THE JOURNAL
Mr James Corbin photographed in London, July 2022. Photograph by Ms Steph Wilson
Summer is one of my favourite seasons, but it hasn’t always been. As the weather warms up and we shed layers, I get to play around with different colours, accessories and styles. As a plus-size boy, I look for clothes that complement my body shape and, at the same time, allow me to enjoy the warm weather.
In my early teen years, summer wasn’t a season I looked forward. I would wrap myself in jackets, overshirts, baggy sweaters, jeans and trousers, even when it was hot and sunny. I would suffer because I wasn’t confident about my own body and I didn’t want anyone else to see it.
Vest tops, shorts, sandals and T-shirts were horrific to me. All I could think about were my legs, arms and stomach being on show. I would restrict the colours I wore to just dark tones, thinking that would stop me from standing out. I just hated doing anything that would draw any attention to my body.
I was teased at school about my size and I lost my confidence to even take part in PE classes – I would have to wear a T-shirt and shorts and my peers would therefore see my arms and legs. I was so conscious of being seen, of being thought of, of being noticed that I decided that covering up and hiding myself might make me feel better. (It didn’t.) I began to change in private cubicles and struggled to look in the mirror. I continued this practice into adulthood. No matter the season, I would cover myself in layers upon layers.
“I wore my first pair of shorts in the summer of 2017, when I was 17. Shorts!”
Until I truly started my body image journey, it was hard to feel good about myself. It was my love of fashion and clothes that took me out of my comfort zone.
I wore my first pair of shorts in the summer of 2017, when I was 17. Shorts! They seem so simple and innocent, but the liberation was incredible. The more I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, the more comfortable I became with my body. When I look in the mirror and love my outfit, that feeling beats any stranger’s opinion. A lot of the negative thoughts I had about my body and my lack of confidence stemmed from other people’s opinions. Finally, in my twenties, I decided that it was my opinion that mattered the most. It all changed from there.
I am now a plus-size model and take part in campaigns and fashion shows. I get to proudly represent bodies that look like mine and show that it’s possible to enjoy fashion when you have a bigger body. I get the opportunity to strut down catwalks and be part of amazing editorials. I constantly talk about my relationship with my body image because every single person can relate – we all feel self-conscious about our bodies.
I will not hide my body away again and this summer I will enjoy the new styles and trends, knowing I can pull them off.
If you’re like me and still adding to your summer wardrobe, here are some tips.
• Have a look at well-fitting matching top and shorts summer sets. From cool patterns to bright colours, don’t be afraid to get your arms out.
• Accessories are your best friend. A good pair of sunglasses can add so much cool to a simple outfit.
• Hats and headbands are great, too. If you’re a head sweater like me, this is pretty practical.
• When you head out, carry a light bag with your water and sunscreen.
• I love a relaxed-fitting shirt to go over my shoulders. I think it’s so chic and is a cool look.
Finally, I want you to mix up your summer wardrobe and try some new looks outside your comfort zone. Your body is yours and even when you’re not feeling so confident, dressing in beautiful clothes that give you freedom, especially in summer, helps you feel much more confident.