Best Men's Grooming & Style Books of 2026

Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style is a remarkable book that explores how Black culture reinvented and subverted the Ivy Look. It features famous and not so famous figures in Black culture, such as Amiri Baraka, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin, and shows how they redefined the dominant looks of the time. Through the lenses of some of America's finest photographers and image-makers, this book celebrates how great style always wins, regardless of the odds. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in fashion history and the influence of Black culture on American style.

Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion by Alan Flusser is a comprehensive guide that helps men dress well and look stylish without becoming fashion victims. Flusser emphasizes the importance of proportion and color, and how to personalize these elements for each individual's physical traits. The book covers various dressing options, from casual to formalwear, and includes vintage photographs of stylishly dressed men. Overall, Dressing the Man is a must-read for any man who wants to develop an enduring style of dress that is tailored to his physique and complexion.

The Official John Wayne Handy Book for Men is a must-read for any man who wants to become more self-sufficient and honorable. The book is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, including essential skills like tying a tie, throwing a punch, and building a fire. It also covers more esoteric arts of the male repertoire, such as talking to women and raising children. The book is well-illustrated with line drawings and photos of John Wayne in action. Overall, this book is an excellent guide for men who want to live their lives with confidence, grit, and style.

Esquire The Handbook of Style is a comprehensive guide for men who seek to improve their fashion sense. The book covers every aspect of a man's wardrobe, from suits and shirts to shoes and accessories. The authors provide useful advice on how to dress appropriately for different occasions, how to tie a tie, and how to groom oneself. The book is highly illustrated and written with Esquire's trademark humor. It is a must-have for any fashion-conscious man who wants to look good and feel confident. Overall, this book is a sophisticated accessory and a style bible that every well-dressed man should own.

Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne is a book that reintroduces Jack's message of health and fitness to a new generation. Co-authored by Elaine LaLanne and Greg Justice, the book is filled with Jack's beliefs in mind power, overcoming obstacles, visualization, motivation, humor, exercise, and nutrition. In addition, the book features a family scrapbook and stories from people who were inspired by Jack. Overall, the book is a great read for anyone interested in the history of fitness and the impact Jack LaLanne had on the industry.

The POLYNESIAN TATTOO Handbook Vol.2 delivers an extensive study of Polynesian tattoos, their foundational symbols, and the reasoning behind their assembly. It is a practical guide that unpacks the five main Polynesian styles and over 400 symbols and variants, fully illustrated with more than 550 images. The book includes 15 original tattoos that are deconstructed, revealing their basic elements and thoroughly explained. This resource is perfect for those looking to get a Polynesian tattoo or those who already have one and want to understand its meanings. The unique approach of breaking down the tattoos into their main parts is a standout feature of this book.

"Style and the Man" by Alan Flusser is a must-read for any man who wants to invest in quality and long-lasting clothes. Flusser, one of America's foremost menswear designers, shares his expertise and knowledge on everything from good taste to great style and where to find it around the world. The book is filled with historical references, engaging prose, and anecdotal asides that make it a great read. Flusser's unique personal style and encyclopedic knowledge of men's clothing make this book stand out from the rest. Overall, "Style and the Man" is an indispensable guide for any man looking to elevate his fashion game.

Esquire Dress Code is a comprehensive guide to dressing for men, covering wardrobe essentials, investment pieces, and selecting the perfect suit. With helpful tips on how to dress for every stage of life, this visually bold book is perfect for anyone looking to achieve a personal style. The book includes inspiring photos of style icons and historical asides to give readers more context. This guide will help the discerning consumer work a foundation for tried-and-true looks, making it a valuable addition to any fashion lover's library.

The POLYNESIAN TATTOO Handbook is a practical guide for creating Polynesian tattoos, providing clear explanations of traditional symbols and meanings. It includes a quick reference dictionary, basics of element placement, and step-by-step creation processes. The book also features deconstructed tattoo examples and case studies, making it perfect for those wanting to create their first tattoo or learn more about its meanings. The author, Roberto Gemori, is a Polynesian tattoo artist and founder of the website TattooTribes. The book is beautifully crafted and includes a PDF version. Overall, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Polynesian body art.