your skin and through the fabric with ease, and this combined with keeping the sun off your skin can actually keep you cooler than if you were wearing short sleeves. At night, long sleeve T-shirts are great for keeping you a little bit warmer while also keeping bugs off your arms. 

To recreate this dad style, grab a navy blue classic T-shirt. 

RICKY MARTIN’S BUTTON UP DRESS DOWN

The occasion: Gala event

The dad outfit: 

• Orange button down jacket
• Black T-shirt
• Dress pants
• Dress shoes

The sons' outfit: 

• Button down shirt
• Jeans
• Sneakers

Ricky Martin shows us how to push the casual/formal blend to its absolute limits. It can be tough to pull a look like this off, but when it works, it works. Key features to look at with Ricky are bright outerwear paired with dark T-shirt, and leaving the shirt open gives him a more approachable look.

Also pictured is Jwan Yosef who’s rocking a black sports jacket with a dark blue henley, and it’s also easy to imagine him pulling off the outfit with a navy blue V neck. While Jwan’s outer layers are dark, keeping it open and contrasting with the grey pants helps to bring out the blue in his outfit and make give him a cool approachability compared to Ricky’s more radiant look.

Their sons keeping the shirts buttoned up contrasts well with their young age; their sneakers and jeans contrast with the dressier elements of their dads’ outfits. It serves to represent exploration and creativity in the boys’ journey to manhood, whereas the adults have an established sense of style.

A luxurious dad style is an everyday essential

With all the blood sweat and tears you sacrifice for your loved ones you have earned every ounce of luxury you wear. But luxury doesn’t have to mean showing off. The key element of Hollywood dads style is that it's an everyday look of an everyday dad. 

Make your signature dad style an everyday luxury for your life. A high quality T-shirt lets your shoes, hats, and watches stand out without pointing them out too much. 

Like the Hollywood dads, you’re showing your kids how to follow in your footsteps with high-quality T-shirts. Not just with how to look good, but how to embrace values of an ethical fashion brand like the Classic T-shirt Company. 

SUSTAINABLE T-SHIRTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The Classic T-shirt Company was founded by parents who had their daughter’s future in mind. The fashion industry as we’ve known it is one of the world’s largest and most destructive polluters. The industry has grown larger than the planet can handle, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for alternatives.

The Classic T-shirt Company set out to ensure that every link in the supply chain was ethical and sustainable. 

Anyone can start a small business that creates opportunity for big change, and anyone can take initiative to support those businesses and help the change grow. Ultimately it takes more than one father, more than one child, more than one business. But the movement that started with us will continue with our children and the values we pass on to them. 

Sustainable fashion is about more than protecting the planet for future generations. It’s about showing our sons and daughters what’s possible. We can create a better future by supporting ethical brands and breaking the cycle of fast fashion. 

 

SHOW YOUR KIDS HOW TO SHOP SMART, INVEST SMARTER 

Calculating the cost-per-wear of clothing isn’t always the first parenting lesson that comes to mind, but there’s a lot to learn from someone who knows how to invest in quality for long-term payoff. We all want what’s best for our children in the long-run, 

The style isn’t just about the color of your T-shirt or what outfit you’ve put together. The style is smart shopping: do you buy something disposable or a T-shirt you can rely on? 

Rather than lecturing, the best dads often lead by example. It’s all about showing the next generation what’s possible and empowering them to find their own style. And what better way to start than with high quality T-shirts.

Get started with 15% off your first order.