Why the body positivity movement needs a plus-size male model

The rise of the body positivity movement has been a breath of fresh air. We’ve seen a shift in the media landscape, with diverse body types gracing magazine covers and runways. But for all the progress, there’s a glaring omission: men. Fashion’s body positivity movement has largely focused on women, leaving plus-sized male bodies feeling invisible and trapped in a space that is anything but welcoming.

As someone who has never quite fit the mould of the chiselled superhero physique often splashed across magazines and high fashion shows, I’ve always felt a disconnect between those images and my reality. Even after I have shed a substantial amount of weight and fit into standardised store sizes over the years, I can’t seem to forget what a frustrating exercise shopping used to be: squeezing myself into clothes designed for a different body.

There are reasons for this disparity. Women have historically faced much harsher scrutiny regarding their bodies. The pressure to conform to unrealistic body and beauty standards has been immense, leading to a more vocal and organised body positivity movement. Men, on the other hand, haven’t traditionally been as open about their body image concerns. Societal expectations dictate that men should be stoic and unconcerned with appearance. This makes it harder for men to even acknowledge, let alone address, their body image issues.

However, the assumption that men don’t care about their appearance is simply untrue. A 2019 study by the American Psychological Association revealed that over half (56 per cent) of men are unhappy with their bodies. They just don’t have the platform or language to express it. The pressure to conform to a specific body type, often the ultra-muscular physique, can be just as detrimental to men’s mental health. This lack of inclusivity isn’t just an emotional issue—it’s a financial one. The plus-size menswear market is a significant yet untapped resource. A study by Grand View Research estimates that the global plus-size menswear market will reach a staggering USD 29.3 billion (₹2,400 crores approx.) by 2025. Brands are missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers by clinging to outdated ideas of masculinity.

Thankfully, there are some signs of progress. Independent menswear brands are leading the charge, offering a wider range of sizes and styles. Designers and labels, even if rarely, are showcasing diverse body types on the runway and in advertising campaigns. Male body positivity influencers are also using social media to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance. But there’s a long way to go. Mainstream fashion needs to catch up. We need to see more plus-size male models not just on niche websites, but in mainstream magazines and walking the runways of Milan and Paris. This wider representation would not only normalise different body types for men but also encourage the design and production of clothes that fit a wider range of bodies, without the constant nudge to fit into a smaller size.

This shift isn’t just about clothes, it’s about a broader cultural change. Men need to feel comfortable talking about body image concerns and the pressure to conform to a limited definition of masculinity. The body positivity movement has the potential to be truly transformative, for everyone. By embracing inclusivity, fashion needs to play a vital role in dismantling unrealistic beauty standards and promoting self-acceptance for all.

It’s time men see their reflections not in a distorted mirror, but in a world that celebrates their bodies in all their beautiful variations.

Lead image credit: Steven Green 

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar India, August 2024, print edition. 

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