Men's LifeStyle Blog

Characteristics of A Male Model

Successful male models are often asked for advice on breaking into the glamorous lifestyle of modeling that lands certain men on the covers of GQ, Men’s Vogue, Details, Esquire and other top publications. Even with their best efforts, this is a difficult question to answer for a variety of reasons. While the majority of male models that walk the fashion runways generally fall between 6’2” and 6’3”, with slim to athletic builds, there are exceptions. It is unlikely that it will ever hurt to look like a Greek god, but in a room filled with chiseled cheekbones and sculpted bodies, it will be that special something, that spark or quirk, that will make one particular guy catch the agency decision maker’s eye.  

Some of today’s famous male actors started out by attracting the attention of modeling agencies. Before his acting career took off with hits like, Boogie Nights, The Departed, The Perfect Storm and Ted, Mark Wahlberg appeared in underwear ads for Calvin Klein on Time Square billboards. The baby-faced and highly successful Ashton Kutcher lost an international male model talent competition to Josh Duhamel back in 1997 but still managed to work for Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Abercrombie and Calvin Klein before landing the role of Kelso on “That ‘70s Show”. Josh Duhamel’s modeling career eventually led him to his Emmy-winning role on the popular soap opera, “All My Children”, and then on to the big screen. Duhamel’s look is one that many men want to emulate and, in fact, his nose is the one of the most requested when men consult with a plastic surgeon about getting a nose job.

When it comes to making a definitive list of the required characteristics for a career in modeling for men, most people are no doubt tempted to start with a picture of one of today’s supermodels. Sean O’Pry, David Gandy, Tyson Beckford, Oliver Cheshire or a handful of others would all fit the image that we have for the “perfect” model. That may be true, but there are lots of successful models out there with very different looks and body types. It may not be possible to come up with a list of characteristics that define all male models, and the majority of those working as models may have names that will never be familiar, but many of them earn high incomes in a wide range of industries.   

Categories of Male Models

For men looking to break into modeling, it might be better to choose a category of modeling that fits their body type rather than try to develop a look that does not fit them. Some of the most common categories of modeling for men include:

Fashion Models – these are the stereotypical models that look out from the covers of top magazines wearing Hugo Boss, Armani, Prada, Gucci, Calvin Klein and Burberry.

Runway Models – since designers hire models to fit their clothes, unless they have achieved supermodel status, these models are typically required to be in the 6’ 0" - 6’ 2" range and wear a size 38 or 40 jacket.

Commercial Models – this category is wide open as far as physical characteristics and body type. These models pose with or demonstrate all sorts of products and services from a wide range of industries, like technology, industrial, food, travel, houseware and so forth.

Fitness Models – these models are required to be in good physical shape to represent products and services for fitness companies and publications, supplement distributors and athletic clothing companies

Underwear or Swimsuit Models – to appear in only underwear or swimming trunks requires that the model must be extremely fit, toned and even athletic-looking.

Mature Models – the baby boomer generation has had an impact on marketing just as it has in so many other areas. The demand for mature male models, meaning anywhere from 30 to 80 years of age, has skyrocketed in the past few years. The mature model could actually be considered a sub category of the commercial model category when it comes to function.  

Child Models – child models are under age 12 and come in all body types for work in catalogs, magazines and commercial modeling. One well-known child model, Anderson Cooper, is often remembered modeling clothing for Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Macy’s, starting at around age 10.

Modeling is rarely as glamorous a career field as it appears. That said, it can be a good career choice with steady work even for those who do not possess movie star good looks and perfect bodies. This is one career choice, however, where men tend to make less money than women. The good news, though, is that men can work considerably longer.   

What Style Pants Are On Trend for Fall 2018

When we were children, it was always painful knowing that summer was coming to an end. As adults, we can temper our regret about the loss of long days in the sun and backyard barbecues with the anticipation of what comes next. For a lot of us, fall may be our favorite time of the year. It brings with it cool, crisp temperatures that make you want to be outside. Paddle boarding and volleyball are replaced by long morning runs on the beach, which are really easier on those knees. Bonfires and trick or treating is right around the corner, and, maybe best of all, we finally get to wear pants again!

Shorts and swim trunks are fun, but throwing on one pair is pretty much like any other. Now that fall is upon us, it’s time to take a look at what is trending for men’s fashion when it comes to pants. London, New York, Paris and Milan have weighed in with their offerings for this fall. The big names, like Prada, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace and Francesco Risso have all made statements about a return to the oversized, boxy look of the 90s, combined with the mantra of “never boring!” Colors should be playful. Checkered patterns are in and they should be bright (think neon) and preferably paired with what was once considered clashing plaids and tartans.

What else is trending this year for fall? Tracksuits are in, but we are way past them being just for jocks. Choose stripes down the sides, lots of exposed zips and bright colors. Wear them with a plain tee shirt or try pairing tartan trousers with a tracksuit top. And add a bucket hat. Bucket hats are big this season, as evidenced by the number and variety worn by Prada runway models.

Skinny jeans have had their day, at least for this season. Will anyone really miss them? And the inherent struggle in getting them on and off? This year’s look is definitely more relaxed. Fashion and comfort have traditionally found it hard to find common ground, but that does not seem to be the case for 2018. Think relaxed and functional. Baggy jeans. Relaxed-leg trousers. The Levi’s 501 originals with their classic button fly, straight leg and 16” leg opening.

Perhaps the poster child for men’s pants this year might just be none other than good old cargo pants. Making their return in a somewhat more slimmed down and stylish presentation, today’s cargo pants come in a variety of fabrics, from ripstop nylon to corduroy, less bulky pockets and a palette of bold, primary colors. One of the things that has always been great about cargo pants is their versatility when it comes to body shape and size. Now, that has only been enhanced with a more streamlined design. Just one caveat: this new look all goes out the window when those pockets are actually used, especially for anything approaching the size of a beer can.  

The fall line of men’s clothing is exciting and fun. So, say a fond farewell to summer and schedule some time to go shopping.

The New Trend: Androgynous Male Models

No one would argue that the current trend in fashion is toward androgynous models, both male and female. The world’s top designers are making strong statements about the move away from gender specific clothing by sending male models like David Chiang, Jaco van den Hoven, Roger Garth and Stav Strashko down the runways of Paris, London and Milan. Even here in the U.S., fashion shows and magazine covers are embracing the blurring of lines between genders.

Women have steadily been stepping outside the norms of what was traditionally considered appropriate fashion choices. Coco Channel loved wearing pants and began introducing them in her line for women during the early part of the last century. Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn were famous for the way they dressed and still maintained the admiration of their fans. For men, while the change has met with more resistance, it is certainly front and center now.  Decidedly feminine items for men are becoming the focus for many of the latest collections and what better way to showcase them than with androgynous male models.

While designers prefer the attention be on their latest creations, it’s hard for some not to be fascinated and somewhat curious about these men who have staked out a place that is gender fluid, identifying as neither male or female. A huge conversation has broken out lately about gender identity and correct designations and pronouns. For many it’s very confusing. Is being androgynous the same as transgendered or intersex? Are men who appear feminine lacking in testosterone? Is this something that one is born with or is it a choice?

These are all good questions and all beyond the scope of this discussion, other than to say that an androgynous individual simply does not identify with either gender. Perhaps it can best be described by the words of supermodel Grace Jones, “I considered myself energy that had not been classified” or in the lyrics of Prince’s I Would Die 4 U, “I’m not a woman. I’m not a man. I am something that you’ll never understand.“

Whatever the explanation for androgynous individuals, they have become an important part of the fashion domain, which, much like the entertainment world, tends to push the boundaries of what the rest of us are comfortable with and accept. The stunningly beautiful Australian male model, Andreja Pejic, has been featured in womenswear for Paris Vogue and the subject of a huge outcry when Barnes and Noble refused to allow a magazine with the cover displaying his topless photo on their shelves without a special opaque sleeve.  

It is said that there is really nothing that is new under the sun and that we just think we are coming up with fresh ideas. Gender ambiguity may be an excellent example. Androgynous men and women have been found in historical accounts from as far back as records go. Not all that long ago, Louis XIV was wearing white tights and high heels. The Edwardian period found men in what can only be described as ruffled blouses and peplum jackets. Liberace, David Bowie, Boy George, Prince and Kurt Cobain all did their part in blurring the lines. Even the King, himself, Elvis Presley, wore eye makeup that wasn’t solely to cover imperfections and was known for having a “pretty” face. Mick Jagger attributes his adoption of an androgynous persona directly to Elvis.

At a time when the world around us seems more divided than ever, fashion seems to be embracing inclusiveness. Maybe there will always be those who wish to broadcast their masculinity or femininity by their clothing choice, but there is an excitement and acceptance of gender fluidity, at least on the runways and in the willingness to give new fashion options a chance, that feels like a move in the right direction. Of course, if there is a hard and fast rule about designers, it is that they are a contrary lot, and, while gender neutral may be the star today, there is no way to predict what is coming next.  

Should Male Models Smile?

Do you ever wonder why male models don’t smile? The same is actually true for female models, as well as males. There might be 30 or 40 different models walking the runway, some more than once, during a typical show, and not one will crack a smile. To do this kind of work, representing names like Prada, Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein, these have to be exceptionally attractive and successful models, the cream of the crop. And, yet, not a smile from any of them while they are working.

Some have suggested that there is some sort of emotional reason that results in a model’s decision to remain expressionless. That does not seem to make much sense, because it would have to apply to each and every one of them at the same time. The only way to make this plausible would be if they were all extremely unhappy in their work, and this is highly unlikely. Modeling may not be as glamorous as some believe, but it is a sought-after occupation and those who walk runways are proud of their level of success. Male models are the exception in that they do not make as much as their female counterparts when it comes to money, but, if they did choose to smile during a show, they certainly make enough to afford the cosmetic dentistry it would take for that smile to be perfect.  

The truth of the matter is that models do not smile because that is an important part of the job. It may seem counterintuitive that models are discovered and signed by agencies because of their “look” and then they are expected to basically disappear when they work. Designers want their creations displayed in a way that the focus and the attention is on the clothing, not the model. While it might seem that a happy model would give a boost to the viewer’s perception, a smile or similar emotion can easily cause a feeling of connection between the model and the audience, thereby moving the focus away from the clothing.

Another reason that the model works so hard to suppress any personality is that they are expected to wear designs that range from ultraconservative to the bizarre. We all know how some types of clothing fit our personality and make us feel good when we wear them, and other types are just wrong and make us feel ridiculous and even embarrassed. Male models do not have the option of choosing what they will or will not wear. Suppressing personality and emotion becomes a form of self-defense that allows them to walk the runway with the same confidence and poise whether they are in a conservative Burberry suit or patent leather briefs and cat mask from Jeremy Scott’s Moschino collection.

Of course, every rule has its exception. From time to time, the French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, instructs his models to smile as they are showcasing his work on the runway. Another reason, perhaps, why he is known as the “French fashion rebel”. In general, though, by not smiling, male models are simply doing their jobs as they strive to present their designer’s work in the very best way possible.

What Are the Must-Have Sneakers for Fall 2018?

Men have always given women a hard time about their obsession with buying shoes, but the truth is that men spend almost as much money for shoes as women do. For men in the U.S., that amounts to nearly 30 billion dollars a year. A good-sized chunk of that is spent on sneakers, and that is expected to only increase as the sneaker industry continues to come out with better designs and styles each season. The sneakers set to dominate the market for the fall of 2018 are no exception.

We may not all be as fanatic as sneakerheads, but our love affair with sneakers started with comfort and support and has grown exponentially with famous designers and celebrities entering the market. The sturdy sneaker or tennis shoe, as it is still sometimes called, was originally meant for athletes in an effort to provide extra support for their feet and ease of movement during vigorous activity. Of course, sports and recreational activities are still a big focus, but sneakers hit the mainstream a long time ago and are now as important for their look as their function.

Most of us are okay in not owning sneakers that cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, like some of the Air Jordan collaborations or the special, one-of-a-kind Lebron-15 pair, valued at over $100,000, that was created to celebrate when LeBron James hit the 30,000 career points mark. Fortunately, there are lots of innovative and stylish choices for more mainstream budgets. 2018 must-have sneakers run the gamut from celebrity collaborations to the latest trend maker, the dad shoe, where clunky, thick-soles and comfort have taken over.  Some of the most talked about are:

Nike x Off-White Presto “Black” & “White” – this has been one of the most anticipated sneakers to come out this year and, so far, it does not look like the hype was wasted.

Adidas AM4 Series – designed for local markets and with the intention of reducing Adidas’ carbon footprint by sourcing materials and manufacturing regionally.

Air Jordan III “Black/Cement” – a classic since 1988 when Michael Jordan wore them in the All-Star Game and still a classic today.

Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 Waverunner – we wouldn’t normally expect to see Kanye West’s name on a no-apology, chunky dad shoe, but it sure does seem to work.

Levi’s x Air Jordan IV Air Jordan IV – Air Jordans and denim were destined to be a classic and this latest version is no exception. An extra benefit is that the more wear they get the more of a fashion statement they make. Some go a bit overboard with the paint and the bleach but maybe that’s part of the fun.

Nike LeBron 15 LeBron Watch – Lebron inspired styles haven’t garnered as much attention in the past few years but that seems to have changed with this new, slimmer model.

New Balance 990v4 “1982” - 2018 has seen the dad shoe claim the starring role and this New Balance style falls right in line.

Adidas Futurecraft 4D “Ash Green” – uses a form of 3D printing to mass produce soles that are not only extremely well-made and supportive, but also done in a way that takes less of a toll on the environment. Adidas is dedicated to making high quality shoes in as sustainable a way as possible.

Nike Air Max 270 – the latest model employing the 270-degree air bubble enclosed in the heel.

Yoga Workouts to Keep Your Body Toned

So, you’ve noticed a little flabbiness around the middle or were surprised by the number that popped up on the scale. Or, maybe you were out trying on some of the new fall clothes that have hit all the stores in the past month or so. This year’s style may tend toward the oversized and bulky look but being out of shape is still going to limit how well they fit and how good you look and feel wearing them. What makes it even worse is that, with summer coming to an end, we are on the cusp of sliding into the holiday season, which makes it doubly hard to slim down and tone up. The time to do something about this is now!

Cutting back on the fast food and sticking with a healthy diet is, of course, at the top of the list. But what comes next on that list? Yoga, right? No? Surely you are not one of those guys who still believes that yoga is strictly for women? That spending hours on the treadmill and in the weight room is the only way for men to get in shape? Time to come into the 21st century!

Without going too far out on a limb here, let’s hazard the guess that those extra pounds and inches have crept on during a period when regular exercising and working out was not a priority. If you checked with your doctor, like every exercise program and personal trainer will tell you to do before starting a new exercise regimen, you would be instructed to start slowly so as not to put dangerous stress on your joints and heart. Yoga is the ideal way to ease into increased activity because it does not overwork the heart or put significant stress on the joints. In fact, the regular practice of yoga increases flexibility and builds core strength which actually helps to prevent injuries.   

Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years but is still fairly new here in the West. That said, we are rapidly catching up. Currently, there are nearly 40 million people in the U.S. practicing it. What might be even more surprising is that 28 percent of those are men, and that number is only expected to rise. Our high stress lifestyles put us at risk for a wide range of physical ailments and yoga is an excellent choice for mitigating that stress and easing the resulting symptoms. It is also the perfect way to begin a new exercise program. Runners, in particular, benefit from the focus that yoga places on strengthening the lower back. This can go a long way in preventing many of the injuries that plague runners.

All of this will be beneficial in losing weight and keeping your body toned and healthy. This is important whether you are a male model needing to look your best on the runway or anyone else committed to staying in shape. There is also another benefit to yoga which is not always the primary motivator for Americans but was, in fact, the basis for the development of yoga in the first place. In its beginning, yoga was a mental practice, not a physical one. It was designed as a form of meditation to enhance mental clarity. The good news is that, even though we may be looking for the physical benefits, the relaxation and mental clarity come as a bonus. Hard to beat that!