Nifty picks for rad dads

Previously overshadowed by the attention-grabbing womenswear events, the men's fashion weeks, which take place in January and June, are going from strength to strength - with more designers showing every season, and garnering more column inches, tweets and celebrity attendees in the process.

The Anthony Morato Technical Fabric and Plexiglass Baseball Cap, available from morato.it. Photo: PA Photo/Handout.

This is good news when Father’s Day swings round, as it means the high street’s full of catwalk-inspired prize-buys that would make great gifts for dapper dads.

Check out these stylish summer buys for starters...

ORIENT EXPRESS

Many of the Italian designers looked east for spring: Louis Vuitton and Valentino both sent out silk bomber jackets emblazoned with Chinese dragons and oriental emblems, while intricate blossom and bamboo prints showed up at Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.

A mint green floral suit may be a bit much for all but the most fashion-forward dads, but a printed tee or short-sleeved shirt is your shortcut to the Eastern aesthetic.

Burton Cream Bamboo Print T-Shirt, £16 (www.burton.co.uk)

White Stuff Pagoda Printed Shirt, £42.50; Warren Chino Short, £39.95 (www.whitestuff.com)

RJR.John Rocha Blue Origami Leaf Shirt, £40 (www.debenhams.com)

MADE IN SUEDE

Aside from silk, the only outerwear to be seen in this season is of the suede variety, as seen at Belstaff and Bottega Veneta.

A suede zip-up jacket with minimal detailing is a style classic that will last well beyond this season, as long as you stick to neutral browns and greys - leave black for winter.

Next Camel Suede Bomber Jacket, £120 (www.next.co.uk)

BACKPACKS THAT MEAN BUSINESS

The humble backpack has come a long way in recent seasons, as sporty, slouchy, shove-them-in-the-corner styles make way for polished, show-me-off designs.

Take your cues from Louis Vuitton and Hermes: look for butter-soft leather or suede, sleek shapes and as few pockets as possible - simplicity is key.

Matt and Nat Dean Olive Backpack, £135 (mattandnat.com)

Hartmann J Biznes Backpack, £400 (www.hartmannluggage.co.uk)

THE ANORAK’S BACK

Have you heard? The nerd is fashion’s new muse, and the anorak is making a comeback, as seen everywhere, from Paris (South Korean label Wooyoungmi) to Milan (Brioni’s sporty stylings) and London (Lou Dalton’s all-white numbers).

To really nail the summer man-mac look, it’s got to be pale, lightweight and longline - think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, without the murderous tendencies...

Elka Men’s Thy Rain Jacket, £130 (Coggles.com)

Rains Transparent Rain Jacket with Blue Trimming, £75 (www.topman.com)

CAP IT OFF

The coolest baseball caps right now aren’t affiliated with any sports team, they’re the kind rendered in suede, leather, textured fabrics and even plexiglass.

Everywhere from Balmain to Versace, looks were topped off with a snapback in a neutral tone, worn - crucially - the right way round.

Antony Morato Technical Fabric & Plexiglass Baseball Cap, £29.90 (www.morato.it)

Ted Baker Lovlok Mixed Texture Baseball Cap, £37 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)