100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

Icons of Men's Style mini

Series: Pocket Editions
4.04 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 188 ratings, 13 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Icons of Men's Style mini explores the origins and evolution of key garments that define men’s fashion. Author Josh Sims traces how items like the T-shirt, originally created for US Navy personnel, have transitioned from specialised use to iconic wardrobe staples. The book delves into the history, design stories, and enduring influence of the brands behind these timeless pieces, revealing how menswear has gradually evolved over time.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4900

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in fashion history, menswear aficionados, and those curious about the cultural significance embedded in everyday clothing items.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Mini edition of bestselling title

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Icons of Men's Style mini by Josh Sims examines how menswear evolves over time, unlike womenswear, which progresses rapidly as women readily embrace the radical or outrageous. In contrast, menswear evolves slowly, often based on items that were ‘first of their kind’. These definitive items, frequently designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, form the basis for all subsequent versions and have become collector's items in the vintage market.

The T-shirt, originally an everyday item, exemplifies this evolution. It was created by the American company Hanes for US Navy personnel at the turn of the 20th century and was later adopted by sportsmen and bikers. Many other garments were initially designed for sport, farm work, or protection before becoming part of everyday wear.

Icons of Men's Style mini takes a garment-by-garment approach to explore the most significant and iconic products in menswear. It delves into their provenance and history, the stories behind their design, the brands or companies that initiated them, and how these items have shaped the way men dress today.

Series: Pocket Editions

View all
  • 100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design
    100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne is an essential addition to any graphic designer's library, offering an in-depth exploration of the pivotal concepts that have shaped the field of graphic design over the past century. This richly illustrated book delves into the historical and cultural contexts behind seminal ideas, techniques, and tools that have...
    Paperback
    $4999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Fashion in Film
    A beautiful compendium of famous fashion designers, their gorgeous creations and the film stars that wore them. Fashion designers have been involved in movies since the early days of cinema. The result is some of the most eye-catching and influential costumes ever committed to film, from Ralph Lauren's trend-setting masculine style for Diane Keaton in Annie Hall to Audrey Hepburn's...
    Paperback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Logotype
    Logotype mini is the definitive modern collection of logotypes, monograms and other text-based corporate marks. Featuring more than 1,300 international typographic identities by around 250 design studios, this is an indispensable handbook for every design studio, providing a valuable resource to draw on in branding and corporate identity projects. The book is truly international and features the world’s outstanding identity...
    Paperback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Symbol
    Symbols play an integral role in almost all branding programmes. This book explores the visual language of symbols according to their most basic element: form. Over 1,300 symbols from all over the world are included. These are organised into groups and sub-groups according to their visual characteristics, and are indexed by sector, designer and client. Case studies of classic symbols...
    Paperback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Icons of Men's Style mini
    Icons of Men's Style mini by Josh Sims examines how menswear evolves over time, unlike womenswear, which progresses rapidly as women readily embrace the radical or outrageous. In contrast, menswear evolves slowly, often based on items that were ‘first of their kind’. These definitive items, frequently designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, form the basis for...
    Paperback
    $4900
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Vintage Menswear
    Classic workwear, sports and military clothing in a new mini format. Curated by connoisseurs of vintage clothing, the Vintage Showroom is a vast collection of rare 20th-century pieces that fashion designers and stylists pay to view, using the cut and detailing of individual garments as inspiration for their own work. Offering one-of-a-kind access, Vintage Menswear now makes this unique resource...
    Hardback
    $5500
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • 100 Ideas that Changed Fashion
    Charting the movements, developments and ideas that transformed the way women dress, this book gives a unique perspective on the history of twentieth-century fashion. From the invention of the bias cut and the stiletto heel to the designers who changed the way we think about clothes, the book is entertaining, intelligent and a visual feast. 100 Ideas that Changed Fashion...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Pattern Sourcebook
    This book is aimed at anyone with an interest in surface design and pattern, whether they are students, hobbyists or professionals. Over 350 images from the last 100 years are presented with informative captions, ordered aesthetically to create a pleasing visual impression whereby contemporary images are displayed next to historical images. The images are drawn from a wide variety of...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • 100 Ideas that Changed Art
    A concise and accessible pocket guide to the forces that have shaped world art. Provides a compelling look at the ideas that have changed art through the millennia. Compiled as a mix of beautiful images and informational text, this book covers the history of art in an innovative way. Illustrated with historical masterpieces and packed with fascinating contemporary examples, it...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780677828

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 January 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Laurence King Publishing

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 158.0mm

Height: 224.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Josh Sims is a UK-based freelance style writer, contributing to The Financial Times, Esquire, GQ, Wallpaper* and i-D. He is also the author of Cult Streetwear, Vintage Menswear, 100 Ideas that Changed Street Style and The Details.

Also by Josh Sims

View all
  • Icons of Style
    Behind nearly every item in the modern wardrobe is a first of its kind – the definitive item, often designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, on which all subsequent versions have been based. Originals of these items are now collector's items in the booming vintage market. The T-shirt, for example, may now be an innocuous, everyday...
    Paperback
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Little Book of Rolex
    Exquisite, timeless and enduring, Rolex is one of the most recognisable and sought-after luxury watch brands in the world. Established in 1905, the British-founded Swiss designer and manufacturer, Rolex, revolutionised the watchmaking industry with ground-breaking and innovative designs that continue to dominate worldwide. From the Oyster and Explorer to the Daytona and Submariner, Little Book of Rolex tells the complete...
    Hardback
    $3499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Retro Watches
    An accessible, design-savvy collector's guide to the world of unusual, rare and dazzlingly retro watches. Retro Watches is a popular, accessible collector's guide for anyone who wishes to make a statement with the watch they wear, opting for a timepiece that is distinct from the 'classic' and mainstream models by major Swiss brands. This book brings together the most intriguing,...
    Paperback
    $4199
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • A Pocket Guide to Vans
    In this illustrated guide, bestselling style writer Josh Sims explores the Vans phenomenon from the brand's overnight success, thanks to Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, to its status as a style staple worn by the diverse likes of Justin Bieber and Iron Maiden. The shoes are beloved for their superior grip and endlessly customisable designs. And like...
    Hardback
    $3999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Little Book of Patek Philippe
    There is one brand that is immediately recognized as the last word in luxury Swiss watchmaking - Patek Philippe.For over 180 years, the watchmaker has been creating some of the most sought-after, finely crafted and innovative models in the luxury watch market. From its origins in Geneva as an artisan business to its position today as a brand of global...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • A Pocket Guide to Adidas
    Discover the legendary story of Adidas, where three signature stripes took the globe by storm. In this compact guide, style writer Josh Sims delves into the incredible journey of one of the most iconic brands in the world today. From a small town in Germany to a symbol of quality, performance and cutting-edge design, Adidas' rise is nothing short of...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • A Pocket Guide to Nike
    Discover the legendary story of Nike, where innovation and a signature swoosh took the world by storm. In this illustrated guide, style writer Josh Sims explores the rise of the world's biggest sportswear company from its humble beginnings in Oregon to global fashion monolith. Featuring all of Nike's most iconic designs, highlighting their industry-defining innovations and pop-culture influence, A Pocket...
    Hardback
    $3499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Little Book of Watches
    Pre-order
    The Little Book of Watches
    The Little Book of Watches is your pocket guide to the world of horology, diving into the stories behind legendary pieces by iconic designers like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, and Omega. Beginning with an introduction to the history and technological development of watches, the book contains profiles of all the most iconic timepieces, from early pioneering models to groundbreaking...
    Hardback
    $3999
    Pre-order
    Out 22 Sep 2026
  • Vintage Menswear
    Classic workwear, sports and military clothing in a new mini format. Curated by connoisseurs of vintage clothing, the Vintage Showroom is a vast collection of rare 20th-century pieces that fashion designers and stylists pay to view, using the cut and detailing of individual garments as inspiration for their own work. Offering one-of-a-kind access, Vintage Menswear now makes this unique resource...
    Hardback
    $5500
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • Gentlemen of Style
    There is no age limit on great style. Gentlemen of Style is your front-row seat to the effortlessly cool, endlessly inspiring world of men over 40 who prove that looking sharp only gets better with time. Exploring the iconic style of 60 modern gentlemen, including Samuel L. Jackson, Johnny Cash, Paul Weller, Jeff Goldblum, and many more, discover how clothes...
    Hardback
    $7500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Icons of Women's Style
    Behind nearly every item in the feminine wardrobe, there is a first of its kind that has spawned countless others. While the definitive example—often created by a single designer—has achieved icon status, its various reinterpretations, season after season, have become fashion staples. Take Coco Chanel's short, simple black dress first published in American Vogue in 1926, for instance. Vogue predicted...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5500
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    Available
    Ships in 1 week
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    New Release
    Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • They Bloom Because of You
    Bestselling author and Instagram sensation Jessica Urlichs returns with a new collection of beautifully observed poems about the ever-evolving journey of motherhood - the hard, the magic and the fleeting. ‘A raw and honest read that makes you feel seen and understood in a way that will bring you to tears.’ - Hilary Swank ‘A book to keep close and...
    Paperback
    $3000
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Leaves of Grass
    A collectible new Penguin Classics series offers beautiful, slim, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets. In 1855, Walt Whitman published his first collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass. The volume received great praise from leading Transcendentalist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. This encouragement led to what would become a lifelong project, as Whitman expanded and rewrote the volume until his death...
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Great Writers and the Cats who Owned Them
    Throughout history, cats and writers have bonded together in a magical combination of comfort, companionship and inspiration. The famous authors featured here range from Samuel Johnson, whose cat Hodge dined on oysters, and Edward Lear, whose charismatic cat Foss was missing half his tail, to Margaret Mitchell, L. M. Montgomery and Dorothy L. Sayers, who rescued her kitten Blitz from...
    Hardback
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Beautiful Chaos
    The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller Selected poems from bestselling author and Instagram poet, Jessica Urlichs. 'These words awaken the magic of life by celebrating the ordinary.' - Giovanna Fletcher Motherhood is messy and beautiful, and hard and humbling. We adore our children and sometimes we miss ourselves. Beautiful Chaos is a collection of raw, honest poems about motherhood, capturing everything...
    Paperback
    $2900
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • To the Women - The New Collection of Wise Words Every Woman Needs
    THE COMPLETELY UPDATED COLLECTION WITH OVER 70 BRAND NEW POEMS, FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF WILD HOPE AND WORDS TO LIVE BY 'Amazing . . . Donna's words speak to my heart' Davina McCall To the Women is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and joy of being a woman. A love letter to our deep capacity...
    Hardback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour
    The creative journey continues with Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour by Keri Smith, the latest and most vibrant edition of the groundbreaking series that redefined journaling. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this edition brings the playful destructiveness of the original to life in dazzling full colour, adding a dynamic new dimension to the beloved prompts. Whether you're a seasoned Wreck-er,...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Thousand Feasts
    THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER From award-winning writer Nigel Slater, comes a new and exquisitely written collection of notes, memoir, stories and small moments of joy. 'Nigel Slater’s prose is the rarest delicacy of all: exquisite yet effortless, filled with heart, tenderness, yearning and humour' ELIZABETH DAY For years, Nigel Slater has kept notebooks of curiosities and wonderings, penned...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Odyssey
    The Odyssey by Homer is a monumental epic that has enthralled readers for centuries with its rich tapestry of adventure and human struggle. It chronicles the perilous journey of Odysseus, the cunning King of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the fall of Troy. During this ten-year odyssey, Odysseus confronts myriad dangers, both natural and supernatural, that test...
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Deliver Me from Nowhere (Movie Tie-In)
    An updated movie tie-in edition of the fascinating story behind the making of Bruce Springsteen's most surprising album, Nebraska, and its pivotal role in the rock legend's career. The inspiration for the major motion picture starring Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong. The fascinating story behind the making of Bruce Springsteen's most surprising album, Nebraska, revealing its pivotal role in...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.