I saw a controversial take floating around that minimalism, as a lifestyle, often excludes plus-size men, and it got me thinking. On the surface, minimalism is about owning less, but it also frequently enough translates into a focus on curated, higher-quality pieces.The problem is, finding higher-quality, minimalist-aesthetic clothing in larger sizes for men can be significantly more tough and expensive. This creates a barrier to entry; if you *can’t* easily find a few well-made, versatile items that fit and flatter, paring down your wardrobe to a minimalist capsule becomes less about intentional living and more about forced limitation.
One suggested fix I saw was to pressure brands to be more inclusive in their sizing. That makes sense. But I think it goes deeper then that. We also need to reassess what “minimalist aesthetic” even means. Is it inherently tied to a specific, often slim-fitting, style? Coudl minimalism embrace a wider range of body types and stylistic expressions? Maybe it’s about focusing on timelessness and functionality, regardless of current trends that tend to favor certain body types.
ultimately, a truly inclusive approach to minimalism would acknowledge the systemic barriers that prevent people of all sizes from participating and would actively work to dismantle them, both through consumer advocacy and redefining restrictive style expectations. What are your thoughts?