THIS is Zack Pinsent, the modern day dandy who has shunned modern fashion and only wears Regency-style clothing.

The 25-year-old has dressed in flamboyant Regency and historical clothing for the past decade and says it is the only way he feels comfortable in the 21st century.

Zack, from Hove, has gained a huge online following with close to 40,000 adoring fans keeping up-to-date with his period tailoring. He said: “It’s hard for men, we can’t show exuberance. But I love what I do and I’m only doing it for my own enjoyment.”

A typical day for the self-styled dandy man means wearing clothes designed for an 1820s gentleman. These include a pair of knee-high riding leather riding boots, a floral waistcoat and a riding jacket with long tails.

Zack is also known to sport a top hat and cane when shopping in Brighton. His obsession with historical clothing started when his family moved house when he was 14 and they came across a box full of Zack’s great-grandfather’s old suits. To Zack’s glee the period clothing fitted him really well.

He said: “At 14 I made the symbolic decision to burn my only pair of jeans in a bonfire. It was a real turning point. On non-school uniform days I would dress in three piece suits, but when I got to sixth form I started to dress in historical clothing every single day.

“I was quite surprised that in the leaver’s book I was voted as the best dressed. People weren’t necessarily saying that to my face but it was clear that there was an undercurrent of respect.”

All of Zack’s outfits are researched, designed and sewn by himself. Some outfits take a year to perfect before he will wear them outside of the house. He works as a tailor in Hove, specialising in bespoke historical clothing for men and women, and has many passionate followers.

He said: “I’ve received many marriage proposals. I think it is indicative that women want a gentleman and someone who cares about his presentation and appearance.”