IMG Modeling Agency's New Plus-Size Division

Last week IMG modeling agency introduced a new plus-size men’s division called “Brawn”. The current face of this division is Zach Miko who has previously been known as Target’s only plus-size male model. This new division is sending new messages about body image and body confidence for men, “Brawn has a body positive message. Brawn is physical strength.” Although the pressures for men to have the perfect body are not as evasive and prominent as they are for women, the pressures are still there (and have increased in recent years). Creating a new division that will exclusively feature plus-size male models will encourage body confidence in men who are feeling the pressures to have the ‘muscular, V-shaped body’. It is a step in the right direction in terms of reestablishing body image standards and expectations.

This move towards showing relatable body types (for men and women) seems to be a trend in recent weeks. Last week I posted about a plus-size women being featured on the cover of Women’s Running Magazine. Plus-size models are having a big moment right now. Is this a trend or do we think this movement will stick?