Seven years ago, as the new editor of this publication, my team and I embarked on a mission to refresh our guidance for readers. We aimed to redefine \"service journalism,\" moving beyond rigid directives on how men should dress, behave, or pursue success. The goal was to dismantle the antiquated notion that GQ prescribed a singular ideal of a stylish man, which all readers must conform to in order to achieve professional advancement, romantic success, or social acceptance. A clear understanding emerged among the new generation: true individuality thrives outside such confined definitions of masculinity. This realization ushered in a bold era of self-determination, epitomized by our November 2019 issue, which celebrated \"The New Masculinity\" as a guiding principle for our editorial direction. This transformative shift occurred amidst the fervent #MeToo movement, a period of justified societal outrage over long-tolerated misogynistic behaviors. As a men's publication, we chose to embrace this moment not as a challenge to evade, but as an opportunity to lead. Our commitment was demonstrated by featuring Pharrell Williams on the cover, adorned in a striking yellow puffer gown, underscoring our theme: “An Exploration of Identity, Culture, and Style in 2019.”
Exploring the Dynamic Shifts in Modern Manhood: A Deep Dive into GQ's 2025 Report
Rather than dictating norms, the revamped GQ sought to empower men to discover their own interpretations of self. The 2019 issue functioned as a vibrant showcase, celebrating the diverse, non-traditional expressions of masculinity emerging from various subcultures and gaining widespread popularity. This approach, free from rigid expectations, immediately resonated, reaffirming GQ's place at the forefront of cultural discourse.Fast forward to 2025, amidst a politically turbulent landscape marked by a second presidential administration, a feeling of disarray prevails. There's a persistent narrative in op-ed pieces, almost daily, suggesting a regression to an outdated form of masculinity—the idea that \"men can be men again.\" This perspective is notably championed by figures like JD Vance and Mark Zuckerberg, intelligent individuals whose cultural insights, however, are often questionable. Simultaneously, there's a prevailing belief that Generation Z is a lost generation, and that controversial figures like Andrew Tate exert undue influence over young men. My response to such notions is a resounding dismissal. The fundamental essence of the New Masculinity movement lies in its rejection of the idea that masculinity is a simple pendulum swinging between \"toxic\" and \"woke.\" However, a peculiar and somewhat tragic aspect of human nature is our discomfort with excessive freedom. The liberating concept of New Masculinity—that men need not adhere to tired, old tropes, but can instead cultivate their most authentic selves—demands significant self-awareness and self-determination. In essence, it requires substantial inner work, which for many men, proves to be the most challenging endeavor. While some men readily embrace this journey, demonstrating levels of self-expression and embodiment unimaginable in previous generations (as exemplified by 2hollis, featured in this issue), others struggle. Consequently, with traditional guidelines dismantled and many men adrift without clear norms, we find ourselves in a perceived \"crisis of masculinity.\" This intersects with the chaotic modern political and media environment, where objective truth is often dismissed as conspiracy, personal biology is subject to \"biohacking,\" and the omnipresent algorithm reigns supreme. The promise of New Masculinity offered liberation, perhaps even salvation, but has instead devolved into a state akin to the Tower of Babel. Into this uncertain climate, we introduce the latest issue of GQ—a spiritual successor to our seminal 2019 New Masculinity edition. This issue addresses pivotal questions: How has masculinity evolved or devolved over the past six years? How do men perceive it? What are their anxieties and hopes? And, fundamentally, what should it mean to be a man today? Our contribution is a special GQ report: \"The State of the American Male in 2025.\" Through diverse storytelling, we delve into the triumphs and tribulations of contemporary masculinity. We investigate the impact of plastic surgeons and podcasters on masculine body ideals, and we present findings from a survey of 1,929 American men, tracking shifts in attitudes and preferences since 2019. We engage with Jonathan Anderson, Dior’s leading designer, on the intersection of masculine codes and menswear. We also gather insights from eight influential voices across the political and cultural spectrum, exploring the most pressing issues facing men and potential solutions—their surprising consensus offers a glimmer of hope. Additionally, we speak with 21 college students to challenge misconceptions about their generation. The issue also reintroduces a touch of traditional service journalism by offering 125 definitive rules of etiquette to restore a sense of order. And, alongside our cover star, Glen Powell, we playfully explore men's intense focus on self-optimization and appearance. I am pleased to report that the insightful perspectives within this issue confirm that despite the current turbulence, masculinity has not simply regressed. Instead, the male experience continues its complex, tech-driven, and anxious journey forward. Men may be imperfect, slow to adapt, and occasionally misguided, yet through successes and missteps, we persistently advance. Masculinity, much like the nation itself, cannot revert to its past form; it is in constant evolution, perpetually new.
This comprehensive exploration of modern masculinity illuminates a complex and ever-changing landscape. It emphasizes that masculinity is not static but a dynamic construct influenced by societal shifts, individual choices, and cultural narratives. The findings suggest that while challenges and uncertainties abound, there is an underlying current of resilience and a continuous search for authenticity. The article serves as a powerful reminder that self-reflection, adaptability, and an open mind are crucial for navigating personal identity in an evolving world. It encourages readers to look beyond simplistic definitions and embrace the nuanced realities of contemporary manhood, fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking perspective on identity.