Hello It’s Me,
Nice to see you all again! By now you should have gotten over the dread that 2021 is almost over and that the holiday season is upon us– meaning cringey conversations with family members have indeed arrived. Also we are officially in the birthday season of NYE, Valentine, and New Years Resolution babies, do with that information what you will.
Enough of that, let’s get to the good stuff. This week we’re rolling with an inclusivity theme, because we can and because we think body positivity needs a bit more attention. We look at why brawn men aren’t getting the spotlight they deserve, who our favorite female body positive influencer currently is, and if a Verticale Italy is anywhere in our future.
Hopefully this will be a better companion than whatever Tinder Boy has convinced you he’s good enough to be your cuffing season beau✨. See you here, every Wednesday.
Busy Doing What?: Our Founders Keeping it Real
Jaclyn’s Busy…
- Being shocked (but also not) at this video of how Coach gets rid of excess product.
- Obsessing over Universal Standard’s latest campaign (and their clothing with ranges from 00 to 40????
- Reading about the culturally appropriated moccasins brand that has finally apologized–kind of late to the game, no?
Michelle’s Busy…
- Wondering how much it would cost to set up a Verticale Headquarters in Italy, because I am loving my time here!????
- Getting put onto Nicolette Mason– her body positive fashion looks are to die for.
- Surprised that Hockey Bros and Pepsi are the forefront of Seattle’s sustainability movement????
- Reading up on size-inclusive sustainable fashion, and where its gone.
The Latest: Newest Brands to Join Our Crew
Nomads Swimwear: The sexy, innovative, sustainable, body positive swimwear brand you didn’t know you needed on your next trip to Tulum (or your local gym’s pool). Nomads ranges from a size XS-5X, with each suit having a one-of-a-kind print and unique design, made with high-quality sustainable fabrics that will look just as good on you as you will feel in it.
Diving Deep: I’m Sorry, We’re Spending HOW Much on Costumes Per Year?
From Riverdale to Marvel movies, the standard for men’s bodies has become a little hard to live up to. Without the trainers, money and (quite frankly) time, it’s hard to even CONSIDER having a 12-pack and a V-definition– let alone possible. Yet, men’s body positivity seems to not only have taken a back seat to women’s, but it’s been left Home Alone entirely.
The average American man wears a size 40.2 waist, so why can’t menswear catch on? We don’t often see men’s body inclusivity (or “Brawn Men”) in mainstream fashion and media, and when we do, they are the but of Dad Bod jokes or simply the unattractive friend-zoned character. Perhaps it comes down to men just not being as vocal about the issue as women are, or that toxic masculinity is so ingrained into our society that men have been brainwashed not to voice their insecurities. Either way, should they have to say anything for fashion brands to know better than to just wave around inclusivity like a child with a “good job” sticker?
While some brands are doing it right, like Pyer Moss and (recently) Savage x Fenty who both include brawn men of varying ethnicities and sizes with clothing that ACTUALLY fits those men. The fashion industry itself is seriously lacking, more so for men than for women– but honestly that’s not saying much.
For some body positive male models and influencers that will constantly make your jaw drop, check out: King Parchment, Matt Wirken, Zach Miko and David Fadd.
See ya next week, same time same place.
