30+ Dads Back In The ’80s Prove They’re Cooler Than You’ll Ever Be
Although you’ve known your dad all your life, the guy he was in the 1980s is probably someone you’d barely recognize. Younger, wilder, and maybe way cooler than you’ll ever be. If you think you’ve pulled off some impressive moves, odds are your dad beat you to it. Take a step back into the ’80s and meet these dads who defined style and swagger. Keep reading to see more!
Yes, That Is A Fox
Back in the ’80s, it seems like rules didn’t matter much—just look at this guy holding a fox. Not only is it a fox, but it’s wearing a collar, proving it was a pet.
If this dad ever told his kids they couldn’t have an animal, they’d just need to show this photo to settle the debate.
A Nice PNW Hike
The person who shared this photo admitted that the woman is the one his dad left his mom for—probably more info than we needed.
Either way, we can at least admire that these two tackled one of the top hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s hope his son isn’t holding too much resentment.
Its A Celebration
This dad rang in the Fourth of July alongside his brother, armed with what appears to be a massive bottle of liquor that’s sure to keep the party going well into the night and beyond.
Any dad who can share good times and hard drinks with family definitely earns the title of a cool dad.
Maroon Down To His Socks
In the 1980s, looks like this weren’t just okay—they were totally in style. It was an era when rocking head-to-toe maroon while cruising the neighborhood on a 10-speed bike was completely normal.
Here’s hoping this dad dug up this vintage outfit just to give his kids a good scare.
Ahead Of His Time
While most people were stuck in the ’80s, this guy was already thinking ahead. He turned a van into a sleek, futuristic ride.
Cruising around town in this unique vehicle was probably how he caught his wife’s attention. It was a bold move—and he definitely nailed it.
Spick N’ Span
If you’ve ever wondered why your dad spends every weekend washing his car, it’s because it’s a hard habit to shake. In his younger days, guys treated their cars with more care than most young men do today.
They handled the engine work, changed the oil, and never once took their cars through an automatic car wash.
Like Father, Like Son
This photo beautifully captures a son’s admiration for his father. The dad looks all business in his fighter pilot uniform, while his son gazes at him with awe.
The little one even has his own fighter pilot jacket, ready to blend in with the other men at the base.
Women Swooned…
We’ve all heard our dads boast about how handsome they were in their younger days. Even though time may have changed their appearance, many still hold onto photos as proof of their former glory.
It seems this dad kept an old modeling picture to proudly show his kids.
Beer Run Level: Expert
It’s easy to forget that your dad wasn’t always a father. At one point, he might have been riding a unicycle with a case of beer on each shoulder.
Just because your dad doesn’t always share stories of his wild younger days doesn’t mean they didn’t happen.
Style Off The Charts
Red Miller Light hat, check. Red Old Milwaukee vest, check. Flannel with a kitten inside, check. This dad has all of the bases covered style-wise, and the kitten tops everything off.
Aside from being more stylish than you’ll ever be, its guaranteed he drank more beer than you.
Before Jean Jackets Were Cool
After years of dormancy, the jean jacket has finally come back into popularity. However, it’s important to remember who made them cool in the first place: your dad.
Chances are he still has one tucked away in his closet that you’ll never get your hands on. It has too many memories for you to leave it at some party.
His First True Love
Before this dad became domesticated, it’s more than likely that he went on more than a few adventures with this hound.
By the looks of it, they have a deep bond and were probably inseparable. This dog probably rode shotgun long before his wife ever did.
A Six Pack And A Gallon Of Milk
Today, most young men can only aspire to have as much swagger as this man. No amount of vintage clothing or number of beverages consumed can match this man’s natural ability to look cool.
The funny thing is that this probably wasn’t a special occasion either, just a man who was sent to the store for some milk and came back with a six-pack, too.
His Artistic Side
With the craziness of family-life, your dad may not have as much time for his hobbies like he used to. This is a picture of a dad sculpting a profile of his wife’s face in peace, something they had time to do back in the day.
We hope that sculpture is displayed somewhere in their home.
New Christmas Card
Everything about this picture makes it undeniably cool. The guy’s outfit, the glasses, his stoic and loyal looking dog, and of course, the new hip-hop album that he’s going to release in his hands.
We’re not sure if this picture was intended to be cool, but it turned out that way.
Stylish Dad
Just because this man had a kid didn’t mean that he hung up the old jean jacket and traded in the shades for a pair of cargo shorts and white tennis shoes.
He rose to the occasion and decided to keep his current style and become one of the best-dressed dads around. Good choice.
Honesty is the Best Policy
This dad had an attitude back in the ’80s. Although he’s at band practice, it doesn’t look like he’s having very much fun.
The “Piss Off” shirt lets his bandmates know that he’s not in the mood to do any more socializing than necessary. We wonder what his mother had to say when he walked out of the house wearing that shirt.
Big Tech Guy
Believe it or not, technology was around back in the 1980s, and it wasn’t as primitive as you may think. Here’s a dad standing next to his car while simultaneously showing off his portable phone.
However, chances are, his pockets aren’t big enough for it to fit in his pants. He may need a backpack.
Putting Em’ Back
This dad looks like he knows a few things about camping. Step 1, put up the tent. Step 2, proceed to chug beers for the rest of the day.
This is one of those photos that probably isn’t on display in his family’s home but is kept in a shoebox somewhere in his closet. Cheers.
The ’80s In A Picture
Nothing says the ’80s more than dirty mustaches and oversized glasses. This dad has it all and is rocking it with ease. His son should take notes because this is how a real man presents himself.
The only thing that would make this picture better is if it was a fraternity composite picture, which it very well might be.
Lebanon Dad
His shirt partially unbuttoned, one hand is pressed against the wall as he leans, and his hair is marvelous. This is the epitome of a cool ’80s dad.
We don’t know where he was heading, but he looked dressed for some fun. This dad from Lebanon had it going on.
Rockin’ Out
This picture is an instant classic. This guitar-playing dad strumming in front of a Led Zepplin banner is what dreams look like.
Whoever his son is should be proud that this photo made it to the world wide web. Everyone deserves to see this.
Up Up And Away
Apparently, this dad received 50 dollars a car for this jump. Would you have tried that? His coolness skyrocketed after he attempted and successfully completed this death-defying jump.
Also, he never jumped cars again after this. He got the money and left. That’s a smart man.
Dolla’ Dolla’ Bills Y’all
This professional photo takes being cool to the next level. There he is, glasses on, cozy sweater, and the last prop, the money in his hand.
He has a slight smirk going on too, so you know he acknowledges how cool he looks right now.
Carving In Style
If your dad ever grinned when you asked for your first skateboard, it was probably because he felt a sense of pride in that moment.
Chances are, you’re not the first in your family to glide down the street with style. Your dad was skating long before you were born, and he was probably better at it than you’ll ever be.
The German Carpenter
When a man stands like this he probably just put in a lot of manual labor. It also might mean he has a certain level of sassiness in him so don’t push the wrong buttons.
This picture got taken in Germany. He’s working on a carpeting job.
New Jack Look
This dad’s style is off the charts. He has the Nike hat to pair with the gold jewelry that makes the outfit. We’re not sure what to call his stance, but it isn’t a bad one.
He just looks ready for a music video shoot honestly, but we’re here for it.
How Cool Is He?
This vintage photo of someone’s father makes him look like several things. Cool is for sure one of them but beat poet comes to mind. Nick Jonas also comes to mind.
Whatever you think he looks like it doesn’t matter because his cool level trumps everything.
His Only Picture
The person who posted this said this is the only picture of her dad she has. What a great one to have.
He seems really focused on the song he’s singing and that guitar looks legendary. She needs have this photo framed, and put on a wall in her room.
The Dad Ruler
This father knows how to take a headshot! It looks entirely made for taking serious profile pictures. He will help you overcome any lousy picture taking skills you may have.
Just look at him for a second and take in his coolness. You’ll thank us later.
Hunky Dad
This dad took this picture in his modeling days. He might not have made it big as a model, but this isn’t a horrible shot at all.
This is better than many photoshoots that take place today. The pretty lady on the surfboard only adds more coolness to the picture.
White Tee With The Arms Crossed
Anyone who wears a solid white t-shirt as an adult has a certain level of cool about them. And to raise the stakes, if you are hanging out with guys who can pass as your bodyguards then you are already cool.
No one should dare mess with this man.
Incredible Photoshoot
When it comes to photoshoots with lovely women, this dad takes the cake. The denim outfit gives him an extra flare. And let’s not forget about his great, curly hair.
This woman is easy on the eyes as well. This is just an excellent picture for a dad.
