It’s 2016 and everyone is starting to finding their voice. Some of voices that were once silenced back in the day, are now at the forefront of the conversation. As a plus size style blogger, it warmed my heart up when I saw Danielle Brooks as the face of a Christian Siriano’s collection for Lane Bryant. It’s taking us some time, but we are finally getting there.

As much as I want to sit here and relish in the strides the plus size industry is making, I would feel remiss if I didn’t put some shine on our big and tall brothers. Plus size women are celebrated more widely in the fashion community. We might not be on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, but we have an empowering network of bloggers, brands and body positive advocates. Unfortunately, there aren’t many spaces for big and tall men to be celebrated because society has ludicrous gender role expectations. Men need to be celebrated and empowered too.

With a little bit of research, I’m happy to say things are on the up-and-up for the big and tall fashion scene. Slowly, regimes of fashion-foward brothers who are killing the game are emerging, and you have to check them out. Here are 6 big and tall brothers who are killing the fashion scene:

1. Kavah King of The Gentlemen’s Curb

This Brooklyn native runs The Gentlemen’s Curb, which promotes fashion and tips for big and tall men, as well as how to incorporate fitness into their lifestyle.

Pic one of the #Photochallenge for the month of March. #Art #Blog #Blogger #Fitness #Fashion #PlusMaleFashion #PlusMaleModel #GentlemensCurb #MalePlusSizeModel #BloggerLife #MalePlusSize #PlusSizeMale #PlusMaleBlogger #Photography #BigAndTall #BigAndTallFashion #effyourbeautystandards #Fatshion #BigAndTallBlogger #BignTallBlog #BigMenFashion #KingCurvy #BHK #CelebrateMySize #PlusModelMag #PlusMaleModel #PlusMaleRevolution #PSBlogger #MenOfWeight #BigAndTrendy

A photo posted by Gentlemen’s Curb (@gentlemenscurb) on Mar 2, 2016 at 1:54pm PST

2. Michael Anthony-Spearman of Big Fashion Guy

The Detroit-based menswear designer and stylist behind The Big Fashion Guy covers big and tall menswear, fashion design, grooming, health and fitness.

|#TheBigFashionGuy| Look Details👌🏾#DetroitBeards

A photo posted by Michael-Anthony (@thebigfashionguy) on Jul 18, 2016 at 9:04pm PDT

3. Kelvin Davis of Notoriously Dapper

Based out of Columbia, South Carolina, Kelvin runs the blog Notoriously Dapper, a body positive style guide for men.

Back in the good ole SC. I’m loving the throwback 80’s vibe of this shirt!! What do you all think?! #80sbaby

A photo posted by Kelvin | Notoriously Dapper (@notoriouslydapper) on Jul 16, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

4. Marv Neal

Marv Neal hails from Detroit He showcases his styling on Instagram, but also gives a look at some of his personal style.

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeve, some turn up their noses, some don’t turn up at all @jeanousdenim Shooter: @davidefoto Edit : @lolabeestudio

A photo posted by Marv Neal (@marvneal) on Jul 10, 2016 at 2:23pm PDT

5. Claude Michelle

Claude Michelle is a Haitian-American designer based out of Boston, Massachusetts. In 2014, he started his own self-titled line which featured items including gowns, suits and everything in between.

“A day without laughter is a day without joy. So laugh as much as possible to enjoy that joy.” – Claude Michelle #cmquote #claudemichelle #designer #quote #fashion #joy #laughter #laugh #happiness #success #passion #love #life #luxury #lifestyle #lovewhatyoudo #designerlife #focus #smile

A photo posted by Claude Michelle (@claude_michelle) on Oct 27, 2015 at 8:58pm PDT

6. James R. Sanders of Styled by James

James R. Sanders is a fashion journalist and stylist. He works in New York, but publishes in fashion capitals such as London, Milan and Paris.

That glow is curtesy of none other than my #wcw @kinshasak for giving me #kemet natural #Realness I was smiling because I finally finished the first season of my very own #TalkShow and the finale was every bit of #Fabulous that I thought it would be. #bearfashion #StyledbyJames @southmoonunderphilly @southmoonunder

A photo posted by James R. Sanders (@jamesrsanders) on Jul 6, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

Give it up for these guys. They are all trailblazers in their own lane and making their mark!
Who was your favorite? Know any trailblazers of your own? Let me know in the comments below!

Chardline Chanel-Faiteau

Writing since August 2016 · 1 story contributed