It’s about time male plus-size models get some attention!
Zach Miko is Target‘s only plus-size male model, and he’s doing a great job of representing his body type!
The model, who is also an actor and has appeared on Wolf of Wall Street, is happy to be bringing forth a change in male representation:
“I never understood why looking at big and tall clothing, they show me these Abercrombie & Fitch-style, really cut, really fit guys. These guys aren’t buying XXL tall T-shirts, these guys aren’t buying 42-inch pants, but they’re the guys you see modeling it.
With everything that’s been going on with women’s fashion and body inclusivity and self-image, it’s interesting that male brands have [just started] stepping up to do the same thing. It’s fun to be on the precipice of that.”
And it’s long overdue!
Zach’s point was further proven the first time he got a modeling gig, when his size wasn’t available:
“There were supposed to be XXL and XL tall shirts, but instead regular mediums showed up, which doesn’t fit me! The stylist actually had to cut every single shirt from the back up like a hospital gown, and then everything was pinned in place.”
Apparently people were so unused to a larger male model that they didn’t even have shirts for him!
Luckily the 6’6″ model is looking to change all that with his image:
“Our perception of beauty in society in so warped in that it’s only this one thing. We need to keep seeing bigger, smaller. We need to see every body type. We need to see that every type of person is beautiful.”
He also credits his wife with giving him the confidence to feel better about himself:
“I’ve struggled with self-esteem and self-image issues my entire life. Being an attractive person was never something I thought of myself. I think as a man, you don’t want to ever admit you have body image issues because it’s not considered masculine or macho, but everyone struggles with it.
Now I feel okay looking like I do and being like I am, but I never would have had the confidence to go model or do anything if it wasn’t for my wife. She’s who made me feel attractive for the first time. She made me feel okay with what I am.”
And his body positivity message is awesome!
“My main message to people is, ‘Why not now? Why can’t you feel attractive the way you are right now?’ It’s great to be more fit, more healthy, more active, but that doesn’t mean who you are right now is invalid, or that who you are right now isn’t an attractive person.”
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