Although we don’t always admit it, dads are right about a lot of things and their foresighted selection of pants is one of their biggest wins. That’s right: the dad jean is having a comeback. There’s something about a pair of slouchy, unfussy jeans that signal a relaxed and comfortable confidence. These bad boys are versatile enough for mowing the lawn, hanging with the guys, date night, or even a casual day at the office.
Right away you’ll notice the relaxed, looser fit of the dad jean. Then the subtle high rise. And of course, the light blue denim. Something about dad jeans are a little off–maybe they slouch a little onto your shoes, perhaps the waist sits further up than you had anticipated–but in an endearing way, it just works. Ahead, we found the best dad jeans worth sporting now.
Have you been looking for pants that give off luxe dad energy? These made-in-Los-Angeles jeans are crafted with small batch, selvedge organic cotton from Milan. Like we said, luxe.
Given the timelessness and durability of the Carhartt brand, it’s hard to believe that these are our best budget pick. The tapered leg jean is a no-brainer for looking casual and cool.
GAP has been famous for their denim for decades. Described as their “easiest fit”, the relaxed taper styles are made with stretch technology, allowing for extra flexibility and comfort.
LL Bean’s Double L dad jeans are made from 100% premium, heavyweight cotton. If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, these are crafted with a special weave that resists abrasion and fading.
These vintage-inspired straight leg jeans are an instant way to get cool dad vibes. Crafted from luxurious Italian cotton, Séfr knows how to upgrade a classic.
Topman's denim is perfectly faded to the ideal shade of indigo. Loose at the top and tapered at the bottom, opt for these if you’re looking for a more put together look.
Without fail, Uniqlo is our go-to for straightforward and reasonably priced basics. These jeans are made with a more structured fabric and offer a relaxed, wide-leg cut that tapers at the hem.
The key to styling dad jeans without looking sloppy is balance. When wearing a loose garment on the bottom, aim for a slimmer upper half while drawing the focus to your best asset. A well-fitting tee or sweater and classic leather belt are good places to start. George Clooney wears his dad jeans with handsome lace-up brogues or boots, a fitted tee, and leather jacket. Depending on your style, you can go full dad mode with dad shoes if you’re into that sort of thing. Beware: bad jokes may follow. You were warned.
Sara Klausing is a contributing style editor with over ten years of experience. Following roles at Vogue and Google, Klausing specializes in future-facing coverage at the intersection of fashion, culture, and technology.