New LIGHT

What does body inclusivity for men look like in 2024? One individual speaks to Vogue Singapore on plus-sized representation, identity and personal style.

- MAYA MENON and BRYAN HO

The visibility of male plus-sized bodies seems to be relegated to the realm of the great ‘what ifs’ of fashion. And though the conversation has been kickstarted countless times—a quick Google search unearths a plethora of attempts—it has died down with a defeated shrug each time. The question still stands, though. Where are all the male plus-sized models?

While diversity has arguably been one of the industry’s biggest mandates, Vogue Business’s size inclusivity report for spring/summer 2024 revealed a stark reality: out of 9,584 looks spanning 230 shows across four cities, only 0.9 percent were plus-sized—a term classified as larger than a size US 14. Despite London’s recognition as one of the most diverse cities and the return of mainstay models such as Paloma Elsesser to fashion week last season, the shows demonstrated only a marginal improvement in their casting. However, the pressure for representation continues to mount, and brands aren’t keeping up—especially when it comes to male, male-presenting and non-binary individuals.

Closer to home, the narrative isn’t much different. Despite a burgeoning fashion scene posing its own limitations, inclusion hasn’t expanded beyond a set margin. Coupled with the regular programming featuring figures such as Henry Cavill, Chris Evans and the ideals of K-pop, the complex narratives of male desirability are ever-changing. The result? The slow erasure of anyone who falls into the category of ‘other’.