Getting the latest, greatest, and most fashionable clothing can be difficult, so why not snag the well-dressed guy on your list something that doesn’t sacrifice style over substance? Men’s style books might be an unconventional choice — but having quick access to great fashion resources in a format that’s bound (pun intended) to be as much of a conversation starter as a great outfit will show just how truly invested you are in your style. With that in mind, here are 13 books that deserve prime real estate on every guy’s bookshelf.
Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Favorite Denim and & More
One of the most fun aspects of fashion is the ability to truly customize your clothes through patching and stitching, but it’s often difficult and overwhelming to know where to begin. Katrina Roadbaugh’s guide to mending and patching is perfect for those looking to get some beginner techniques — especially for people who don’t want to rush off to the tailor every time a button comes undone.
Cool: Style, Sound, and Subversion
Throughout history, cool has carried various meanings — especially when it comes to style. So it makes sense that the authors of Cool: Style, Sound, and Subversion set out to offer a deep dive into which style tribes and subcultures have defined what it meant in different eras. Part history book, part anthropologic study, Cool is … well … just that.
Men and Manners: Essays, Advice and Considerations
Traditional rules of etiquette were written to reinforce the kinds of social hierarchies that have long since felt passé. But David Coggins’s newest title, Men and Manners, offers a fun, honest and refreshing primer on how men can and should conduct themselves in this modern era; it offers guidelines for texting, dating, self-care and a number of other topics that feel relevant right now.
Ralph Lauren: Revised and Expanded Anniversary Edition
The word iconic gets thrown around frequently without context, but it when it comes to Ralph Lauren, it’s truly applicable. There’s a reason why he’s loomed so large within the industry for as long as he has–and if you’re unsure as to why–this book is a good a place as any to learn.
Denim Branded: Jeanswear’s Evolving Design Details
We take the simple construction of a jean for granted, but Nick Williams’s book deconstructs one of the most ubiquitous elements of the modern wardrobe, examining every stitch, button and thread of what makes jeans so great.
Vintage Menswear Mini: A Collection from the Vintage Showroom
Filled from cover to cover with stunning photography of rare and exotic pieces, Vintage Showroom will make a great addition for any menswear fan. If nothing else, it’ll teach you how to explain the nuance of what makes a Tom Ford suit way better than one you’d find at a Men’s Wearhouse.
Skateboarding Is Not a Fashion: The Illustrated History of Skateboard Apparel
If you’re shopping for a Hypebeast who might literally have everything, you could do far worse than this detailed breakdown of skateboard culture and its intersection with — and influence upon — on fashion.
The Mr. Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life
The third volume of Mr. Porter’s manual is full of tips and tricks for those looking to bring their personal style to the next level. Bonus points here too, for a presentation that’s worthy of many of the bespoke products sold on the retailer’s website.
Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion
Perfect for the budding menswear aficionado, Dressing the Man focuses on the building blocks of what goes into a good outfit. If you’re shopping for someone who’s always just a few finishing touches away from a great look, this is a great option.
Icons of Men’s Style
A nearly encyclopedic look at some of the most stylish men of all time — and the items that defined them — Josh Sims’s book is an essential purchase for any guy who wants to look like he’s stepping off of a film set or onto a red carpet.
Stan Smith: Some People Think I’m a Shoe
Please read this next sentence in literally the most dramatic movie trailer narration voice you’ve ever heard: If you think you know the whole truth about Stan Smith, think again. Written by the man himself, tennis legend Stan Smith shares his story — one that’s fitting of a shoe that’s become a menswear staple.
The Incomplete: Highsnobiety Guide to Street Fashion and Culture
For anyone who’s wondered just how streetwear and street culture came to dominate the global conversation around fashion, this book is a must. It spotlights the designers, brands and trendsetters who helped streetwear move from, well, the streets and onto the runway.
1000 Tattoos: The Most Creative New Designs from the World’s Leading Up-And-Coming Tattoo Artists
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a new tattoo or just want to appreciate the masterful work of some of the best tattoo artists in the world, this tome has you covered.
