FHM's Archive is an invaluable cultural resource that showcases different aspects of men's lives and interests from 1985 to present day. It documents the evolution of men's attitudes towards fashion, music, sports, technology, gaming, movies, women, masculinity, relationships, and sexuality through its covers, articles, interviews, advertisements, cartoons, columns, letters to the editor, jokes, puzzles, reviews, and more. It allows researchers to understand how these issues were perceived, discussed, marketed, consumed, and debated at various times over four decades. The archive contains all editions of the magazine worldwide, including special collectible editions, and each issue has been digitized for easy searchability. Researchers can access digital files online via subscription. The FHM archives are an important resource for scholars studying media history and social change, especially because they document popular magazines targeting men exclusively. They provide insights into what was considered acceptable or desirable for men to consume, think about, wear, do, own, feel, desire, say, etc., as well as broader societal trends, values, and norms. FHM's Archive sheds light on topics such as male beauty standards, fitness culture, gender roles and stereotypes, consumerism, objectification of women, body image, masculinity, femininity, sex education, sexual health, dating, marriage, parenthood, family life, work-life balance, leisure activities, politics, crime, violence, celebrity culture, pornography, prostitution, drugs, alcohol, and more.
Furthermore, the archive is a valuable teaching tool, allowing educators to showcase changing attitudes towards gender and sexuality throughout history by showing students examples from different eras. Additionally, it offers material for psychologists, historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and other academics who study the evolution of modern society through the lens of popular culture. Students could use this resource in their research projects, analyzing how concepts like masculinity were constructed over time and how they impacted men's lives. The FHM archives reveal some of the underlying beliefs about gender that inform contemporary culture, providing clues to understand cultural practices and products. It helps us understand why certain ideas became popular at specific times, how they spread across countries and cultures, and which groups benefited most from them. For example, FHM covers stories related to healthy relationships but also jokes about cheating or infidelity while promoting casual sex without commitment. Overall, FHM's Archive represents an unparalleled wealth of information that can be used by scholars, teachers, writers, activists, journalists, creatives, policy makers, parents, and students alike.