Most dads are notorious for not caring about looks鈥攗sually聽because we just want to get onto the next adventure. I鈥檓 not saying we鈥檙e a bunch of bums, but most of us could certainly try a little harder. To help, I鈥檝e rounded up eight simple Father鈥檚 Day gifts I鈥檝e tested that will definitely help us improve our style.
Huckberry Weekenders Sunglasses ($35)
These glasses are wildly popular because you get a set of sturdy frames and polarized lenses for less than it would cost to take Dad out to dinner. When Huckberry first launched the Weekenders, they came in one simple style and a few colors. Now the company offers a whole host of fun designs, my favorite of which is this modern version of the classic Wayfarer silhouette. Any color you choose will look聽great, but I suggest something like Maroon, which is bold but classy.
Wellen Towel Polo ($68)
A polo is the perfect compromise between a t-shirt and a button down. With a collar, it has just enough style to fit in at work, but still comes with an easy-wearing, pull-on, no-fuss design that dads love. I like this one from聽Wellen because it鈥檚 made from an organic cotton terry that has a sturdy but soft feel on the skin. The fabric has a vintage look right from the start and will take on a nice patina over time.
Readywares Deluxe Utility Apron ($55)
Chances are聽your dad likes to fix and tinker. Maybe he works on bikes,聽cars, or is right in the middle of remodeling the bathroom. Whatever he鈥檚 doing, this apron will help. Made from 20-ounce waxed canvas, it鈥檚 designed to protect his clothes and keep his most important tools right at hand. And the dirtier it gets, the better it looks. I鈥檝e also used the apron for summer grilling and love how the two front pockets are the perfect size for my favorite cans of beer.
Mission Workshop Axis Modular Waist Pack ($130)
Your dad is cool enough to wear a camo fanny pack聽like this one from Mission Workshop. Built from a tough, 500-denier nylon, the Axis is big enough to hold all his everyday essentials (wallet, keys, sunglasses) plus a small camera and a light shell or thin cold-weather layer. He鈥檒l wear it around his wait聽while running errands on his bike, or while on a group ride with聽friends. Then he can sling it over his shoulder like a mini messenger bag around town, or on vacation with the family.
Civilware Brad Leone Carbon Fiber Puncher Knife ($140)
聽is聽most well-known as a Bon App茅tit and YouTube chef, but from the looks of his Instagram, he鈥檚 also a fun dad and husband. He certainly loves to adventure and doesn鈥檛 take life too seriously. This knife, which he designed with Civilware, is beautiful to look at thanks to the carbon fiber handle and modified drop point blade. At 2.5 inches, the blade has enough heft聽for most jobs but not cumbersome to haul around. As a lefty, I love the easy, ambidextrous, one-handed opening mechanism.
Huckberry x Chaco Z/1 Agave Sandals ($110)
Pops has probably owned a pair of Chacos, but I鈥檓 positive they鈥檙e not as bold as these. The straps come in a dark, rich tan, and each one is covered with small illustrations of the agave plant, which we鈥檝e all come to know as the source of聽tequila and mezcal. Worn with a pair of shorts or rolled up pants, these sandals command attention but never come off as gaudy. Your dad still gets the supportive footbed and all-terrain soles that Chaco is famous for.
Shinola The Runwell Quartz ($595)
Your dad would never buy himself an expensive watch, which is exactly why you should. I love this one from Shinola because it鈥檚 made in Detroit and has a simple but elegant design that won鈥檛 make him self conscious. You also get features including an accurate, reliable, and maintenance-free Argonite 705 quartz movement, a scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire glass crystal front, and a bespoke leather strap. The price tag is steep but reasonable when you realize that it will last him for decades to come.
Yeti Rambler 10-Ounce Tumbler ($20)
I鈥檓 recommending this well-known and oft-reviewed cup in large part because it now comes in a bright, beautiful orange. Dad will definitely stand out while enjoying his coffee each morning and his favorite iced drink at night. The colorway also has a cool story. It鈥檚 inspired by the orange color of the king crab and the orange bibs worn by the king crab fisherman of the Pacific Northwest.