YES… plus size male models are (and have always been) in!
If we’re being honest, they’ve been here the whole time, but unfortunately, their market doesn’t get as much recognition as their female counterparts. You may ask, why? Well, in theory, the public scrutiny and ostracization of full-figured bodies have affected women more than men — at least, from a commercial standpoint. Thus, with the rise of the body-positive movement, women were prioritized among the celebration of larger individuals.
However, while it’s true that the increased visibility of bigger ladies was long overdue, it’s essential to spotlight the men making moves and cultivating a lane of their own. The representation of guys on the heavier side is necessary for more reasons than one. Although it’s not talked about enough, men struggle with body image and self-esteem issues as well.
Ans when you factor in that the Big & Tall industry had reached 34 Billion in 2023, we definitely need to show more love to the Big & Tall folks moving the industry forward! So how about getting to know a few of the Big & Tall Models who are bringing it??
Hot & Handsome Plus Size Male Models You Should Follow
Zach Miko
Zach Miko was the first plus size male model to sign with premier modeling agency IMG Models in 2016. The influencer introduced the company’s ‘Brawn’ division, a sector specifically tailored for big and tall men. From commanding the catwalk to taking over the timelines, Miko hasn’t ceased in his mission to strip away society’s fatphobia.
“I didn’t know I was allowed to have a positive self-image, period. I was never told it was OK to look like me,“ he told Yahoo! in a 2023 interview. “I wanted to be something that young guys could look [up] to — just someone to tell them that they’re doing OK, that they are OK. And that no matter the size or the shape of their body, they’re still a valid human being.“
With over 200,000 followers (collectively) on Instagram and Facebook, Miko has already made an impact. Aside from modeling, he has his own clothing line (in collaboration with plus size men’s retailer KingSize) called Meekos.
According to a sit-down with Dia & Co, Miko fell into the field through acting. Some of his earlier work includes an appearance in the Jennifer Lopez-led series Shades of Blue, along with ads for Allstate, Progressive, ESPN, and Target.
Tevin “Milo” Evans
Tevin “Milo” Evans is a stylist, model, and all-around creative raised in Brooklyn, New York. With a decade of experience in wardrobe, it wasn’t until 2017 that he was approached by digital publication Underdog Men to model for them, which “snowballed” his career.
Evans has landed features in GQ France, Vogue, Lampoon Magazine, A Magazine Curated By, The Portrait Project, and Native Son, among others. Additionally, he is the host of his own podcast, Broke & Privileged.
Without a doubt, Evans has been making room in the fashion industry beyond societal norms or superficial beauty standards — and we’re here for it!
Alex Frankel
Alex Frankel is notable for being Lululemon’s first big and tall model. Currently signed to Wilhelmina Models, Frankel runs his own body acceptance platform called Hot Fat Guy Club, a digital space that advocates for the plus size community as a whole.
When speaking with theCurvyMagazine in 2018, Frankel noted that he experienced alienation because of his size as a child. “It wasn’t really the abuse. It was the way I was looked at, treated, or ignored. I was just the sweaty guy with man boobs. I was always teased because of my weight and my looks.”
Frankel now has over 100,000 followers on TikTok, and all eyes are certainly on him. But this time… in a good way.
Steven Green
Photographer, creative director, consultant, model — there are so many things to describe Mr. Steven Green. As you may know, the triple threat took the world by storm when he became one of the viral male faces of Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, which still blazes through the internet today.
He signed with Bridge Models in 2020 and is also a part of the talent imprint Voices and Models out of Kansas City. Green owns the lifestyle collection OFFCL. by Steven G. and has his own photography business.
Just last year, he was spotted posing for Giorgio Armani’s new fragrance, Acqua Di Gio. Clearly, it’s no days off for SG! According to his portfolio, he’s been featured in Vogue, Glamour, and Hypebeast, among others.
Nemar Parchment
Nemar Parchment is signed to IMG Models and does music under King Parchment. The multi-hyphenate is known for his work with British retailers ASOS, Dazed, H&M, John Hardy, and more.
Parchment previously spoke about his pride in being the poster child for others who look like him. “I’m modeling for a load of different people, and I’m getting DMs all the time, and people are really happy that they’re being represented,” he told AZ Magazine in 2017. “I feel like I represent the bigger guy, the Black guy, the LGBT guy.”
His debut EP, When Clouds Collide, was released last November.
Which of these plus size male models did you know already? Comment below!
Continue Reading
