When it comes to men’s and women’s fashion there still seems to be disparity around body image. But in a world pushing for equal rights and the breakdown of gender boundaries, why does men’s body diversity in the fashion industry seem to be so far behind their female counterparts?
Women’s Fashion
We have been used to seeing plus-size models and plus-size fashion brands for women since the 1980s, but why has it taken the male market so long to catch up? Perhaps one perception is that women are simply more interested in shopping, fashion and clothes than men. But with an article in The Sun stating that men actually spend more time shopping and planning outfits than women, it seems that this too could be an outdated and inaccurate opinion.
Toxic Masculinity
In reality men are just as interested in fashion. And they are also just as susceptible to low self-esteem, frustration and feelings of inferiority when their body shape isn’t represented within their favourite brands. Male mental health is such an important topic, and when cosmetic companies and underwear companies are continually rolling out advertisements using muscular, chiselled male models, then this can create unrealistic expectations of masculinity on the men.
Progress and Growth
Thankfully, there does seem to have been some improvement in recent years. Many male modelling agencies are reporting a drastic increase in the demand for plus-size male models from a variety of high street brands and designer fashion houses. It’s finally being accepted that embracing plus-size in the female fashion market but not in the male market is quite simply sexist and hypocritical. In fact, the spike in demand for plus-size models and the number of brands extending their ranges to include all shapes and sizes indicate that the plus-size men’s market could grow as big, if not bigger, than the female market in the next few years – an exceptional turnaround.
Celebrate Diversity
So next time you’re looking for Farah shirts from https://www.ejmenswear.com/men/farah, a winter knit or some smart chinos, then look into brands that will represent your body shape.
By supporting inclusive brands that celebrate and embrace diversity, it means that everyone – regardless of shape, size and gender – has their place in the fashion industry.