We always talk about maternity wear, but what about paternity wear? Father Figure, a new clothing line designed just for fathers by proud Brooklyn dad Andrew Bentley is hoping to get in on the conversation. With fresh necessities like soft, bandana burp rags and dad-friendly denim, this innovative apparel is reppin’ fashion, function and fatherhood.
photo: Father Figure
The Father Figure Story
When Bentley and his wife began eagerly preparing for the arrival of their first son, the dad-to-be felt frustrated to find that most parenting-related companies seemed to devalue his role as the father. Feeling like he was seen as the “second-class parent”, Bentley conducted a series of surveys to see if other new dads felt similarly. The results showed that a staggering 84% of millennial fathers wished companies serving parents better understood their needs. Bentley determined he’d create a lifestyle brand devoted to responsible and supported fatherhood.
Following a career working at Google and non-profits, Bentley launched Father Figure, a community benefit corporation and clothing line. Created with the support of a Kickstarter campaign, Father Figure is comprised of four parts: clothing, gear, community and responsible fatherhood. (You can check out the Father Figure site to see what this community benefit corporation is doing to support and bring together fathers everywhere.)
photo: Father Figure
The Clothes
Despite having limited design experience, Bentley dove right in to the process, creating sketches for products and working with factory partners in Los Angeles to manufacture the new line.
Father Figure apparel is based in the aesthetic of American workwear with comfort as an added priority. This products are entirely manufactured in the US using the most conscious materials, and of course, is tested right in Brooklyn by Bentley, his son, and other like-minded fathers.
photo: Father Figure
The Essential Father Figure Gear
The Bandana Burp Rag is a key item for obvious reasons. These classic bandana-printed rags are made of the softest, organic muslin cloth and are currently available in three colors.
The Luca is Father Figure’s go–to jersey T-shirt. It features a relaxed neckline, an infused, brushed cotton shoulder where a baby’s head can rest, and a twill loop on the lower left side to hold the burp rag or other toys. (Available in dark blue, light blue and white.)
The Booker, named after Andrew’s son, is the perfect denim shirt for both dad duty and a day out and about. The classic button-down is made of light, recycled denim, and features moleskin on the shoulder, cuff and inner arm – so your baby only comes in contact with softest spots. Like The Luca, The Booker also features a denim loop to keep the bandana burp rag close at hand.
What’s to come!
So, what’s on the horizon for Father Figure? Look out for more colors and variations on the simple, classic line. Bentley is also interested in expanding to designs inspired by the needs of parents of older kids (i.e., reinforced knees for crawling around with your toddler).
Online: www.fatherfigure.co
Do you have a favorite brand that caters to dads? Tell us about it in the comments!
— Liz Kleisner
