By Cameron Mellin
We all have them: those recollections of dad at the family barbecue, the birthday dinner or nights at the ballpark. Such moments are sacred and soon become our most cherished childhood memories. But what’s often forgotten (or rather suppressed) are the images of dad in his patented tube sock-and-sandal combo, topped off by cargo shorts and a ball cap worn by years of rec-league softball.
It’s sad but true. We’re living in a time where baggy dad jeans and white New Balances are considered standard for the middle-aged man with toddlers in tow. Not to mention the recent “dad bods” craze perpetuates an idea that fathers are out of both touch and shape.
Let’s change that June 21. With a look for every dad’s style—be they sports nut or outdoor enthusiast, a sucker for drinks downtown or a gym rat—our Father’s Day fashion guide takes DMV dads from drab to dapper.
The Debonair Dad:
Gifting a tie is a Father’s Day tradition, and classics are such for a reason. But for too long have we been feeding our fathers’ dependence on wide, early ’90s patterned neckwear.
At The Tie Bar, Father’s Day recommendations from suited expert Neil Patrick Harris keep dad looking “legendary.”
Foolproof style boxes mix and match ties, pocket squares and accessories together in perfect harmony. The hard work is done for you. All that’s left is signing the Hallmark card.
Take a trip downtown and you’ll find a sea of 9-to-5ers in the trusted navy suit. It’s a staple of D.C. style and the unspoken uniform of the business population. So how do you set dad apart? With a nip here and a tuck there. A trusted tailor (we recommend Davelle Clothiers in Reston) will keep dad standing out from the pack. Davelle also offers custom suits, gifting father the fit and confidence to conquer the cubicle.
Father of Fitness:
For the dad who’s dedicated to the fight against dad bods, you can’t go wrong with workout apparel. However there’s a thin line between style and effectiveness. Our options below mesh the two and inspire your dad to hit the gym, the pavement or even tag along to mom’s yoga studio.
Pacers Running
A Virginia original, Pacers has been outfitting NoVA pops for years. Score the marathon man a “Virginia is for Runners” tee, or sign the family up for the Freedom Four Miler on June 28.
Metro Run & Walk
The independent Springfield shop features an on-staff “foot doctor” equipped to assess and recommend the best footwear options including the Nike Free 5.0.
And give dad the chance to break in the new kicks at the family-friendly Father’s Helping Father’s 5K on June 21.
Father of the Forest:
Casual Adventure
Don’t let the name fool you—Arlington-based Casual Adventure is for the true mountain man in your family. We’d go with Mountain Hardwear’s Android Jacket, an ideal option for Shenandoah’s cool summer nights or simply a windy day on the Potomac.
The Sports Nut:
Mitchell and Ness
Dad still rocking that faded Skins jersey from the 80s? The one he hasn’t washed in the hopes of returning to the glory days?
We thought so.
It’s simple: No grown man should wear another grown man’s clothing. So toss the Theismann jersey dad’s been coveting since college and redeem the die-hard’s sporting style this season. Head over to Mitchell & Ness, a “nostalgia” company specializing in team spirit with a stylish edge. Throw dad back to those glory days and score the former varsity nose tackle a vintage team sweatshirt. Just in time to change the mojo.