Stylish Dad Bod Tips: Expert Advice for the Perfect Look
While no one knows exactly who coined the term “dad bod,” the buzz started with a 2015 article by Clemson University student Mackenzie Pearson for the Odyssey. Pearson confessed she first heard the term from her roommate, who described it as a “new trend” that fraternity boys seemed “to be rejoicing” about. But here’s the thing: Dad bod applies to men of every age. If you’re rocking a dad bod or curious about helping a dad “bodder” out, Best Life, a lifestyle magazine, teamed up with etiquette experts, fashion consultants, and image stylists to compile a list of tips on how to style a dad bod.
Some dads complete their dad bods with the dad look. This style typically includes baseball caps, simple jeans, knee-length shorts, a polo shirt (tucked in, of course), crew socks, chunky trainer shoes like New Balances, and an oversized jacket or half zip-up fleece. It’s worth mentioning that this look is starting to be embraced by Gen Z-er’s.
The dad look has even hit social media with many dads. New fathers have been surprising their partners by dressing up in what many call the “dad starter pack.” Their wardrobe emphasizes the fact that they are now a “father.”
What is a dad bod anyway?
According to Men’s Health magazine, the phrase refers to the average guy who doesn’t sport a lean, shredded physique. Instead, he might have a “paunch” or a visible beer belly, without being hugely overweight. “It evokes a relatable, warm kind of dude who kicks back with a beer and pizza after his kids have gone to bed,” they said. The magazine also points out that the “dad bod” isn’t just for actual dads!
How to style a dad bod?
One expert shared with Best Life that those with a dad bod should consider the fabrics that they wear. “Fabrics with structure have an elongating effect, so ditch the jersey knits for woven fabrics with stiffness,” said a certified image stylist.
Another expert mentioned not going too tight or too loose. They summed it up as not accentuating certain areas and also not “drowning” certain areas. “Go for a slim fit that strikes a balance between not too tight and not too loose,” advised the expert. “Keep the cut traditional and tailored with set-in sleeves to accentuate strong shoulders, and make sure the fit skims the body in a way that both camouflages and elongates the physique at once.”
Apparently, being “choosy” about your jeans is important when it comes to dad bods. An expert said to wear jeans that are straight fit, tailored and narrowly tapered at the ankle.
Collectively the experts agreed that rocking a dad bod is all about how you carry yourself. So, the trick is confidence.
Other tips they mentioned include having everything tailored, dressing up, not being afraid of patterns, and more. Take a look at the complete list of tips on how to style a dad bod here.