Father returns fellow protective gear (5)
I believe the answer is:
apron
'protective gear' is the definition.
'father returns fellow' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'returns' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'fellow' becomes 'ron' (masculine given name).
'pa' written backwards gives 'ap'.
'ap'+'ron'='APRON'
(Other definitions for apron that I've seen before include "Kitchen garment or airfield surface." , "skirt" , "Paved surface where aircraft stand when not in use" , "Front stage; protective garment" , "Garment traditionally worn by mother" .)