Dandyism (plus size dandyism included) is more than just sharp dressingโitโs a statement of pride, performance, and defiance. Rooted in 18th-century European fashion, the dandy first emerged as a cultural disruptor: a man of modest means who dressed with the opulence and precision of aristocracy. This performance of elegance was never just about vanityโit was about visibility, especially in spaces that tried to erase or ignore.
Fast forward to today, and dandyism has become a vibrant, intersectional canvas for personal expression across gender, size, and identity. Its modern resurgence, especially within Black and queer communities, reclaims fashion as power and presentation as protest. Ahead of the 2025 Met Galaโwhose theme, โSuperfine: Tailoring Black Styleโ, celebrates the rich tradition of Black sartorial excellenceโweโre shining a spotlight on how plus-size individuals can embrace this style moment with swagger and substance.
A Legacy of Rebellion and Refinement
The original dandy of Regency-era England was George Bryan โBeauโ Brummell (1778โ1840), whose meticulous style and rejection of excessive ornamentation set a new standard for refined, minimalist elegance. Known for his sharp tailoring, immaculate grooming, and effortless wit, Brummell became a fashion icon and close associate of the Prince Regentโdespite his modest social standing.
As Britannica notes, Brummell โestablished the mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashion in favor of understated elegance and cleanliness.โ
Today, Black dandyism reflects a rich blend of heritage and cultural creativity. Itโs not just about looking goodโitโs about standing in your power. Whether itโs seen in streetwear-inspired tailoring, bright prints layered with intention, or vintage menswear reinterpreted with a modern twist, the dandy stands as a symbol of self-expression for the African American man. It is a quiet revolution wrapped in silk ties, brocade jackets, and well-placed lapel pinsโa declaration that style is not superficial, but spiritual.
As Shantrelle P. Lewis, curator of The Dandy Lion Project, put it: โStyle becomes a weapon of identity, a radical self-determination.โ Dandyism, particularly among Black men, is deeply culturalโa language of excellence and resistance.
For many, itโs a tool of reclamation. It reclaims elegance as a right, not a privilege. It challenges outdated notions of masculinity, showing that strength and softness, grace and grit, can coexist in a single look. In spaces where Black men have often been marginalized or misrepresented, the dandy becomes his own narratorโspeaking without words through texture, tailoring, and tone.
Itโs about excellenceโand turning every sidewalk into a runway.
Plus Size Dandyism: Fit, Flair, and Fierceness
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If youโve ever felt like fashionโs most tailored trends werenโt made with your body in mind, plus size dandyism is here to flip that script. While the aesthetic leans heavily on fit, flair, and structure, the beauty of todayโs fashion landscape is that fit no longer means exclusion. There are designers, brands, and tailors that understand dandy elegance isnโt reserved for straight sizesโitโs a style that can and should be accessible at every size.
Whether youโre leaning into androgynous minimalism, high-femme tailoring, or bold maximalist layering, there are resources out there for you to shop with intentionโand style without compromise. Hereโs where to start:
Marina Rinaldi brings decades of Italian craftsmanship to plus size luxury. Known for impeccable tailoring, rich fabrics, and curve-aware construction, this label is ideal for finding polished blazers, structured coats, and sleek trousers that move with elegance and confidence.
Eloquii continues to lead the curve-fashion conversation with fashion-forward, size-inclusive pieces up to size 28. If youโre looking for bold suiting, bright prints, and statement separates that channel dandy drama, this is your playground. Their collections often include suiting in vivid hues, feathered trims, and metallic detailsโperfect for a modern dandy twist.
ASOS Curve offers one of the most expansive and affordable plus-size ranges on the market, with standout suiting, wide-leg trousers, and bold blazers that speak to both classic and trend-driven dandyism. From pastel sets to sharp monochrome tailoring, their range is perfect for experimenting without compromising fit or budget.
Kirrin Finch is a trailblazer in the gender-neutral fashion space, offering extended sizing and androgynous tailoring for bodies that donโt always conform to traditional menswear fit standards. Their button-downs, blazers, and trousers are perfect for building a dandy-inspired wardrobe that leans classic with a progressive edge.
Wray NYC brings the art-school vibe to dandy style with colorful, playful pieces that arenโt afraid to mix prints, patterns, and proportions. Their inclusive sizing and artistic sensibility make them a top pick for the fashion-forward dandy who loves to push boundaries while keeping it polished.
Dressing the Theme: Superfine Style in Every Size
The 2025 Met Gala theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, celebrates centuries of Black sartorial brilliance. This yearโs exhibitionโinspired by Monica L. Millerโs Slaves to Fashion and spotlighted by the Metropolitan Museum of Artโs Costume Instituteโhonors the creativity, innovation, and cultural resistance embedded in Black dandyism. And letโs be clear: there is absolutely a place for plus size dandyism in this narrative, as seen with the UK Superstar, Yesult in Vogue!
Dandyism allows us to participate in fashionโs most elite rituals without erasing our truths. It invites us to step fully into our power, to layer elegance and identity with intentional flair. This isnโt about shrinking to fit traditionโitโs about expanding the legacy with our own spin.
When plus size folks show up and show out in this spaceโin brocade jackets, crushed velvet suits, and feathered fedorasโwe arenโt asking for a seat at the table. We are the table. The style. The story.
Final Styling Tips: Your Plus Size Dandyism Checklist
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Tailored separates with room to move
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Statement accessories (brooches, hats, gloves, jewelry)
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Layered textures for visual interest
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Sartorial storytellingโeach piece should say something
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Posture and presenceโconfidence is the final layer
Plus size dandyism isnโt about blending inโitโs about being unforgettable. And when we show up in full style, weโre not just part of the moment. We are the moment.
