FHM began as a men's magazine that primarily featured images of scantily clad women, often posed in suggestive positions.
The magazine gradually shifted its editorial style to reflect changing social norms and attitudes towards gender and media. In the early days of FHM, the magazine was heavily focused on provocative imagery, featuring models in revealing clothing and sensual poses. These images were intended to appeal to the male gaze and titillate readers. While this approach helped the magazine establish itself as a popular publication among young men, it also drew criticism from feminist groups who argued that it objectified women and reinforced harmful stereotypes about gender roles.
As society became more aware of these issues, FHM began to incorporate more diverse perspectives into its pages. The magazine started to include articles on lifestyle topics such as fashion, food, and travel, as well as interviews with celebrities and politicians. This change reflected a broader cultural shift away from an emphasis on physical appearance and toward more nuanced discussions of gender and identity. It also allowed the magazine to reach a wider audience beyond its original demographic of young males.
Despite these changes, FHM continued to feature some risque imagery throughout its run.
The magazine's editors increasingly used humor and irony to subvert traditional notions of masculinity and sexuality.
One popular feature included images of famous people with their genitals Photoshopped out, which challenged ideas about how women should be portrayed in the media while still appealing to the male readership.
FHM's shift in editorial style over time reflects a larger trend towards greater diversity and inclusion in media. As attitudes towards gender and sexuality have become more progressive, publications like FHM have adapted to remain relevant and engaging for their audiences. By embracing a range of perspectives and approaches, magazines like FHM have helped to shape public discourse around important social issues and create space for new voices to be heard.