How was Dad Bod Summer created?

One of the questions I get asked almost every day is: How can you own a company called Dad Bod Summer if you’re not even a dad?

The answer is simple—but the story behind it is what really matters.

In the summer of 2022, I took a trip to visit my longtime friend Ray at his waterfront home in Long Neck, Delaware. We’ve been friends since grade school, so a weekend filled with fishing, cold beer, and classic tunes felt like the perfect reset. The weather was perfect, the vibes were high, and life, after dealing with Covid lockdowns for 2+ years, felt pretty damn good.

About 30 minutes into our fishing trip, I took my shirt off because the sun was blazing. Ray looked over and started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

He said, “Your body, man. It’s hilarious. You’ve got big arms, broad shoulders, but a little belly. It’s like a two-pack instead of a six-pack.”

Thanks, Ray.

Here’s the thing about true friends—they’ll hit you with the unfiltered truth. No sugarcoating, just honesty. I looked at Ray, rubbed my stomach, smiled, and said:

“Well, Ray, it’s Dad Bod Summer.”

We both cracked up. But then he asked me something that stuck with me:

“What did you mean by that?”

The Birth of a Men's Mental Health Brand

At the time, I was quietly navigating a tough chapter in my life. Some days were solid. Others—not so much. But that weekend felt different. I was genuinely excited to be with a good friend, fishing, getting our Vitamin D, enjoying life, and enjoying the moment.

Physically, I was in decent shape, but mentally—I was doing the work. I had started prioritizing Men’s Mental Health, something that far too many of us avoid talking about. I wasn’t trying to be perfect anymore. I was just trying to feel good.

And that’s where the name “Dad Bod Summer” really came from. It wasn’t just a joke or a moment on a boat—it became a mindset. A movement. A way to accept who I am while continuing to evolve.

More Than a Slogan—It’s a Mission

Dad Bod Summer is more than a catchy name. It’s a Men’s Mental Health Brand dedicated to reminding guys that you can be strong and vulnerable. You can have flaws, imperfections, and a gut—and still be happy, healthy, and whole.

It’s about celebrating progress, not perfection. About opening up instead of shutting down.

That’s why we’ve built our collections—like our Men’s Mental Health Hoodie and Men’s Mental Health Hoodie—as more than just clothes. They’re statements. They represent resilience, humor, and the ongoing fight to prioritize Men’s Mental Health Awareness in a world that often tells us to keep quiet.

Real Talk, Real Impact

Wearing one of our Men’s Mental Health Shirts isn’t just about style. It’s about showing up for yourself and for others. It’s about creating visibility for a conversation that desperately needs to be had.

We donate 5% of our annual sales to mental health organizations in Philadelphia because we believe in giving back to the community that raised us.

Every time someone buys from us, they’re not just supporting a small business—they're investing in a message that matters: that Men’s Mental Health is real, important, and worth fighting for.

So yeah, I might not be a dad. I hope to be some day. But I’ve lived enough life to know that loving yourself, flaws and all, is worth celebrating.

That’s what Dad Bod Summer is all about.

Thanks for being here.

— Mikey Parisano

Founder, Dad Bod Summer