“Dadcore” is the summer trend that everyone can wear: Why fashion has fallen back in love with casual, comfortable clothing

If previous seasons of fashion demanded perfectly ironed minimalism, this summer its more relaxed cousin - "dadcore" - is gaining more attention. It's an aesthetic that looks like it came from the closet of the average dad on vacation, but has since become one of the most practical and fun trends of the season.

Graphic T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, baggy jeans, Bermuda shorts, sneakers, flip-flops, hats and large sunglasses are no longer just clothes for family barbecues, but a formula worn by celebrities, fashion influencers and a growing number of people who want to look good without much effort, writes teenvogue.

The appeal of this trend is that it has no strict rules. “Dadcore” doesn’t look for perfectly fitted pieces, but rather for comfort, functionality and a dose of humor. An old polo shirt can look fresh with baggy jeans and neat sneakers, while a plain shirt and Bermuda shorts become much more interesting when paired with a good pair of glasses, a leather belt or a bag in a bold color. It’s this mix of deliberate casualness and a little style twist that makes the trend feel approachable, rather than costume-like.

Interestingly, "dadcore" is one of the few trends that works equally well for both men and women. Women wear it through oversized shirts as dresses, wide-leg pants, sandals, and large bags, while men are given permission to wear the most casual summer pieces with more confidence. In both cases, the point is the same: a wardrobe should look like it's ready for a day on the go, whether it's traveling, walking around the city, the beach, or a night out without too much planning.

The trend also fits into a broader shift in the way people think about dressing. After years of "quiet luxury," perfectly neutral combinations, and clothes that often feel out of reach, audiences are returning to pieces that have character and real life in them. Vintage T-shirts, worn-in denim, sneakers, and shirts that look like they've survived a few summers give a wardrobe a personal touch. It's a fashion that doesn't try to hide the everyday, but uses it as inspiration.

The easiest way to wear the trend is to start with one "dad" piece and keep the rest of the outfit simple. Baggy Bermuda shorts can be calmed down with a white T-shirt and clean sneakers, a striped polo shirt looks better with neat denim, and a hat and sunglasses can completely transform the most ordinary summer combination. The key is balance: casual enough to look natural, thoughtful enough not to look like you just ran out of the house.

That's why "dadcore" has a chance to last beyond one viral summer. It doesn't require a whole new wardrobe, it doesn't depend on one expensive piece, and it doesn't belong to just one generation. In a time when practicality has become a luxury again, casual clothes with a little attitude may be the smartest fashion answer to hot days.

Article prepared with the support of AI tools.