Esquire’s Big Black Book vs. GQ’s Style Manual

Battle of the Style Guides – Via Image Granted LLC

Most of us either get Esquire, GQ, or both.  And for the last few years, Esquire has bi-annually published their “Big Black Book,” which is their guide to everything style related.  Think of it as a double issue, without any of that pesky journalism inside.  Almost 200 pages (a lot of it advertising) with Esquire’s take on what you should wear, just about anywhere, at just about any time.

GQ finally got smart this year and decided that they should offer their own competing style guide.  They are, (at least in my opinion) the publication that focuses more on clothes, shoes, and accessories, while Esquire is a more well rounded grown up Men’s interest rag.

Grant Harris, the head of Image Granted LLC stumbled across the new GQ Style Guide while attempting to pick up Esquire’s latest edition of the BBB.  His breakdown of each is a must read for anyone considering shelling out the $10 to $15 to pick one of these up.  He even declares a winner at the end.  Give it a look, and may the best style guide win.

(Thanks to Jeff H. for the tip.  And thanks to Grant Harris for giving the a-okay to link to his review.  If you’re still undecided about which guide to go with after reading his breakdown, go with Esquire’s BBB.  It’s bigger, cheaper, and the GQ version seems to re-purpose their photos from the past year of issues.)