Russell Brand’s appearance at the G20 protests today brought a sartorial edge to the event, as he exercised his democratic rights in trademark man leggings and a natty jacket. Brand’s outfit may have distinguished him from the traditional hoodie and combat trousers look favoured by agitators, but he’s not the first to march in style. Here’s our top ten fashionable protesters.

1) Lady Godiva – Although strictly speaking the noblewoman in this legend wasn’t wearing any clothes when she carried out her tax protest, Lady G was apparently a bit of a fox and this folk tale is possibly the first to demonstrate the power of a hot body to get men to change their minds.

2) Malcolm X - When he was still Malcolm Little, he was a hoodlum in Detroit with conked (ie straightened) hair. But after adopting his Muslim name, the influential speaker and activist made skinny ties, close-cropped hair, black-framed glasses and slim-fitting suits his trademark look.

3) Otis Ferry – The son of Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry has inherited his father’s eye for a good suit, although his is more of a country gent style than urban dandy. As a pro-fox hunting protester he works the cardigan and jacket combination.

4) Swampy – Aka Daniel Hooper, is a noted occupier of complex tunnels and trees to stop land being torn up for roads and poster boy for Trustafaians. However, his choice of stripy T-shirts paired with combats put him ahead of the Chumbawamba crowd.

5) Bono – Like him or loathe him, Bono retains his rock star cool (and ubiquitous sunglasses) whether he’s standing on toxic waste barrels for Greenpeace or joining marches against Third World debt.

6) Lucy Fairbrother - The classics graduate who ditched Latin for taking on the might of Chinese authority. She flew back from China following a daring Free Tibet protest during the 2008 Olympics and showed just how fashion-forward she is by teaming a plain T-shirt with statement jewellery – a hot trend for this summer.

7) Emmeline Pankhurst – This leader of the British suffragette movement of the early 1900s demonstrated that feminism doesn't mean anti-fashion. She fought for women’s rights in a selection of chic dresses and accessories. If this woman could achieve so much in a restrictive bustle, what excuse, with the plethora of loose-fitted clothing, do we have today for allowing female rights to be eroded?

8) Chrissie Hynde – The lead singer of The Pretenders still works her shag haircut, heavy eyeliner and slim-fit trousers while supporting animal rights charity PETA.

9) Rosa Parks – Perhaps one of the most famous women involved in the American civil rights movement, she quietly set off a revolution while maintaining ladylike style in Chanel-esque suits. Even on the day of her arrest for not giving up her bus seat to a white passenger, she was wearing a cute two-piece with a Peter Pan collar.

10) Russell Brand – The comedian and budding Hollywood actor joined the G20 protestors outside the Bank of England in an outfit that gave a nod towards Jim Morrison but equally could have taken inspiration from Kate Moss.

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