Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum has been causing quite a stir during his primary appearances, not because of his political views, but because of his "sweater vests", what the British call "tank tops".

They even have their own Twitter account (@FearRicksVest).

He has managed to stand apart from most of the other candidates, who wear suits, making the tank top a trademark of his campaign.

Other fashion symbols in the past include Maggie Thatcher's handbag, Kim Jong Il's anorak and Harold Wilson's pipe. So does it help to have a signature look in politics?

Gyles Brandreth, former Tory MP and wearer of dodgy jumpers and the New Statesman's Helen Lewis examine the impaortance of personal style for politicians.

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