As a plus-size man with a flair for fashion, Nikhil Kapoor never saw anyone who looked like him on social media — so he decided to change that.
There is perhaps no better example of an overachiever than Nikhil Kapoor — although he’d never admit it. Raised in California, the 22-year-old content creator (@poshheat) studied biochemistry and molecular biology in college. His initial plan was to go to medical school, and he even got in. “But as much as I love science, it was just going to be too much work, so I decided to go to law school,” Kapoor shares, ignoring how absurd it is that he considers law school an easier alternative.
Somewhere in between cramming for finals and bingeing Queer Eye, Kapoor launched a gender- and size-inclusive clothing line called Posh Heat. “When I first started becoming more stylish in college, I never realized how difficult it would be to find fashionable clothes in my size,” he explains. “There are no plus-size men’s sections, so 90 per cent of my closet was (and still is) from the women’s department. That’s when I started Posh Heat.” But becoming a social media sensation was never part of Kapoor’s plan.
He originally took to TikTok in 2020 to share his designs with his friends and family. Shortly after, he branched out into more size-inclusive content with mediocre results, so he looked to his closet and Pinterest for inspiration. Kapoor filmed the video “When Plus-Size Men’s Fashion Pinterest Inspo Doesn’t Exist” in 2022, and it went viral instantly.
In the TikTok video, Kapoor recreates various colourful ensembles worn by thin white women. It has since racked up over 2.3 million likes, which inspired him to make it a series and share more of his “simple maximalism” wardrobe. “I think my content really resonates with people because they’ve never seen a man, let alone a plus-size man, dress like me,” reflects Kapoor. “It’s a very untouched market, and I’m trying my best to get it out there.”
True to his overachieving nature, Kapoor has grand plans for the future. Besides continuing to develop Posh Heat, he hopes to one day be invited to fashion week and collaborate with a designer on a size-inclusive capsule collection. “At the end of the day, I just wanna show that anything’s possible for someone like me,” he grins. “The industry puts boundaries on certain body types, but just wear what you want! Fashion is boundless.”
Here, Nikhil Kapoor shares a few of his favourite things.
Ferragamo Hobo bag
“I recently discovered Ferragamo’s Hobo bag, which I’m hoping to get my hands on as my next everyday purse.”
Chouette Designs Alsace Ring
“As a plus-size man with plus-size fingers, I highly recommend Chouette Designs for exceptional size-inclusive jewellery.”
Cartier Déclaration Parfum
“It’s my everyday scent, and it has never failed me for dates, interviews or morning exams.”
Renaissance by Beyoncé
“Beyoncé’s Renaissance album holds a special place in my heart. I love how she naturally includes queer representation in her music.”
Shiseido Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam
“I stand by all Shiseido face products — I’ve used them since I was a kid! — especially their cleansers. They’re super lightweight and extremely smooth.”
Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
“Pants are so hard to find because they rarely fit correctly, but my favourite pair was gifted to me by Anthropologie. They’re stretchy, perfectly fitted and classy.”
Cole Haan Men’s American Classics Penny Loafer
“A penny loafer is easy to style with everything from suit pants to jeans, and Cole Haan does a fantastic job of creating lightweight and high-quality comfortable shoes.”
Doctor Who
“If I’m ever feeling down, the adrenalin-pumping plot of every episode is somehow comforting. I have probably watched every season three times.”
This article first appeared in FASHION’s November 2023 issue. Find out more here.
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