XL’s Featured Tribes Men Of The Week: Mike Byrd

Two of the most challenging things are finding shoes and shirts in my size. I always see a really nice pair that I like, but the store only carries a few in my size and they get sold out quick & the online options are very limited. Finding shirts is probably my biggest challenge. They are either too wide or not long enough. I like slim fit, extended shirts, that compliment my athletic build. A lot of shirts are designed bad for guys my size and they tend to look extremely awkward.

I am from Thomasville, NC and there’s really no trends here, to be honest. It’s a small, developing town and being fashionable is not a priority. I have just had the opportunity to expose myself to different things, places and have developed a look that’s comfortable for me.

I believe one of my least fashionable moment was when I tried to squeeze into a blazer that I had, had for a while. I couldn’t accept the physical changes in my body, decided to wear it and the back ripped while attending a dinner.

Honestly, I don’t have any fashion inspirations. We are not represented that well by mainstream media. This is partially why I created the viral hashtag #BigGuyTwitter, so that plus size men like myself, get the recognition we deserve.