FHM Magazine was known for its eye-catching typography and design. One of the most popular magazines around, it had an international circulation of over 1 million copies per month. It was published from London, UK, with regional editions across Europe, Asia, Australia, and South Africa. Each issue featured interviews with celebrities, fashion tips, reviews of music albums, video games, movies, and television shows. But what made FHM unique were its bold typography, vibrant colors, dynamic compositions that set it apart visually from other men's lifestyle magazines. Its layout and design were designed to catch attention immediately. The magazine's pages were filled with bright colors and images of attractive women, which would cause readers to stop and read more about the latest news or celebrity gossip.
The magazine's editorial style also reflected this boldness. It included sections on sex, sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. These articles often featured explicit language and imagery. For example, one issue profiled a sex doll company called RealDoll. Another article explored "sexting" (the practice of sending provocative messages via text message) and how it has become part of modern romance culture. Other articles discussed topics such as BDSM, swinging, masturbation, pornography, and erotica. This type of writing appealed to young male audiences who wanted to learn more about their own desires and fantasies while enjoying funny stories about dating life in general.
FHM's success came largely due to its ability to create eye-catching graphics that stood out among competitors. Its covers featured models wearing revealing clothing or posed suggestively against an exciting background image. One memorable cover showed model Kate Moss naked but for a strategically placed hand holding up her breasts; another had actress Emma Watson dressed as a cat burglar breaking into a jewelry store window. The magazine regularly won awards for its art direction, including several "Best Cover Design" accolades at Magazine Design Awards ceremonies.
The magazine's popularity led to numerous spin-offs, including FHM TV, which focused on entertainment programming related to music, movies, video games, technology, fashion, cars, sports events, and travel destinations. In 2015, the parent company announced plans to rebrand itself as Men's Health International - a move that would focus on healthier lifestyle choices rather than sexual content. But FHM remains popular around the world today thanks to its bold approach to design, typography, and editorial style.