The rise of ‘dadcore’ in global fashion – what fathers are getting right
Global fashion runways are looking quite familiar lately. The most expensive brands have dropped tight, uncomfortable clothing for something much simpler: the everyday wardrobe of a middle-aged father.
People call it “dadcore.”
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It is a trend that loves chunky trainers, loose trousers, and polo shirts tucked tightly into belts. What used to be a source of internet jokes is now the top street style in big cities like London and New York.
This shift shows that people are tired of buying new clothes every month just to look trendy.
Academic research shows that this style is a break from modern societal pressure. In a study published in October 2015, researcher Jelena Lončar described this fashion movement as “the movement that finds liberation from the tyranny of the world obsessed with outward appearance.”
Young people globally are now choosing the exact comfort that their parents have relied on for decades.
The classic Kenyan dad uniform
Long before overseas designers started selling oversized coats and heavy shoes, the everyday Kenyan father had already perfected this exact look.
Walk into any estate in Nairobi or a family gathering upcountry, and you will see it clearly. The standard uniform is straightforward: sharp leather loafers, well-pressed functional trousers, and a polo shirt carefully tucked into a leather belt.
This choice has nothing to do with global trends. It is all about how long the clothes can last and how useful they are. Kenyan dads want clothes that survive a packed matatu ride and unpredictable weather.
A heavy-duty shirt bought for Sh500 from a local market vendor will stay in active rotation for years. To a Kenyan dad, value means endurance, not chasing a passing wave.
Getting it right without trying
The international fashion industry now praises this specific practical approach. Thick-soled shoes, which young people used to mock as old-fashioned, are now luxury items selling for over USD100 online.
Even the thick leather belt used to hold up relaxed trousers is exactly how top stylists arrange modern outfits today.
By ignoring fast fashion and focusing entirely on comfort, Kenyan fathers accidentally became style leaders. They show that great style does not require spending lots of money or overthinking an outfit.
The ultimate fashion statement is simply wearing what works; it’s a lesson that global runways are only just learning.
