# Meme Adaptation Stereotypical "dad" fashions are adopted as marketing and design tools. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 7, 2018 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/meme-adaptation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.5/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Meme Adaptation trend? **Meme Adaptation:** With the rise of "dad" memes online has come the adaptation of this pop cultural reference into the design influences and marketing of fashion brands–both exclusive and not. This shift indicates the ever-growing relevance of Internet culture in enhancing the relatability of real world initiatives–where once the opposite was true. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 21, 2016 to Feb 14, 2018 - Published: Feb 7, 2018 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Meme Adaptation trend ### Dad-Fashion Adaptation of 'dad' fashion and humor is increasing in popularity for marketing and design, indicating that humorous and relatable pop culture references can enhance engagement and relevance. ### Collaborative streetwear sneaker releases With the rise of collaborations between popular streetwear brands, there is a growing trend of different companies bringing iconic sneaker designs to the forefront again, which presents an opportunity for designers to recreate or add a unique twist on iconic sneaker styles. ### Nostalgic 90's styling The makeup of brands artfully blending modern aesthetics with retro and vintage styling provides an opportunity for designers to create updated and unique options for their consumers that reference the nostalgia of 90’s and 80’s fashion trends. ## What the Meme Adaptation trend means for industry ### For Fashion From dad-fashion and streetwear collaborations to retro 90's style, there is an ever-growing trend to turn humor and pop culture references into design inspirations in the fashion industry. ### For Footwear From the revival of trends in updated shoe styles to the continuous releases of iconic sneaker designs, the footwear industry tends to be at the forefront of many pop culture adaptation trends. ### For Marketing Humorous marketing geared towards millennials resting on pop culture references and relevant memes are all excellent ways to market products and increase engagement with younger consumers. ## Workshop question How can your brand take note from the influence of Internet culture in the development or marketing of its products/services? ## Trend signals for Meme Adaptation Trend score 5.5 out of 10, from popularity 81%, activity 78%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 81% - Activity: 78% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Meme Adaptation trend 7 featured examples from Jul 21, 2016 to Feb 14, 2018. - [Streetwear Shoe Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-acg-mowabb): The COMME des GARÇONS x Nike ACG Mowabb Blend Debuted in Paris (Category: Fashion) Implication: Collaborations between streetwear and high fashion brands present an opportunity for both industries to appeal to new audiences while experimenting with new designs and materials. - [Dad-Style Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-grandstand-ii): The Nike Grandstand II is Back After a Quarter of a Century (Category: Fashion) Implication: The revival of dad-style sneakers presents an opportunity for athletic footwear brands to capitalize on nostalgic designs and target a new consumer base. - [Pet-Matching Hawaiian Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shirts-for-dogs): These Hawaiian Tops Can Be Worn with Matching Shirts for Dogs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Pet clothing companies can benefit from creating and promoting matching options for both pets and their owners. - [Updated Chunky Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciagas-triples): Balenciaga's Triple-S is Arriving in Six New Colorways (Category: Fashion) Implication: The release of Balenciaga's Triple-S in six new colorways creates an opportunity for shoe designers to offer an updated range of colorful sneakers. - [Luxurious Calfskin Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-sneaker): These Balenciaga Sneakers Have a Chunky but Breathable Build (Category: Fashion) Implication: Luxurious suede and calfskin material trends can present new opportunities in high-end fashion design and manufacturing. - [Nostalgic Neon-Colored Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brandblack-aura-ii): The 'Brandblack Aura II' Combines Modern Styles for a New Sneaker (Category: Fashion) Implication: Opportunity for athletic footwear brands to experiment with unique designs that fuse different styles and inspirations together to appeal to younger consumers. - [Fashionable Father Accounts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-dad): 'Fashion Dads' is an Instagram Account That Shows the Best Dad Looks (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Fashion brands can capitalize on the trend toward unconventional style by creating collections intentionally designed to appear humorous or satirical ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)