Why is it that we don't see enough portlier men on fashion runways? Is it that bigger boys are simply less attractive than their chiseled, svelte counterparts? Perhaps it has more to do with the fashion industry's reluctance to rid itself of archaic ideas about masculinity and the male physique. Those same ideas have depicted men of size as slothful, gluttonous and sloppy for generations. The media pits men of size in direct opposition to the patriarchal, mechanical male ideals of self-dependence and discipline.
However, George Richards Big Tall Clothing Company is here to right these misguided societal ideas about plus-sized men. Located in Canada, GR has a large selection of stylish apparel that fits men with waistlines up to 66 inches. For more than 50 years, our clothing line has been a concierge menswear company. Now, it is a brand that champions the inclusion of male plus-sized models in everyday fashion.
In 2015, Zach Miko made history as the first plus-sized model to appear on Target's shopping catalogue. Zach, a showbiz personality, has now become the face of the male body positivity movement in modeling. A big position the slightly imposing 6-foot-6 Miko is not afraid of. Although Target has its own Big & Tall collection, it usually features sculpted male models instead of ones who resemble their line’s customers. Personally, 2015 was a little too late to buck a trend. Zach’s introduction to the world has been long overdue.
The situation also points to a larger double standard. Plus-sized female models have received a warm reception from bigwig apparel companies for a very long time. For instance, Ashley Graham, a plus-size cat-walker, was barely 13 years when she burst onto the modelling scene. Today, she's the face of Ford Models, a premier modelling agency. Additionally, Tara Lynn, despite her size 16 waistline, managed to catch the attention of renowned fashion magazines such as Glamour and H&M agency.
As you can see, there’s a huge disparity in the level of acceptance society has for plus size female models as compared to their male counterparts. Voluptuous models are undoubtedly in vogue. They’re receiving accolades and are being tapped for exclusive fashion gigs and features of revered publications. In addition, it seems that female body positivity is lucrative business. Consider this: female plus-size fashion is currently a 9-billion-dollar industry comprising of more than 6,000 apparel companies. In contrast, the plus-sized menswear cannot compete with that. It barely has 1,000 brands.
The discriminatory ideas the media has spread about men, their fashion and how they handle their feelings have created a dangerous illusion. Many people overlook that men go through self-esteem issues regarding their body size and stature too. We’re constantly inundated with pictures of svelte, sculpted male models who receive a lot of affirmation on social media. After all, they're society's depiction of male attractiveness. Surely, this constant bombardment can’t sit well with more normal-bodied men.
Welcoming the era of plus size male models can change the way an overweight male may view himself. A recent study revealed that both skinny and portly males accepted themselves more after seeing pictures of oversized male models. Why? That’s because one's self-esteem about their body image spikes when the media showcases realistic images of males and females in the plus-size modeling industry.
Who said your size can’t let your style be eye-catching? Please visit us on our website for the best selection of Big & Tall Menswear fashion. Whether you have a 36-inch or a 66-inch waist, you can get apparel that resonates with your style. Shop with us today.