Best Men’s Lifestyle Magazines: Style, Culture and Success Combined

If you’re looking for a good men’s lifestyle magazine—one that covers style, culture, success, and real‑life living in the UK—you’re in the right place. I’ve pulled together a list of top magazines, added my personal takes and practical thoughts, and shown how you can pick the one that fits you. No fluff, just what works.

Why read a men’s lifestyle magazine today?

Magazines can still be worth your time. My housemate once said:

“I like a magazine I can pick up, read in 15 minutes, feel a bit inspired and put down without feeling guilty.”

Here’s why picking one may be a good move:

• Focus: They bring curated style, grooming, culture advice—less noise than scrolling social media.
• Pause: A print edition gives you a break from screens. My own experience: reading in the bath (yes, responsibly!) felt like a mini recharge.
• Inspiration + practical tips: Good mags don’t just show outfits—they show you how to wear them, how to build habits, how to think.
• Community and moment‑in‑time: They capture what’s trending but also reflect where you are in life.

Top 6 men’s lifestyle magazines worth your time in the UK

I’ll list six standout titles (rather than a long list) and what makes each one distinct. Then I’ll give you tips on how to pick the right one.

1. GQ (UK)

What it covers: Style, grooming, culture, tech, motoring, arts. According to the app description it includes “style, sport, health, humour, politics, music… the modern man’s guide”. (App Store)

Why it’s good:

• Broad appeal: if you want something for “everything” (style + culture + lifestyle) this is a strong pick.
• Digital + print options: so if you prefer reading on screen or on the go, you’re covered.
• Real‑life experience: I found reading an issue helped me spot pieces I wouldn’t normally read—e.g., a feature on watch collection led me to think differently about my “every‑day” watch.

Best for: Men who want to stay current, mix style with culture, and don’t mind a little premium cost.

2. Esquire (UK)

What it covers: Described as “Britain’s most stylish, sophisticated and substantial men’s magazine … Style, culture, sport, cars, gadgets, food, humour, travel.” (App Store)

Why it’s good:

• More “culture” oriented: If you like style but also want deeper reads—travel, interviews, luxury, success stories.
• My tip: It feels like the “slower read” of the two above—less about weekly trend, more about building a mindset/style.
• Story‑wise: I picked up a copy and kept one article for a whole week (rare for me) because it sparked thinking about how I dress for work vs weekend.

Best for: Men who want style + substance, and are prepared to invest a little time reading.

3. Men’s Health (UK)

What it covers: Fitness, health, relationships, nutrition, also style and grooming. UK edition launched in 1995. (Wikipedia)

Why it’s good:

• If you’re looking to improve your health/fitness and style in parallel, this gives a good combo.
• Real‑life note: I used an article from one issue to switch up my workout routine and saved myself a few gym‑sessions by trying their “at home” variation.
• It’s practical: less about high fashion, more about better habits, better body, better everyday.

Best for: Men who want to be fitter, healthier, and more confident in style / life.

4. The Rake

What it covers: Luxury men’s lifestyle, classic style, craftsmanship, watches, tailored clothing. Based in London. (Wikipedia)

Why it’s good:

• If your style lean is “timeless”, “classic”, “quality over quantity”, then this magazine fits.
• My experience: I picked up an issue at an airport once, and it felt more like a book than a magazine—great for thinking about style differently.
• It’s aspirational, but not shallow—there are real articles about making investment pieces, quality full stop.

Best for: Men with interest in tailored clothing, true style rather than trend‑chasing, and who appreciate quality.

5. FQ Magazine

What it covers: A UK magazine aimed at men whose lifestyles have changed (new dads, single fathers) but still into fashion, gadgets, cars. (Wikipedia)

Why it’s good:

• Niche but valuable: If your life stage is “recently changed” (children, more responsibilities) and you still want style & lifestyle, this hits a good balance.
• Personal story: A friend who became a dad picked this up and said “I get tips about gadgets and style but also stuff about juggling dad life” — felt tailored to what he was going through.
• It reminds you that lifestyle isn’t just sport+girls+fashion, it’s about real life and evolving.

Best for: Men who have shifted life stage and want a style/lifestyle magazine aligned to where they now are.

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6. Calibre Magazine

What it covers: Lifestyle magazine aimed at affluent, mature men in the UK; lifestyle, technology, culture, travel, money. (Hurst Media Company)

Why it’s good:

• If you’re in your 40s, 50s or more, or just want content that feels mature rather than youthful chasing trends.
• Real‑life note: I picked this up at a train station and enjoyed the “travel” + “money” feature more than I expected.
• It’s less flashy, more thoughtful.

Best for: Men who want style + content that matches where they are in life (not just youth culture).

How to choose the right magazine for you

Here are some questions + tips to help you zero‑in on one (or two) magazines that will actually get read (not just sit on a shelf).

Ask yourself:

• What’s my priority right now? (Style? Health? Culture? Success?)
• What’s my life stage? (Single / career focus / dad / mature)
• How much time do I have for reading? (Quick flip through or longer reads?)
• Print or digital? (Commute, airport lounge, tablet at home?)
• How much am I willing to spend? (Premium mags cost more)

My personal “comfort test”:

• When I pick it up, do I feel like “Ah yes—I recognise myself here”?
• Do I read more than 1‑2 pages before I set it down? If not, maybe the tone isn’t me.
• Do I finish the issue before the next one lands? If I don’t, it’s not engaged me enough.
• Is there one article I’ll keep (tear out or bookmark digitally) to revisit? That’s a good sign.

Tips:

• Try a single issue first (many offer legal single‑copy purchase) before subscribing.
• Consider the digital edition if you travel/commute—most of these magazines offer apps.
• Use the magazine as a trigger: Maybe pick one “action” from each issue (e.g., try a grooming tip, buy one quality item recommended, read a recommended book).
• Don’t treat it purely as aspirational—pick one that gives you habits, not just wish‑lists.

My personal top‑2 picks & why

If I were to subscribe now, I would choose:

1. GQ UK – because it covers most bases (style, culture, lifestyle) and I want something current.
2. The Rake – because I’m in a place where I’m leaning more into quality, investment, crafted style rather than fast fashion.

Why these? Because they align with where I am: mixing career + lifestyle + style, and focusing on durable rather than trendy.

Final thoughts

Magazines may feel “old‑school” but the right one can still be a strong companion in your lifestyle: a kind of mentor, inspiration board and relaxation tool in one. The key is choosing one that aligns with where you are, reading it, and acting on it. Style + culture + success aren’t just about what you wear—they’re about how you live.

If you pick one of the six above (or any others that match you), give it 2‑3 issues and see if you look forward to the next one. If yes—stick with it. If no—swap for another.

Would you like me to pull together a wider list of 10‑15 men’s magazines UK (including more niche/indie titles) with brief “what makes each unique” so you have more options?