Gent is an American magazine for men featuring articles on sports, entertainment, cars, technology, hobbies, travel, fitness, fashion, and related topics. It was published from 1962 until 2010, when its print edition ceased publication due to declining advertising revenue. However, Gent continues to be available online.
The magazine's founder, Gordon Merrick, created it as a men's lifestyle magazine that would appeal to college-aged readers. Merrick wanted to create a "men's magazine" that did not cater to women but instead addressed their interests and desires. The result was a magazine that featured stories about men who were intelligent, sensitive, athletic, adventurous, and stylish. Gent also included advice columns, cartoons, puzzles, recipes, and crossword puzzles. In addition to publishing its own original content, Gent often reprinted articles from other magazines or books.
Merrick initially envisioned Gent as a competitor to Playboy and Esquire, which he felt lacked substance. He believed that Gent would provide a more well-rounded experience for male readers by focusing on topics beyond sex and relationships. For example, in the early days of Gent, articles focused on subjects such as motorcycles, surfing, and cooking. These articles were intended to appeal to a broader audience than just those interested in erotica.
Over time, however, Gent began to include more explicit sexual content. This decision proved controversial among some of the magazine's fans, who preferred its original focus on lifestyle topics over graphic depictions of human anatomy. Despite this shift, Gent remained popular with many readers who enjoyed the magazine's mix of articles, images, and advertisements.
In recent years, online publication has allowed Gent to continue without relying on print advertising. However, even though it is no longer published in print form, Gent continues to publish high-quality content that appeals to its niche readership. With a renewed focus on lifestyle topics and avoidance of hardcore pornographic material, Gent remains a unique voice in men's media.