How to Read a Suit

A reminder that even the most devil-may-care of modern male dressers is out-fopped by his antecedents. * Anna Murphy, The Times *
Another excellent resource from Lydia Edwards, indispensable both to the fashion history novice and expert alike. * Amber Butchart, fashion historian, author and broadcaster *
Lavishly illustrated [and] wonderfully researched … the ‘How to Read’ series of books are perfect research guides for students, researchers and anyone with an interest in historical fashion. * Costume Society UK *
A fascinating tome that examines changes in men's fashion in a vibrant and visually striking way ... From the styles of political movements in the French Revolution to the famous 'Palm Beach' suits of America in the 1930s, this is a rich and extensive study of the suit and men's fashion. * All About History *
Fans of historical fiction and period dramas will gain new insights into their favorite characters by learning how "clothes make the man" … Collections covering Western culture, fashion, and costume design will want to add this title to this season’s collections. * Booklist *
What I enjoyed most was the range of examples included in the book. I thought Edwards did an amazing job selecting and managing disparate sources of inspiration ... this was a terrific book and would serve as an excellent reference for anyone studying or designing menswear and as well as anyone interested in the history of menswear. * Critical Studies in Men's Fashion *
How to Read a Suit provides an easy-to-read guide to the history behind subject that is glazed over most of the Edwards, walks the reader chronologically through the history of seventeenth to twentieth century. * The Journal of Dress History *
Fun to read. * Hasty Book List *
Once again, Lydia Edwards refines centuries of costume history into its most essential elements, capturing the subtle markers of masculinity in an accessible and engaging manner. This book is not only a delightful sequel to How to Read a Dress, but an essential text for any library and also makes a helpful companion to The Dress Detective. * Ingrid Mida, Curator, Dress Historian and Author *
Lydia Edwards' superb choice of illustrations, and excellent analysis, make this book an essential complement to How to Read a Dress. Men's clothing, so often ignored, is here given its rightful place in costume history. * Jean Druesedow, Kent State University Museum, USA *
The idea that men ever renounced fashion is eloquently disproved by this book. Packed with images of sartorial splendour, it is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in the male wardrobe. * Cally Blackman, Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, UK *