Customer Reviews

Style And The Man

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As other reviewers have noted, this book is really two books. One is a guide to the style of fine men's clothes, the other tells where to buy them. Most people will probably find the style information in the beginning the most useful part.

One reviewer thought that the author left out certain points of view on style issues. It is true, for example, that the author recommends only the four-in-hand tie knot, and not the questionable half-Windsor. I think that he makes a good case for the four-in-hand being better looking, anyway. You certainly won't go wrong following the author's conservative clothing advice.

There is good information on wearing difficult clothes properly, such as the bow tie, handkerchief, etc. The book also describes how to buy clothes and judge their quality.

I think that the style information could be expanded and spun-off into its own book. The shopping information could stand on its own as a travel guide quite well. I would reccommend this book, however. It seems to be the best of its kind.

Flusser is the second best writer on clothes (Boyer is the best) and the most knowledgeable. This is a very good book, whose only shortcoming is a lack of information. The first sections are shorter than I would have liked them, and the subsequent sections, though fascinating reading, are of limited usefulness to anyone who is not a rich globetrotter.

Still, there is a lot of great info in those shop descriptions, but you have to glean it all out. An index would have been welcome.

All told: clothing is about taste, and Flusser's taste is the best in the world, bar none. He has more than earned his position as arbiter of men's dress.

I bought this book a year ago, mainly because of its high ratings. But I was disappointed. I read it once and I found the style of writing outdated and the content not so useful: many addresses where you should buy things, but how useful is that? I don't live nearby these places, and I want to learn WHY you should buy certain things so that I can decide for myself what is good to buy and what not. Such info is given only very briefly.

If you're seeking information on how to tell fine menswear from bad, skip this book and go directly to Flusser's new one.

If you're a would-be dandy looking for information on where to buy men's furnishings around the world, buy the book (with a minor caution). Many of the stores in the U.S. have relocated and some have closed.

On the other hand, I've used it to find choices in London and Paris that I would never have known about otherwise. And once you've made the initial investment in the measurements, you can patronize many of these establishments by telephone.

A number of earlier reviews criticise Flusser for focusing on the finest quality and most expensive clothing in the world. It is, and he does. But for people who do or want to play that game, it's still the best source of information.

A bit dated ( 1996) at this point, but still good. Looking forward to his updated version for Fall 2002.

It's true there's too much of the book devoted to cities most of us will never visit. It's true that his first book (Clothes and the Man) was better. But it's also true that you must have this book for the definitive answer on dressing.

I have numerous other books on style, and almost all of them reference Flusser at one point or another. You have to get the words straight from the horse's mouth. And even the shop reviews are good. You're likely to visit at least *one* of these cities in your life, right? Besides that, in this day and age stores have legs. The analyses of NY Barneys and Brooks Brothers easily translate. If you have any interest in dressing well and classic style, you really need this book above any other. And it looks great on your shelf.

Got to say this book rocks. Flusser writes in detail about all major components of a man's attire. He explains how to recognize a well made shirt, what makes a custom made shoe worthwhile and how to choose the right suit among others. Also others here have commented on the author's choice to include stores to buy fine mens wear as a detriment to the book. I kind of like it. I work in Manhattan and it's nice to have a (biased) view on what stores have what and the general flavor of the store. He of course lists the easily recognizable Madison Ave shops but he does have some select shops that specialize in specic things like shoes, cufflinks etc. Of course all these shops are pricey but some are not totally outrageous. This is not the book for those looking to skimp and save on garments but a book for those who want to be able recognize the best and consequently get a value for their money.

MR.FLUSSER IS A MAN OF STYLE AND CLASSICAL ELEGANCE...

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BOOK WHICH WILL TAKE YOU INTO A JOURNEY AMONG THE BEST - AND MOST EXPENSIVE- BRANDS AND SHOPS OF MEN'SWEAR, DON'T HESITATE BUY IT !

Fashion changes, basic elements of style do not. Flusser's book is a wonderful resource for the style-conscious man in today's professional work environment. The sections on determing quality in suits and shoes and on selecting and purchashing a complementary wardrobe are invaluable. I agree with the other reviewers that the retailer section is of little to no use except to the very wealthy. However, I don't agree that the fitting and wearing sections are short on information. A thinking adult doesn't need to be spoonfed everything. Flusser's book provides a thorough grounding in how to select clothing to make you look good, and the rest is left up to the individual.

While it's true that Flusser's book contains a guide to some of the most expensive menswear in the world, it's silly to downgrade the book for that reason. By telling you about suit construction, Flusser makes it possible to buy good cloths inexpensively by showing you what to look for. Admittedly the second part of this book is a guide to "the best" available, but it's still interesting to read and instructional even if I'll never buy a suit in Milan (and I won't).