Was Comedic Genius Robin Williams the Founding Father of Dad Style? An Investigation

In celebration of the late, great Robin Williams, join me in this investigation. I have found photographic proof that leads me to believe Robin Williams is the father of what we now commonly refer to as "Dad Style." While scrolling through the Internet, I was thrilled to discover photo evidence of a very fashionable Mr. Williams. From chunky sneakers to BAPE button-ups, it's all truly giving me Instagram Hypebeast vibes.

Am I saying Robin Williams would've waited in a Supreme line? Absolutely not, but he might've worn a signature box-logo tee or five-panel cap from time-to-time. Swipe through these photos and decide for yourself! Regardless, we'll always remember Robin Williams as a man who was way ahead of his time.

Exhibit A: Robin Williams In A BAPE Button-Up and Nike Dunk High SB's
Getty | Mark Mainz

Exhibit A: Robin Williams In A BAPE Button-Up and Nike Dunk High SB's

Witness Williams going full dadcore in this classic Bathing Ape camo button-up, cream parachute shorts, and Nike Dunk High SB's, possibly in a very rare GOOGLE colourway. All he's missing are some tiny coloured sunglasses!

Exhibit B: Robin Williams in Full Flame-Tones
Getty | KMazur

Exhibit B: Robin Williams in Full Flame-Tones

Serving us extreme Guy Fieri/Smash Mouth singer meets your local skater-boy vibes. This unidentifiable 1999 flame button-up offsets his otherwise tame khaki cargo pants. Clearly an excellent outfit choice by Williams.

Exhibit C: Robin Williams Possibly in A Fanny Pack
Getty

Exhibit C: Robin Williams Possibly in A Fanny Pack

I can neither confirm nor deny that that's a crossbody fanny pack.

Exhibit D: Robin Williams In a Chrome Industries Messenger Bag
Getty | Bryan Bedder

Exhibit D: Robin Williams In a Chrome Industries Messenger Bag

Here's Robin William leaving Ed Sullivan Theatre after taping The Late Show with David Letterman, wearing a busy graphic print windbreaker and a Chrome Industries messenger bag over his suit! Are you with me yet?

Exhibit E: The Full Head-to-Toe Look
Getty | Bauer-Griffin

Exhibit E: The Full Head-to-Toe Look

Yes, those may be Limited Edition Adidas Superstar 80s REPS x SNS x Patta x ARs or some other similar Superstar style.

Exhibit F: Robin Williams In An Oversize Parka and a Kangol-style Hat
Getty

Exhibit F: Robin Williams In An Oversize Parka and a Kangol-style Hat

Sure, this look is practical and cosy, but a Kangol-esque hat and oversize parka is extremely '90s dad.

Exhibit G: Robin Williams with Bleach Blonde Hair
Getty

Exhibit G: Robin Williams with Bleach Blonde Hair

He might have only had bleach blonde hair for his role in 1-Hour Photo, but these baggy cargo pants are so skater that I can't even comprehend.

Exhibit H: Robin William in Camo-Print with a Bike
Getty | Arnaldo Magnani

Exhibit H: Robin William in Camo-Print with a Bike

Once again, Williams is breaking out the camo-print for practical reasons but sporting it well, and this time with a very Brooklyn fashion accessory.

Exhibit I: Robin Williams in a Matching Tennis Outfit
Getty | Jeff Gross

Exhibit I: Robin Williams in a Matching Tennis Outfit

I truly cannot look away from this image, he's head-to-toe drippin' dad swag. The oversize graphic tee with matching cargo shorts and the chunky muted tennis shoes with the high-rise sock are so sick. I wish I could snag a pair of those sneakers right now.

Exhibit J: Robin Williams In A Bucket Hat!
Getty | Bauer-Griffin

Exhibit J: Robin Williams In A Bucket Hat!

Just needed to make sure you saw him in this Enyce by Sean Diddy Combs bucket hat.

Exhibit K: Another BAPE T-shirt plus a Solid Stance!
Getty | Bryan Bedder

Exhibit K: Another BAPE T-shirt plus a Solid Stance!

"You know I had to do it to 'em." - Robin Williams, 2006*


*Not really, unfortunately.