Body positivity is an issue that many people often associate with women. There's been a huge push in the past few years to put healthier models down the runway, to stop shaming full-figured women for dressing in certain ways and for the media to stop promoting a singe standard of beauty. And there has been progress: Marc Jacobs recently featured a plus-size model on the runway, celebs like Lauren Conrad have condemned the use of words like "skinny" and clothing brands have stopped sizing their clothing using numbers. But body positivity should be something all individuals are moving towards. This isn't to say, of course, that we have enough female plus-size models front and center—but think about it: When was the last time you saw a plus-size male model?
Thanks to Target, that's starting to change. Zach Miko, a six-foot-six model and entertainer, is Target's only plus size male model, according to Business Insider. Miko models for Target's "Big and Tall" section, which previously did not actually feature "big and tall" models.
Miko told People that the models for big and tall clothing are usually Abercrombie & Fitch-looking 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," he said.
The body positive movement should be relevant to the entire population, no matter where on the gender spectrum you fall. Promoting a positive, inclusive and realistic image of all should be of utmost priority.
"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," he told People. "It's fun to be on the precipice of that." Mike also mentioned that he's struggled with self-esteem and self-image issues all his life, and has started to gain more confidence.
The only way we can achieve full body acceptance is if everybody is on board—so we're hoping other companies take note and start making that happen!
