IMG Models Bring in the Brawn

Oct 22

Oct 22 IMG Models Bring in the Brawn

Supermodel Ashley Graham has been recognized as one of the main advocates for plus sized inclusivity in the fashion industry. Image via

When talking about making fashion more inclusive, a lot of the conversation has been centred around including women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. Strides have been made in expanding the once strict limits that fashion has historically had, but it seems that one group not mentioned in this conversation has been plus sized men. Be it society’s pressure for men to be ‘manly’ and ‘strong’, but men without the body of a greek god seem to be left behind. Luckily for us (see pictures below, and you’ll understand) , IMG has started its own Brawn division to include plus-size men.

For many American men, the models on the Brawn division are most likely far more relatable than what has been the typical model thus far, so its shocking that it has taken this long to include them. The average American man’s waist size, is 40 inches, yet that is considered plus size and until now, very rarely seen in any kind of campaigns. So to see a man like Matt Wirken, a pro rugby player, who stands at about six foot-six and 255 pounds on a shoot for Tommy Hilfiger can be really encouraging for men who may have never thought they were allowed to wear certain things.

Video via

Guys our size, that just wasn’t an option. I couldn’t be a model the same way I couldn’t be the Queen of England.
-Zach Miko, IMG Brawn Division Model

Seeing yourself represented in the media can be a huge confidence boost– plus size men are no less attractive than the ones that are stereotypically represented in ad campaigns (again see for yourself). So its really important that more groups continue to break through the antiquated barriers set by fashion and set a new, more inclusive, beauty standard, especially for men. Adding a Brawn division does not mean getting rid of a different division– these Brawn Boys are just filling in the gap that has existed in fashion for so long, alongside their fellow models. And by the looks of it, everything seems to be working out well, so gentlemen whatever you’re doing, its definitely working.

As promised some features of the Brawny Boys: