The old, narrow view of male beauty—where the tall, muscular male model reigned supreme—has been challenged and replaced by a more expansive definition that allows for greater representation. As fashion houses, brands, and agencies evolve to meet the demand for more inclusive imagery, male modeling has become a platform for showcasing the unique diversity of the modern world.

The Changing Definition of Male Beauty

For much of the 20th century, the male modeling industry had a very specific standard of beauty. High-fashion male models were typically tall, with an athletic yet lean physique and a chiseled, symmetrical face. Think of iconic figures such as Tyson Beckford, David Gandy, and Brad Kroenig, whose looks were the epitome of masculine beauty. This 'ideal' model, embodying traditional features such as broad shoulders, a slim waist, and strong facial features, dominated fashion campaigns and runway shows.

This model of masculinity, often referred to as the “Greek God” look, was idealized for decades. While this was a popular standard in the fashion world, it didn’t reflect the reality of most men or the growing desire for more authenticity in media representation. As society’s views on beauty began to change, the modeling industry started to take note, moving toward a more inclusive representation of male beauty.

Today, the trend in male modeling is one of expansion. While some brands still prefer the tall, lean look, there is a growing recognition that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Models are now celebrated for their uniqueness, and that has allowed the definition of masculinity in fashion to evolve.

Body Diversity: More Than Just “Fit” Models

One of the most significant shifts in the male modeling world has been the rise of body diversity. In the past, male models were expected to conform to a specific body type: lean with defined muscles. This standard has been broadened to include models of all sizes and shapes, from muscular and athletic to fuller-bodied and even plus-size models. The growing visibility of models with different body types has been key to changing the way the fashion world defines masculinity.

Zach Miko is often cited as one of the pioneers in this movement. As the first plus-size male model to sign with IMG Models, Miko helped challenge the traditional “ideal” male physique by embracing a more robust body type. His success demonstrated that models with fuller figures could succeed in high fashion and advertising, a departure from the past when only slim or muscular men were typically seen in major campaigns.

This shift toward body diversity has been embraced by global brands, with companies like H&M, Ralph Lauren, and Uniqlo showcasing models with a range of body types in their advertising. Plus-size models are now being seen not just in niche markets, but in mainstream fashion. This change in perspective is helping to break down long-standing beauty standards, offering a more inclusive view of masculinity that appeals to a broader range of consumers.

Moreover, the athletic model is now just one of many body types that can be seen on the runway or in advertisements. As fashion moves away from a single, narrow definition of male beauty, there is space for different kinds of physicality—be it a fuller body, a more muscular physique, or a slimmer, toned frame.

Ethnic and Cultural Representation in Male Modeling

The diversification of male modeling is not just about body types. Ethnic and cultural diversity is another key area where the industry has made significant strides. In the past, the majority of male models in high fashion were of European descent, often with white, fair skin. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift toward including models from a wider range of ethnic backgrounds.

Models like Marlon Teixeira, who is Afro-Brazilian, and Jaiyden Simmonds, a Black model from the UK, have been at the forefront of this change. These models have broken into the mainstream, appearing in major campaigns and on international runways. Their success has highlighted the importance of representation in the industry and has helped to elevate the visibility of models from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

This increasing visibility of non-white male models reflects a larger cultural shift toward inclusivity. Brands and designers are becoming more aware of the need to appeal to a global and multicultural audience, and featuring models from diverse backgrounds has become an important way to do this. The industry’s commitment to greater representation is not just about race; it also includes acknowledging the beauty in different cultural expressions, styles, and identities.

While the change has been significant, there is still work to be done. Many in the industry continue to push for even more diversity in modeling, with greater attention to ethnic minorities and indigenous cultures, ensuring that all male models have a chance to be seen and celebrated.

Breaking Gender Norms: A New Era of Gender Fluidity

Another major development in the world of male modeling is the acceptance of gender fluidity and androgyny. Historically, male models were expected to embody traditional notions of masculinity, but today’s fashion world is becoming more open to non-binary and gender-fluid expressions of beauty.

Models such as Andrej Pejić, Hari Nef, and Luka Sabbat have become household names not only because of their striking looks but because they challenge traditional ideas of gender in fashion. Pejić, in particular, made history as one of the first androgynous models to walk for major designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs, blurring the lines between traditional male and female aesthetics.

This growing acceptance of androgynous and gender-fluid models reflects the changing times. It’s a movement that acknowledges the fluidity of gender identity and expression, allowing male models to break free from the restrictive expectations placed on them in the past. Today, more designers are embracing gender-neutral collections, where male models are often seen wearing outfits that challenge traditional gender norms.

As fashion increasingly becomes a space for self-expression, the lines between traditionally masculine and feminine styles are beginning to blur. Models who defy gender conventions are helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive future in fashion.

The Influence of Social Media in Shaping the Modeling Industry

Social media has played an undeniable role in transforming the world of male modeling. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have given aspiring models a direct avenue to gain recognition and build their careers without relying solely on traditional modeling agencies. This democratization of the industry has allowed models to cultivate personal brands and connect with a global audience.

The rise of influencer models has made a significant impact on how male models are discovered and marketed. Models like Brock O'Hurn and Cameron Dallas grew their careers largely through social media, building large online followings before landing major modeling gigs. Their success has demonstrated that it’s not just about meeting physical standards; it’s also about personality, authenticity, and the ability to connect with audiences.

Social media also allows for greater individuality among models. In the past, many male models were required to fit a specific mold. Today, models are encouraged to embrace their unique features and present themselves authentically to the world. This new wave of male modeling is not just about selling clothes; it’s about selling a story, a personality, and a connection to the audience.

The Future of Male Modeling: More Diversity, More Opportunity

The future of male modeling is bright, and it will continue to evolve in exciting and unpredictable ways. As the industry embraces diversity—whether in terms of body type, ethnicity, gender expression, or personal style—the possibilities for aspiring models are becoming limitless. The traditional standards that once defined male beauty are being replaced with a new, inclusive vision that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.

As brands and designers continue to push boundaries and redefine beauty, the modeling industry will continue to offer more opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and identities to succeed. For male models, this is an exciting time to enter the industry, as the focus is no longer on fitting into a narrow mold but on celebrating what makes each individual unique.

In conclusion, the male modeling industry has come a long way in embracing diversity. From body diversity and ethnic representation to the acceptance of gender fluidity and the rise of social media influencers, the industry is evolving in ways that reflect the changing values of society. As we move forward, the future of male modeling promises even more opportunities for diversity, authenticity, and self-expression.

Author: Daniel Cruz