History of Men's Fashion

Book excerpt: “Anyone aiming for timeless elegance, rather than temporary chic, will benefit from Storey’s authoritative, but readable book.” —Esquire Everything you ever wanted to know about men’s clothing—and so much more—from the exact hour Nelson lost his right eye to the type of palm needed for a Panama hat, what Cary Grant’s tailor had to do to his shoulders—and those all-important questions of what to where, when and why, including when to wear a bow tie (surely never is the only answer?). A quirky book full of facts that you never realised you needed to know, including the exact thickness of animal hair used to create must-have fashion items, including suits. Provocative, and controversial at times but always very well dressed. “Mr. Storey, a barrister, offers a compendium of correct garments for all occasions, plus the best places to bespeak them, as well as anecdotes from films, books, royalty, and the beau monde . . . He solves every quandary, from proper ‘full-fig’ (white tie) to the right (grey) topper for Ascot, to where to get and wear tweed. It is all here. Hats off.” —Country Life “Leaders of fashion all share one thing in common: a discerning penchant for the English sartorial standard. This book covers all the main areas rather well, just how Beau Brummell would have specified.” —Maxim “Pokes gentle fun at men’s fashions through the last two centuries . . . This is popular history at its very best, amusing, entertaining, enlightening, and very, very funny . . . It’s a brilliant book!” —Books Monthly