From Garage Chaos to Global Dad Energy: The Story Behind Dad Dressed Me

Some of the best ideas start in chaos — and for Natalie and Chris, that chaos came with boxes stacked in the garage, a toddler running laps, a baby in a carrier, and two parents packing orders long after bedtime. “We didn’t have a five-year plan; we just had this gut feeling that families wanted something different,” Natalie says. “We wanted to push ourselves to learn something new that excited us. It was the start of something much bigger.”

When a Dad Dresses His Kid, It’s Not Just About Clothes

That line became the heartbeat of the brand. “It came straight from watching Chris with our kids,” Natalie explains. “The way he’d pick out their outfits — proud, playful, involved — it reminded me how those small moments create big memories.” For her, it wasn’t about fashion—it was about fatherhood. “I didn’t grow up with that kind of presence, so building a brand that celebrates dads showing up felt meaningful. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being there.” Dad Dressed Me (DDM) became a love letter to the new generation of dads who want to be part of it all — bedtime, mess, mismatched socks and all.

Reimagining Dad’s Y2K Wardrobe

DDM’s style DNA is pure nostalgia. “We grew up in the 90s and 2000s — hibiscus prints, dolphins, cargo shorts, Von Dutch hats — all of it,” Chris laughs. “We wanted to bring that bold, nostalgic energy back, but with modern fits, buttery-soft cotton and hand-me-down quality.” The result? A wardrobe that sparks memories for parents and creates new ones for their kids. “It’s the stuff you remember from your childhood — now passed on to the next generation,” Natalie adds.

Balancing Creativity, Chaos, and Connection

Running a business with young kids is as unpredictable as it sounds. “Some days it’s a beautiful mess,” Natalie admits. “We’ll be shooting content while the kids are eating snacks mid-take, or brainstorming designs while folding laundry.” But that’s the heart of DDM. “Parenting and business blur together — and that’s okay. DDM was built from our real life, so we don’t try to separate it. When we’re tired, we remind ourselves that we get to do this together and show our kiddos that anything is possible.”

Natalie: From Army to Entrepreneurship

Before DDM, Natalie served in the Army and worked in corporate — two worlds built on precision and structure. “The biggest shift was learning to lead with flexibility and intuition,” she says. “In business, things don’t always go to plan, but that’s okay. My Army background gave me the discipline to keep going, and DDM taught me how to lead from the heart, not just the head.”

Chris: Redefining Fatherhood

“Building DDM has made me a more intentional dad,” Chris says. “It’s not just helping out — it’s being fully present. Packing orders with the kids, seeing them proud to wear something we made — it’s changed how I see fatherhood.” And he’s clear on his mission. “I want to show other dads that being hands-on doesn’t make you less masculine; it makes you more connected. Changing nappies shouldn’t be optional — it should be normal.”

The Name That Stuck

“Dad Dressed Me” started as a joke. “Chris dressed the kids one day, and I said, ‘They look like Dad dressed them,’” Natalie laughs. “But the more we said it, the more it stuck. It was perfectly imperfect — fun, real, and exactly what we stood for: dads showing up, families having fun, and fashion that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

The Heart of the Brand

Ask them what resonates most, and the answer is simple: all of it. “Parents love the quality and nostalgia,” says Natalie, “but it’s the message that hooks them. When people buy DDM, they’re joining a community that celebrates family, chaos, and doing things your own way.”

Showing Up, Even on the Messy Days

“Showing up means doing it even when it’s not Instagram-perfect,” Natalie says. “We share the behind-the-scenes — packing orders at midnight, filming reels in messy hair, juggling supplier calls while cooking dinner. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence and heart.”

The One-Line Pitch

Dad Dressed Me — bold, hand-me-down-quality fits that celebrate family, chaos, and the dads who show up.

What’s Next for 2026

The DDM story is just getting started. “We’re expanding into more Mini & Me matching sets and refining our denim line after the success of our Rebellion drop,” Chris shares. “Our dolphin series was such a hit that you can expect more nostalgic magic next year.” A small retail presence may also be on the horizon, giving families the chance to experience the brand in person. “At the end of the day,” says Natalie, “we’re building more than clothes — we’re building memories.”