SIZE'LINING THE MALE MODEL

The conversation about plus size models and the fashion industry usually revolves around women, but what about the men? Plus-size models from the Indian fashion fraternity weigh in on what the future holds for them

- SIMI KURIAKOSE

Remember when in The Devil Wears Prada, Andy is mocked over her non-sample-size figure? We know you’re replaying the movie in your mind right now. And while we’d hope that a lot of toxicity at the workplace shown in the film is more fiction, the sizing quote is, well, the truth. In fashion, anything except sample sizes are still regarded as anomalies. But, we’re not denying that the fraternity is taking notes on size inclusion as well as body positivity in messaging. Though an industry resistant to change, fashion can no longer afford to discount the sweeping reforms demanded by ‘woke’ buyers. In fact, it is not just societal pressure that nudges brands to add to their inventories beyond size 12. A steep growth in the category, projected to reach $696,712.1 million by 2027 as per the global plus size clothing market report by Allied Market Research, is also a reason for change.