Why Women Prefer Men with “Dad Bods” Over Chiseled Abs, Study Reveals

While sculpted, muscle-bound men have their appeal, it’s actually those with a “dad bod” — like Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce — who seem to be capturing women’s hearts. This isn’t mere speculation; it’s backed by science. Let’s take a closer look at why “dad bods” are becoming more popular and what makes them so attractive to women.

The “dad bod” appeal.

A report from Dating.com reveals that nearly 75% of singles prefer the “dad bod,” indicating they find a more relaxed, less chiseled physique appealing.

In a similar survey by PlanetFitness, 78% of women stated that men with “dad bods” exude confidence in their own skin. Almost half of the women surveyed considered a soft belly to be the new six-pack. Surprisingly, 83% of mothers expressed they’d be proud to have a husband with a bit of extra weight.

Experts have shared their insights on why this is the case.

Joel Wade, a professor and psychologist at Bucknell University, explained in Psychology Today that women may find men with lower testosterone levels more attractive, as they are often perceived as less aggressive and more likely to possess traits that make them better partners and fathers.

Some studies also suggest that highly attractive men are more prone to cheating, as they typically receive more romantic attention. As a result, women might feel more secure with a partner who carries a bit of extra weight.

Women go beyond the looks.

Interestingly, women don’t necessarily find men with extra weight physically attractive. Instead, they see these men as having better traits for evolutionary fitness. Women described them as affectionate and nurturing.

On the other hand, men with big muscles and high testosterone levels are often seen as less appealing. According to an analysis, high testosterone can make men appear more aggressive.

More women prefer soft and round bodies rather than toned ones.

Women on Reddit shared the reason why:

• Because it’s comforting. And strong at the same time. Nothing better than a “dad bod” to cuddle with. — tjr634
• Cuddles. Sometimes too toned or muscular isn’t squishy enough for good cuddles. — Unknown author
• From an “attraction” perspective, it’s because I know you are focusing on something greater than your physical appearance (whether it’s a job or family), and that is an appealing attribute. — bananafish018

Other scientific studies support this idea as well.

Research on the “dad bod” has been extensive. One study examined men with different waist-to-chest ratios (WCR), ranging from .60 to .90. A WCR of .80 or .90 is typically associated with the “dad bod.” While men with lower WCRs were rated higher for physical attractiveness, those with a dad bod scored higher on qualities such as being friendly, affectionate, and good parents.

A 2017 study by Sell and colleagues found that a strong, but not overly muscular, body is the most appealing. This preference could be linked to the traits associated with the “dad bod,” which are thought to signal long-term relationship potential. While the dad bod might not be the most physically striking, it aligns more closely with women’s desires for stable, long-term partners.

A professor from Yale suggested that some women choose men with “dad bods” because it signals that the man might make a good father. Research involving many women showed mixed results, but two things were clear: women generally don’t like excessive muscles or too much fat. The ideal seems to be a balance between the two.

A 2012 study by the University of Washington, which involved 842 college-educated women, aimed to determine their preferred levels of fat and muscle in men. The women were shown artistic impressions of 18 male bodies, ranging from almost no muscle to very muscular, and from very thin to heavily overweight.

The results revealed that women generally preferred thinner men, with an average score of 40 out of 90, but they also liked men with some muscle, scoring an average of 50 out of 90. Interestingly, the most preferred physique wasn’t a six-pack or bulging biceps, but rather a more average, everyday appearance.

Check out our other article, where we explore the key reasons why curvy women are irresistibly attractive to men.