Customer Reviews

The Elegant Man: How to Construct the Ideal Wardrobe

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For students of all things sartorial, who have progressed beyond the basic primers offered by Flusser, Boyer, and others, "The Elegant Man" is a must have. While the book is by no means perfect (none of the current available crop of men's clothing treatises are), it is the only widely available work that examines areas such as fabric type with anything besides a cursory glance. If you are an MBA grad still trying to figure out what suit to wear to an interview, or a "Dress for Success" type, then this probably isn't the book for you; however, if you have read Flusser and Boyer's books, and want to learn a little more, then I think you might enjoy the level of detail and more narrowly focused viewpoint provided by "The Elegant Man".

The best thing about this book is the plethora of photos. Far too many books on men's fashion seem to think the reader already knows the difference between houndstooth and herringbone, faille and gabardine, madras and fustian. While I think they go into a little TOO much detail about how the various materials are made (and not enough detail telling you how to recognize the difference between quality and junk), it is does offer a dimension that is lacking in other books of this sort.

However, other than the abundance of pictures there isn't a lot to recommend this book. They don't actually show you how to construct the ideal wardrobe. They don't walk you through purchasing things step by step. If I don't have $20,000 to buy a brand new wardrobe what ONE thing should I start with?

Finally, their sense of style is dubious. They refer to knickerbockers as "indispensable". Knickerbockers? When was the last time you saw anyone wearing those? Where would I even buy them if I wanted them?

This is a highly recommendable book that would be of greatest benefit for the more advanced reader with an interest in looking elegant in a suit. It is exceptionally well illustrated and is the sort of book that can help make or break you as far as your presentability goes. Needless to say, the style tips here are entirely of the classical sort that remain perfectly current despite the fact that this was published as long ago as 1990.

The main question for most readers would be whether to go for this or for 'Dressing the Man' by Allan Flusser. Fortunately, what you find here is perfectly complementary to Flusser, who admittedly has the advantage of starting from simpler basics and explaining these well to the beginner. A total novice may find the comprehensive review of different suit/blazer fabric types in this book to be a bit overwhelming, but for the reader who has grasped the basics this is the perfect book to help further his knowledge and taste. Whoever might have been left suspicious that Flusser may be keeping the finer points about suit styles a well guarded professional secret would probably find this book the logical next step to go on and further his knowledge and taste.

It should be kept in mind that this book concentrates exclusively on suits and blazers. Allan Flusser's `Dressing the Man' is far better when it comes to showing the reader how to coordinate the suit with tie, shirt and to some degree shoes - though even then Flusser emphasis is still on the suit. Arguably, the most encyclopaedic and balanced overview of all of the basics can be found in Bernhard Roetzel's book 'Gentleman'. However, more advanced readers who are familiar with these other authors will definitely want to add this book to their collection.

This book gave me excellent photos for reference. I use this book to put my outfits together, you dont have to buy all the expensive clothes... just mix and match vintage and new together for a sleek look.

This is an odd book, and I couldn't quite make sense of it when I got it. It does not really contain applicable advice like A.F.'s books, although it contains occasional detail not found in other places (such as the descriptions of various textiles). It overemphasizes certain styles, and in general it leaves the impression of being eccentric and a little dated. I am glad I purchased it, but if I had just been trying to figure how to actually construct a wearable wardrobe, I would regard it as a wasted purchase.

Owned this book since it was first published but lost it in moving, which really stinks! I've had to buy a second-hand edition because it was a constant reference for me, especially when I tried ironing my shirts and pants but ended up ironing my hands.
This is truly a classic book and while its recommendations may not be exactly in line with modern American men's fashion, it will not disappoint in the long term.

I have owned this book since 1993. As a clothier, I have found it to be a good resource for reference.

There are similar books, such as Allen Flusser's book, Clothes and the Man, which are more interesting to read, but The Elegant Man provides technical detail others don't. The photography is useful, both in identifying different cloths and for study of less familiar styles, such as the Norfolk jacket on pg. 164 or the "Rules of the Tail Coat" on pg.144.

In my study, this books sits on the shelf between Clothes and the Man and Business Class. I consider it indispensible.

I first saw this in our library, and was so happy to find it on here. This not only gives you a visual aide to the different cuts of a man's clothing, but also the fabric, style, and more.
It gives history to each garment, as well as understanding of what each jacket form is used for.
I'd say this book is a great reference for fashion, personal attire, resource to those who write novels, to even the consumer to finding the best attire.
Well worth purchasing it.