Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

David Coggins Explores How Men Dress and Why in Men and Style

David Coggins
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are a plethora of men’s style books lining the shelves of bookstores around the globe.

Recommended Videos

While some are good and others great, many are just shelf candy – they look good but have a limited depth. This is why David Coggins’ new book,

Men and Style

: Essays, Interviews and Considerations, is a welcome read.

WEST GERMANY – CIRCA 1959: Jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis plays trumpet as he performs onstage in circa 1959 in West Germany. (Photo by Michael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) Image used with permission by copyright holder

While we all pour over lifestyle magazines, blogs and fan boy all over Instagram (#PittiUomo!), Coggins has gone right to the source for his book, the gentleman behind so much of what we see and read in the men’s lifestyle world including gents like:

  • Aaron Levine – vice president of men’s design at Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Frank Muytjens – men’s design director – J. Crew
  • Poggy – fashion director – United Arrows & Sons
  • Nick Sullivan- fashion director Esquire
  • Guy Trebay – chief menswear critic – The New York Times
  • Nick Wooster – fashion director and designer

In short it is equal parts style guide and intriguing conversation about the masculine identity within the world of fashion and explores the history of men’s style from some of the most notable tastemakers in the industry and beyond. As Glenn O’Brien states in the introduction, “…the diversity of expert witnesses here assembled is an excellent thing. It constitutes a demos, a community that welcomes considerable differences while sharing a common goal- in this instance, the practice of life as art.”

Preston Sturges Helping Child Look Through Camera (Photo by John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) Image used with permission by copyright holder

As Coggins explains, “This book is about the mistakes that are an integral part of the path to ultimately getting it right. The lapses in judgment are specific to each of us, but recognizable to all. We’ve all mistakenly worn red suspenders thinking we’re the best dressed one in the room.”

One of our favorite mistakes? Our boy Randy Goldberg (co-founder of Pop Up Flea and Bombas): I have a picture with Sandra Day O’Connor, and I’m wearing purple jeans and a really ugly rugby shirt. It probably came from Structure. I can’t show the photograph to anybody.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

As for the author, David Coggins is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Esquire, Kinfolk, Man of the World, Interview, and The Wall Street Journal. He is a contributing editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a regular contributor to the men’s style website A Continuous Lean. And from personal experience, he is a very thorough and amusing drinker, a talent we applaud.

Mr. David Coggins Image used with permission by copyright holder
Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
The L’Aventure Marine Type 3 Chronometer masters land and sea
A 200m water-resistant chronometer with heritage styling, the Marine Type 3 is a diver’s watch with timeless appeal.
LAVENTURE MARINE TYPE 3

The L’Aventure Marine Type 3 Chronometer has thrown its hat into the sea of contenders, meticulously crafted to honor mid-century horology and redesigned for the modern watch aficionado. With a vintage design and masterful engineering, this timepiece merges the gap between classic elegance and contemporary performance.

Designed for the serious collectors who place a high value on both heritage and innovation, the Marine Type 3 features a gradient blue dial inspired by the ocean, paired with vintage luminescent markers for optimal readability. The sleek, tapered lugs offer a comfortable fit, whether on a rugged NATO strap or an elegant leather band. This watch tells time and a story of adventure and timeless craftsmanship.

Read more
I ran 50 miles on roads and trails—how the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 performed
Is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 the only running shoe you need?
Craft Nordlite Ultra 2

When it comes to shoes, runners have almost too many choices. There are daily trainers, speed shoes, trail shoes, plated racers, and more. High-end models start around $150, so building up a “quiver” of footwear requires $300, $450, or more. That can make the simple, refreshing act of running an expensive hobby.

However, some manufacturers produce road-to-trail shoes that can handle both roads and trails, as well as everything in between. One such model is the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2, which features a supercritical midsole and a lugged outsole. I tested it on the roads and trails of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to answer the question: Is this the only running shoe you need? Read on for my take.

Read more
From Malibu to Porto Cervo, Armani x Kith goes full coastal luxe
Kith, Armani debut a summer-ready collection
man wearing kith x armani tee shirt

When Kith and Giorgio Armani released their first collection together for Fall/Winter 2024, there was no doubt that both brands had nailed the concept of a luxury partnership. Now the two brands are joining forces once more to bring this same luxury feel to the summertime with the second installment of their collaboration. Meant to bridge the luxury of Italy and the modern sophistication of New York, this new collection is ready for wherever the summer may take you. Whether you’re hitting the Italian coast or the streets of New York, this collection embodies the summer of your dreams and an aspirational lifestyle. Besides featuring a series of stylish silhouettes and styles, this collection is also made to be sensible to withstand the summer in Europe or the United States. 

Giorgio Armani and Kith go global with new collection

Read more