Charles Tyrwhitt’s The Modern Gentleman’s Handbook: Gentlemen Are Not Born, They Are Made aims to serve as a roadmap for men seeking to refine their style, manners, and overall presence in the modern world. Blending timeless sartorial advice with practical guidance on etiquette and lifestyle, the book offers a comprehensive toolkit for those striving to embrace the ideals of a modern gentleman. In this review, I’ll explore how well the handbook delivers on its promise, examine its strengths and shortcomings, and consider its relevance to today’s gentlemanly pursuits.
A Walk Through the Handbook: Sections and Insights
Foreword – Sets the tone for the book, introducing the importance of style, etiquette, and the pursuit of gentlemanly refinement in today’s world.
Professional – Explores essential elements of professional attire, including shirts, suits, tailoring, and accessories, to ensure a polished look for the workplace. Containing: Ahead of the Game, The Shirt, The Suit, Tailoring, Ties, Pocket Squares, The Blazer, The Smart Trouser, Shoes, Coats.
Formalities – Covers formal dress codes and etiquette for key life events, such as weddings, funerals, and formal gatherings, with an emphasis on traditional British standards. Containing: An Ode to the Shirt, Formal Dress Codes, Births, Weddings, Deaths, Formal Events.
Grooming – Provides practical advice on maintaining a refined appearance, from shaving and skincare to haircare, fragrances, and the importance of a good night’s sleep. Containing: Keep Up the Routine, Shaving, Beards, Hair, Skincare, Smelling Good, Treatments, Sleep.
Informal – Delivers tips for balancing casual style with gentlemanly elegance, with guidance on jeans, T-shirts, polos, smart casual attire, and navigating informal social events. Containing: Balancing Act, Jeans, T-shirts and Polos, Jumpers, Casual Coats, Casual Shoes, Keeping Cool, Sunglasses, Smart Casual, Informal Events, Private Members’ Clubs.
Polished – Discusses cultivating confidence and charisma, with insights into appreciating fine food, wine, music, books, and accessories like watches to round out a gentleman’s persona. Containing: Confidence and Charisma, Drink, Wine, Foodie, Culture Vulture, Music, Watches, Books, Driving.
Travelling – Offers advice on elegant travel, from choosing the right luggage to proper airport etiquette, being a gracious house guest, and enjoying hotels or the countryside. Containing: Luggage, Airports and Flying, Perfect Protocols, The House Guest, Hotels, The Country.
Sport – Examines the role of sports in a gentleman’s life, from maintaining fitness and participating in sports to spectating and engaging in social aspects of sport gatherings. Containing: Fitness, Sporting Prowess, Spectating, Horseracing, Sporting Society.
Acknowledgements – A brief nod to those who contributed to the creation and inspiration of the book, adding a personal touch to its conclusion.
Strengths of the Handbook: What It Gets Right
At only 256 pages long, this book is a very quick read, so even if you don’t learn a great deal from it, you won’t have wasted a huge amount of time finding out if you will learn from it or not. Personally, I don’t think I did learn anything new, but that doesn’t mean somebody newer to the world of things sartorial and gentlemanly behaviour won’t get a lot from it.
All the standard advice you’d expect to find in a book like this is here, most of which I agree with, but some I do not (every man should own a navy blazer for example) and there was some additional stuff that actually genuinely shocked me (his stance on hoodies for example). There is easily more good than bad though.
A Gentleman’s Disagreements: Points of Contention
My biggest issue with the book is the sports section, liking or disliking sports does not make you a gentleman or not a gentleman, some people like sports, some people don’t anybody in either group may or may not be a gentleman. I see no reason at all to even mention sport in a book like this, let alone dedicate so much space to it.
Epigraphs and Charm: A Light-Hearted Touch
The book is also peppered with amusing epigraphs, like “Style is when they’re running you out of town and you make it look like you’re leading the parade. ~ William Battie”, “There is no iron in the iron you use to iron shirts. which is, ironically, both ironic and un-ironic. ~ Jeremy Irons” and “The only person who acts sensibly is my tailor. he takes my measure anew every time he sees me. everyone else goes by their old measurements. ~ George Bernard Shaw” which are always fun to stumble across.
Final Thoughts: A Gentlemanly Verdict
Overall, The Modern Gentleman’s Handbook is a charming and reasonably informative guide, particularly suited for those new to the world of gentlemanly refinement. While it may not really break new ground for seasoned aficionados, its wit and breadth make it an enjoyable read. Despite its occasional missteps, such as the overemphasis on sport, the book offers plenty of value to those looking to cultivate their style and character in today’s world.