Dad lawn mowing outfit. 10 ‘Dad’ Clothes That Are Officially Cool In 2023

‘Dad’ Clothes That Are Officially Cool In 2023

“Hey dad, can I borrow your jeans?” said no child, ever, in the history of the universe. Well, at least until sometime around 2018. Since then, the average Middle-American father has become something of a style icon. A natural successor to normcore’s function-over-form aesthetic, so-called ‘dadcore’ is an anti-fashion subgenre of menswear that favours comfy over ‘cool’, and would sooner enjoy a crisp light beer with the guys than expend valuable grilling energy trying to keep up with the latest trends. The first signs of a shift came in the mid-to-late 2010s, when your old man’s go-to lawn-mowing shoe, the New Balance 990, came back into FOCUS. Since then, pops’ entire wardrobe has been co-opted by the younger generation, with everything from ill-fitting (but comfortable) denim to socks and sandals entering the conversation. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. So, which other items should you be raiding your dad’s wardrobe for? Below we’ve highlighted a few of the key pieces that underpin this easy-going sartorial movement, covering everything from wraparound Oakleys to fuzzy fleece jackets and beyond.

Unstructured Baseball Caps

J.Crew Made-in-the-USA Garment-Dyed Twill Baseball Cap Acne Studios Logo-Appliquéd Brushed Cotton-Twill Baseball Cap Polo Ralph Lauren Big Pony Chino Ball Cap Patagonia Wave Logo Cap

‘Dad caps’, as they’ve come to be known colloquially, are simple cotton sports caps that lack the rigid front panels often found in traditional fitted baseball caps. They’re low-profile, soft and often come emblazoned with a logo, motif or sports-team emblem of some sort. often than not, the adjustment strap at the back is made from the same cotton fabric, or occasionally leather, which further differentiates them from other styles, like trucker hats and snapbacks. We love them because they’re fuss-free, easy to wear and tend to look even better when they’re a bit weathered.

Fleece Jackets

Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover Patagonia Classic Retro-X Shell-Trimmed Fleece Jacket Axel Arigato Billie Fleece Jacket Orlebar Brown Auster Shell-Trimmed Fleece Jacket

It’s hard to beat a fleece when it comes to a cosy midlayer. Comfy and insulating, these practical jackets are ideal for fall and winter, either layered under a coat or worn on their own on milder days. The textured face fabric is great for giving cold-weather looks a bit of character, particularly when you opt for a heavy, thick-pile version. For some of the best, check out Patagonia’s Synchilla Snap-T and Retro-X models – two iconic garments which feature a thick micropile fabric and heavyweight deep-pile fleece respectively, and are among some of the most coveted items on the vintage market.

Cargo Pants

Dickies Millerville Cargo Pant Edwin Sentinel Tapered Garment-Dyed Cotton-Ripstop Cargo Trousers ORSLOW Cotton-Ripstop Cargo Trousers Wax London Brick Trouser Navy Ripstop

Legwear doesn’t come much more practical than a good pair of cargo pants. Once vilified by the menswear community, these dad-friendly trousers are now en vogue, with everyone from cutting-edge streetwear brands to high-fashion labels making their own versions. They go great with loose-fitting pieces and laid-back casualwear, but be wary of teaming them with similarly heavily ed outerwear, unless of course you’re deliberately going for the Engineered Garments look.

‘Dad’ Sneakers

New Balance MADE in USA 990v3 Nike Air Monarch Iv (4e) Cross Traineronarch Iv Axel Arigato Marathon R-Trail Asics Gel-Lyte Iii Re

The emergence of so-called ‘dad shoes’ as a footwear trend is symptomatic of fashion’s pivot away from slim silhouettes and towards bigger, bulkier shapes. This has been going on for years now, but while time might be running out for wide-leg trousers and chunky sneakers like Balenciaga’s Triple S, these understated, oversized kicks are seemingly here for the long haul. If you’re looking for a good example, check out New Balance’s 990 line, which epitomises the dad-shoe look. Essentially, these are sneakers designed with comfort at the fore, and the fact that they’re actually super versatile and easy to style is just a nice bonus.

Jorts

Acne Studios Roland Wide-Leg Belted Denim Shorts Reiss Cobain Frayed Edge Denim Shorts Calvin Klein 90’s Straight Denim Shorts Dickies Garyville Denim Short

Yes, you read that right. In the latest instalment of ‘things we confidently believed would never be cool but have somehow ended up making a comeback’, jorts – AKA jean shorts – are back in the picture. We’re not talking little denim hotpants here; we mean big-ass, knee-length numbers, as seen on any self-respecting midwestern dad during peak BBQ season. Granted, not everyone is going to be comfortable diving into this one, but if you’re the kind of guy who likes to be at the cutting edge of what’s hot right now in the world of men’s fashion (we can’t quite believe we’re saying this) then get yourself a pair of jorts this summer.

Relaxed-Fit Denim

501 Levi’s Original Jeans Rag Bone Fit 2 Action Straight-Leg Jeans Edwin Regular Tapered Jean Nudie Jeans Gritty Jackson Straight-Leg Organic Selvage Jeans

Loose-fitting denim is back in a big way, with slim and skinny styles feeling increasingly dated with every passing day. We’re not advocating a return to the leg-swallowing bagginess of the early 2000s, but there’s certainly something to be said for a classic straight-leg jean with enough room for easy movement. It’s comfortable, and it’s easy to get the proportions balanced, where slim-fitting styles require careful styling so as not to make outfits feel overly top-heavy. We’d recommend investing in something like a classic Levi’s 501, which is roomy without being baggy, and won’t be too much of a leap for those used to slim-fit denim.

Practical Sandals…

TEVA Black Original Universal Sandals Birkenstock Brown Arizona Sandals Suicoke Double-Strap Slides Keen Men’s Newport Sandals

Brands like Teva, Keen and Birkenstock are some of the biggest names right now when it comes to strappy summer footwear. These are sandals that put comfort before fashion, disregarding trends and sticking to tried-and-tested designs instead.

…With Socks

Norse Projects Bjarki Logo Sock Beams Plus Schoolboy Sock Nudie Jeans Rasmusson Organic Cotton-Blend Socks Rototo Low Gague Slub Sock In Beige

If you want to go ‘turbo dad’, team your Birks or Tevas up with some socks. Granted, it’s probably not going to prove to be dadcore’s most timeless subtrend, but when you experience the comfort that comes with it, you might stop caring.

Wraparound Shades

Oakley Radar EV Path Prada Linea Rossa Ray Ban RB4057 Jacques Marie Mage Clyde Sunglasses

There’s always something we think can’t possibly make a comeback, until Balenciaga or Prada parade it down a runway and we’re forced to eat our words. Case in point: wraparound sunglasses. These bug-eyed sunnies have long been the eyewear of choice for men of a certain age at BBQs, but now they’re taking over the fashion world too. That said, it’s not exactly an easy look to pull off, and a pair of Oakley Radars is never going to be as versatile and wearable as a pair of Wayfarers or Aviators. Still, if you’re looking for a complete change of direction for your summer specs, this is one trend to consider investing in.

Tucked T-Shirts

Every dad knows the best way to highlight a carefully-crafted beer belly is to tuck your white T-shirt into the waistband of your 501s. Jokes aside, it’s a style move well worth stealing from your old man, as it helps to break an outfit up and can actually have a slimming effect, particularly when worn with some light outerwear or an overshirt open on top. We’re big fans of the tucked T-shirt, and firmly believe it’s one of the cheapest, quickest and simplest ways to take any outfit up a notch.

Paddy Maddison Paddy Maddison is Ape’s Style Editor. His work has been published in Esquire, Men’s Health, ShortList, The Independent and more. An outerwear and sneaker fanatic, his finger is firmly on the pulse for the latest trends, while always maintaining an interest in classic style.

Dad’s lawn dethatcher tips and tricks (Best Lawn Series)

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Today I am sharing my dad’s lawn dethatcher tips and tricks that won’t break the bank, which is part of our Best Lawn Series. What is a lawn dethatcher? It’s basically a tool that you add to the back of your lawn mower and it digs up all the dead grass, allowing new grass to grow once seeded. You can purchase an inexpensive tag along detacher like we have below and fix your grass quickly and easily.

Is your lawn soil really hard, full of weeds and just overall tired looking? Want to learn how to dethatch a large lawn?

Check out our DIY lawn dethatching ideas:

My Dad’s Lawn Dethatcher Tips

Our lawn seems to be in desperate need of dethatching every Spring. This is where a yard dethatcher and aerator that hooks onto your lawn mower (tow behind) comes in handy.

You can rent power dethatchers (dethatcher rental vary) or hire a professional but the good old fashioned way (kind of a homemade way) has always worked for us. My dad’s lawn dethatcher that attaches to the back of our lawn mower and is older than dirt. If you do not want to do this yourself, search dethatcher rentals in your area. If you are looking to purchase a dethatcher attachment, I suggest checking out the links I provide here in this post.

It pulls behind the lawn mower (tow behind dethatcher) and digs up all the dead grass. Call me crazy but I love watching all the dead grass get dug up.

A lawn dethatcher and aerator (this is a great aerator) are the two must have yard tools if you want a lush green lawn. A tow behind lawn dethatcher or aerator will make your life so much easier vs renting one. Plus, if you purchase a tow behind, you will have it year after year.

This image above is from previous year (check out this post where I talked about the yard project killing me and the budget). We removed all the dead trees and brush and you can see the dead lawn. It was thick yellow dead grass and weeds.

From far away it didn’t look that bad (like really far away) but up close, totally disgusting.

If you remember, we hired a company to remove the dead trees (see below) and overgrowth.

The yard excavation was extensive and ate up all of our time and budget so the existing lawn took a backseat to being repaired.

Want to dethatch your lawn this weekend? Follow my dad’s lawn dethatcher tips and you will have a beautiful lawn in no time.

How to dethatch a lawn with a mower attachment

Once we picked up all the limbs and sticks from the lawn, my dad started to dethatch the lawn with the lawn mower. You will need to hand rake any areas where the dethatcher cannot physically fit. For example, near flower beds, walkways and along the driveway.

The lawn dethatcher tines (the metal pointy things that dig into the ground) are very sharp and will scratch any hard surface and destroy your flower bed edge, so don’t get too close!

You simple attach the lawn dethatcher to the mower (your mower should have a small hole for a hitch attachment on the back). Note the hitch pin above that attaches to the mower.

How to Dethatch A Lawn

When to dethatch lawn

The lawn dethatcher metal tines essentially dig up the dead grass. You could never hand rake a large yard and loosen the soil to the extent of a dethatcher. Typically the end of summer and fall is a good time if live in the northern part of the country. I’ll be honest, we have done it in the spring as well and it still helps our grass regardless.

I absolutely love this picture above. You can see the thatched lawn on the right (the part my dad already dug up) and the gross lawn that isn’t dethatched on the left.

You will need to weigh down the dethatcher with cement blocks.

My Dad’s dethatcher Tips:

• We use a bungee cord to keep the blocks in place.
• You must raise the lawn dethatcher (dethatcher rake) using the adjustable bar before crossing a patio or driveway. The sharp tines will scratch your driveway!
• When to dethatch your lawn? Early Spring or Fall is the perfect time to dethatch your lawn.

Where to buy a lawn dethatcher

The best lawn dethatcher will have metal tines that are sturdy with sharp ends. You can see how the metal tines dig into the ground and loosen up the soil.

I found this affordable lawn mower dethatcher below on Amazon. It’s very similar to the one we have. Most lawn and garden centers will also carry them for sale.

If you are interested our lawn mower dethatcher attachment shown above, this one very similar to the one we have. I have also linked a couple others here. Just be sure you get the correct length based on the size you want. Find several more dethatcher options here that I have rounded up.

Once my dad was done dethatching the lawn, we removed the dethatcher and attached the lawn mower bagger in order to pick up all the dead grass.

Can you imagine hand raking all the dead grass? A lawn dethatcher rake attachment will save your arms!

I’m thinking no way. My dad sucked up all the dead grass with the lawn mower and I removed and emptied the full bags.

New Lawn Care tips

There were many areas of the lawn my dad could not dethatch.

The newer lawn installed last year is still very thin in areas and you do not want to tear it up so we gently hand raked it in preparation for overseeding.

Now that the lawn is dethatched in the front yard (the backyard is happening this weekend) it is ready for grass seed in certain areas.

I snapped this picture right before we started working in the yard. I had just picked my parents up from their trip to St. Lucia. While many would get home from a vacation and “rest,” my dad was ready to get working in the yard.

Lawn Dethatcher Yard Update 2023!

Updated: Fast forward to the end of the summer and check out how our yard (see below) is doing sporting lush green grass (click here) thanks to the on-going lawn thatching process and aeration.

We recently installed driveway entrance columns (picture above) and I am sharing how to plant planters on top of the driveway columns so come take a look.

I promise, the yard looks so much better than these lawn dethatching pictures!

Getting your grass seed down in early Spring is best. This way the grass has time to grow before the hot dry weather arrives. My dad’s lawn dethatcher fixed our gross lawn in about 2 hours total. An hour to dethatch the lawn and an hour to suck up the dead grass with the bagger. The Best Lawn Series part 2 happens this weekend so stay tuned for more tips and tricks.

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Safety First: Mowing Tips For Father’s Day

Attention father’s of the world! As the proverbial ‘Masters of the Mow,’ this Sunday is the perfect time for you to take a break and let your kids do the heavy lifting on the lawn. It is Father’s Day after all; you’ve earned the right to stretch out, enjoy a cold beverage, and watch the US Open unfold before your eyes. mowing the grass a distant afterthought.

If the image of your kids mowing the lawn for the first time makes you nervous, well, we can’t say we blame you! Mowing may be habit to some, but to those unaccustomed, it can be a daunting task that can do more harm than good if safety procedures are not followed properly.

Understanding the safety requirements before mowing the lawn is a very important first step. Lawn mowers can be dangerous even when operated properly, so be proactive when it comes to safety and be sure to follow these tips (or pass them on to the young ones who are just starting out).

Safety first, we always say! Follow these mowing tips to ensure a safe and productive Father’s Day mow.

Read (and then reread again) the Owner’s Manual

Always refer to the owners manual for operating and safety instructions before attempting to operate your lawn mower. By becoming familiar with the ins and outs of your mower, you will reduce the chance of error when out on the lawn. It could also be a fun quiz to do with your kids. winner gets extra dessert!

Inspect the Mower Beforehand

Always check the mower for any loose, broken, or missing parts, and ensure safety guards/shields are in place before starting the machine. You want to make sure that your mower is in tip top shape before bringing it on to the grass.

Inspect the Lawn

Before mowing your lawn, remove items from the grass including children’s toys, roll up garden hoses, move small patio furniture, clear debris such as tree branches, rocks, or piles of leaves. These items could cause extensive and expensive damage to your mower if left unattended.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Steel toe footwear, ear protection, eye protection and proper clothing is always recommended when mowing the lawn. Safe and fashionable. a dad’s dream outfit!

Avoid Steep Slopes

Never operate your lawn mower on steep slopes or in rough terrain, as you can lose your footing and the machine could roll over on top of you. Not the best Father’s Day present in the world.

Engine Exhaust

The engine exhaust becomes very hot during operation, so be sure to stay clear of the muffler, as it can cause severe burns.

Never Leave Your Mower Unattended

When mowing your lawn or instructing others on how to do so, never make adjustments or work on the mower when the engine is running, and never leave your lawn mower running unattended as well.

Always turn your mower off when crossing over non-grass areas too, as it could project and shoot debris, causing damage or harm to you, your mower and your property.

For more lawn care tips and tricks, including mowing, follow us on or

Where Do Dads Shop for Clothes?

Just like the rest of their families, dads need clothes, too! But unlike kids or other family members, many dads put their clothes shopping far down the list of priorities. After all, they are usually the ones to care least about what they wear, and the ones least likely to need replacement clothes (looking at you, growth spurting teenagers).

That all said, dads need to know where they can shop to find quality apparel all year round. Let’s break down where dads shop for clothes and why they shop there in detail.

Budget Apparel Outlets

Lots of fathers tend to shop at budget apparel outlets. These are places like Walmart, Target, and similar retailers.

Why? Simply put, it lets them save money. When a dad needs a new work shirt or a pair of shorts he can wear while mowing the lawn, he isn’t going to spend lots of money on quality apparel. After all, those clothes are just going to become dirty sooner rather than later!

Budget apparel outlets let dads spend more of their money on their wives, husbands, and/or kids instead. In the eyes of many fathers, that’s money well spent.

What Do They Buy?

Typically, dads will buy lots of different clothes at budget apparel outlets. They’ll buy:

• Working clothes, like cargo shorts, secondhand jeans, and plain T-shirts
• Graphic tees for hanging around the house or having a guys’ night out
• Pajamas; most men don’t care about having ultra-luxurious pajamas compared to women

Sports Shops

Many dads have one or more sports teams they are big fans of. Therefore, it’s no surprise that lots of those fathers tend to pick up at least a few clothing articles at popular sports shops, whether they are at a ballpark or online.

Sports shops are less affordable than budget-minded apparel outlets, but they do let dads showcase their team spirit when they attend a game with their buddies or their families.

What Do They Buy?

Dads can find lots of great clothing articles at sports shops, both for attending sports games and for doing yard work or hanging out at home. These clothing options include:

• Baseball caps
• Sneakers
• Jerseys – a mainstay of men from the ages of 18 to 50, it seems
• Shorts
• Gym workout equipment, like basketball shorts or tank tops
• T-shirts
• And more

However, dads don’t usually shop at sports shops if they want high-quality clothing they can wear to a date.

Tailored Clothing Retailers

However, when a dad needs to look his best, make no mistake – he’ll make a stop at a quality tailored clothing retailer. Whether he needs a full suit, trousers, or something else, many dads know that they have to visit the best from time to time. After all, they can’t keep wooing their significant others with torn clothes or work shirts, right?

Tailored clothing retailers allow dads to showcase their style and fashion sense. It’s at these places that fathers can show they’ve still got it and pick up clothing articles that make them look handsome and even young, depending on their shape and style.

What Do They Buy?

Dads by a lot of different things that tailored clothing retailers. For example, Berle is a popular choice for fathers who often attend professional work events or who work in the office. It’s also a great pick for fathers who like to look put together and professional even on their days off.

Take Berle’s Charleston Khakis, for instance. These washed Poplin pants are comfortable, flexible, and available in a variety of different styles, sizes, and colors.

Or consider Berle’s microfiber pants. These are perfect for heading into the office or for attending an after-work seminar or get-together. They can even double as basic suit pants for semi-formal occasions, such as weddings on the casual side of things.

All in all, dads will buy the following clothing items from tailored retailers:

• Well fitted trousers and dress pants
• Full suits and suit jackets
• Collared or button-down shirts
• Ties
• Shoes to go with dress pants or full suits
• And more

Wrap Up

As you can see, dads shop for clothes in many of the same outlets and retailers as the rest of us. But the next time it’s Father’s Day or your dad’s birthday, consider picking him up a great outfit or a few new clothing articles. Odds are he’ll appreciate it – after all, most dads don’t really like clothes shopping when they could be spending time tackling chores or on their hobbies!