Opinion: Introducing male models of varying body types is the next step for body positivity
Think fast: Who do you think struggles the most with body image, women or men? Given how much it’s talked about, the answer that came to your head was most likely women, even if in reality, both women and men struggle with body image issues equally.
Due to the stereotypical idea that struggles related to body image and self-esteem are more common among women, it is a topic seldom addressed when it pertains to men. When it comes to women, numerous amounts of ads, campaigns, movies and even songs have been created with the sole purpose of advertising healthy body image and self-love. For men, all of these seem to be very limited or simply non-existent.
Most recently, this discrepancy has become notorious within the fashion industry. The so-called “plus-sized models” have become a popular concept among women, but not so much among men.
In the female modeling world, extreme efforts are constantly made to ensure the inclusivity of all body types, making sure all women feel part of the ever-evolving definition of beauty. When it comes to men, though, this inclusivity seems to be lacking.
Body types for men and women are extremely different, and it is a fact that body types tend to be more diverse when it comes to women. Regardless, this should not be an excuse to shy away from opening up the modeling world to all types of manly builds. When you look at the fashion runway, all men are typically skinny or fit, but what about men who have a bigger build? Or a shorter one?
Simply because men don’t voice issues as often as women does not mean they don’t struggle with their appearance or the false expectations of having to look a certain way. Some men have realized this gap and have tried to fill the void by modeling on Instagram, hoping to get noticed by big modeling agencies.
If a non-stereotypical male model is lucky enough, he’ll be noticed by IMG Modeling Agency, which has pioneered in the diversification of male modeling. They felt there was a void and sought to diversify their pool of male models. To their surprise, they found a jackpot. According to The Cut, their highest-paid model, Zach Miko, is what many would consider plus-size, since he typically ranges from sizes large and extra-large.
Where a lot of designers and agencies are settling for the typical skinny male model, IMG has learned to explore new frontiers, and in doing so has found the diversity others are missing. Not to say there’s anything wrong with being skinny or skinnier than others, but it is to say that being buff or having a stomach pooch is not something to be ashamed of, either!
Slowly but surely, the fashion industry is beginning to realize that both women and men want to and should feel accepted and included, no matter their size.