Dandyism (plus size dandyism included) is more than just sharp dressing—it’s 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 vanity—it 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 Gala—whose theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, celebrates the rich tradition of Black sartorial excellence—we’re 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 “Beau” Brummell (1778–1840), 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 Regent—despite his modest social standing.
As Britannica notes, Brummell “established the mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashion in favor of understated elegance and cleanliness.”
Today, Black dandyism reflects a rich blend of heritage and cultural creativity. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about standing in your power. Whether it’s 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 pins—a declaration that style is not superficial, but spiritual.
As Shantrelle P. Lewis, curator of The Dandy Lion Project, put it: “Style becomes a weapon of identity, a radical self-determination.” Dandyism, particularly among Black men, is deeply cultural—a language of excellence and resistance.
For many, it’s 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 It challenges outdated notions of masculinity, showing that strength and softness, grace and grit, can coexist in a single look.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 narrator—speaking without words through texture, tailoring, and tone.
It’s about excellence—and turning every sidewalk into a runway.
Plus Size Dandyism: Fit, Flair, and Fierceness
We want to be transparent with you about how we make money. This website uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost to you
If you’ve ever felt like fashion’s most tailored trends weren’t 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 today’s fashion landscape is that fit no longer means exclusion. There are designers, brands, and tailors that understand dandy elegance isn’t reserved for straight sizes—it’s a style that can and should be accessible at every size.
Whether you’re leaning into androgynous minimalism, high-femme tailoring, or bold maximalist layering, there are resources out there for you to shop with intention—and style without compromise. Here’s 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 you’re 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 details—perfect 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 don’t 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 aren’t 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 year’s exhibition—inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion and spotlighted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute—honors the creativity, innovation, and cultural resistance embedded in Black dandyism. And let’s 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 fashion’s 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 isn’t about shrinking to fit tradition—it’s about expanding the legacy with our own spin.
When plus size folks show up and show out in this space—in brocade jackets, crushed velvet suits, and feathered fedoras—we aren’t asking for a seat at the table. We are the table. The style. The story.
Final Styling Tips: Your Plus Size Dandyism Checklist
✅ Tailored separates with room to move
✅ Statement accessories (brooches, hats, gloves, jewelry)
✅ Layered textures for visual interest
✅ Sartorial storytelling—each piece should say something
✅ Posture and presence—confidence is the final layer
Plus size dandyism isn’t about blending in—it’s about being unforgettable. And when we show up in full style, we’re not just part of the moment. We are the moment.
This article, The Dandy Reimagined: Plus Size Style as Pride, Power & Personal Expression first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Timothy Snell.
Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter!
