This is a big moment for GQ, and I do mean that literally. Regular subscribers will notice that the issue you are now holding in your hands has gotten thicker. Sturdier. Bigger of bone.

Fashion historically likes everything to be skinny, but I’ll be the first to admit that your favorite men’s fashion magazine had started to feel a little anemic in print. So we decided it was time to put on some weight.

Starting with this issue, GQ will be heavier than it’s been in a generation, with thicker, higher-quality paper stock, and many more pages per issue. To make these changes possible, GQ will publish a print issue six times a year instead of eight.

I’ve been advocating for this shift for years, and am happy we finally got it done.

Let me tell you why: Across all our platforms, GQ is publishing far more content than we ever have before. In the always-on era of digital-first publishing, the “frequency” of GQ is, well, minute by minute. We are literally never not publishing.

In that environment, I think it’s less important how often we show up in your mailbox in print, and more important how we show up.

If GQ is the ultimate arbiter of luxury and taste, shouldn’t the experience of reading GQ itself feel luxurious?

You are holding the answer to that question.

To celebrate our robust new physique, we have also reimagined the structure and content of our pages. For one, we have brought back the beloved What to Wear Now section from the GQ Style days. (If you know, you know.) And we will also now publish a big ol’ honking service guide in each issue, teaching you supremely useful stuff like how to build the perfect wardrobe for spring and summer from the ground up (this issue) and how to handle summer-wedding season like a man of style, manners, and grace (coming next issue).

(And now that we’re experts on bulking up, don’t be surprised if we publish a big guide to working out in the near future that includes all the latest modern tech and fitness science.)

Honestly, after a long look in the mirror I’m proud to say GQ is looking and feeling more GQ than it has in some time. And confidence is contagious. We’re utterly dedicated to helping you get there too.

Photograph by Tyrell Hampton