Some mustache styles go in and out of fashion. Others are here to stay.
If you're a guy plotting a new display of facial hair, you've picked the right time. Beards and mustaches are more popular today than they've been in quite a while. But there are still some mustache styles that evoke certain images. If you know what you like but haven't quite picked out the right look, keep reading. The list below includes several of our favorite mustache styles to spruce up any guy's look.
Mustache Styles You Might Want to Give a Try
Like clothes, music and lots of other things, mustache styles change over time. But if you want to make a first impression, sometimes nothing but facial hair will do. We can't guarantee all of the following looks will be fashionable in 10 years, but they all work now. And most of them have been around long enough to prove their staying power. We'll admit they're not all for everybody. But give each a look and examine why guys -- and girls -- think they look good.
1. The Horseshoe
This bold statement is kind of an elongated mustache. Alternatively, you could look at it as an incomplete goatee. Just extend the ends of an ordinary style down to the chin. It's called the horseshoe mustache for a reason. The finished product resembles the lucky charm upside down on a man's face.
And it's been a perennial favorite among some guys for decades. It's one of the easier mustache styles to maintain and it is just unique enough to stand out. At the same time, it shouldn't get you too many awkward stares.
2. The Chevron
Many of the leading mustache styles are named after the shape they form. And the chevron mustache is no exception. It looks like a wide chevron over a guy's upper lip. It's a classic for a reason. It makes a manly entrance along with any face it's displayed on. This is one of the simplest to pull off. So you can keep it neatly trimmed between barber visits.
You can show off a thick mustache without feeling flamboyant with this one. It's utilitarian -- not a showoff. And that's probably what it says about the guys who like to wear them.
3. The Fu Manchu
It's named after a fictional villain. But you don't have to be a bad guy to rock one. If you like the flowing sides of mustache styles like this one, give it a shot. It requires a bit more maintenance than those above. Fans think it's worth the time.
Let the ends of the mustache grow long while keeping the area above the lip shaved close to the skin. Then you'll want to use some type of wax to condition the hair. You can decide how long to let the sides of this one hang. And if you're really committed, it can get down lower than your chin.
4. The Toothbrush
We wish Charlie Chaplin was the first name to pop into most people's minds when they think of this one. Of course, the least of Hitler's countless atrocities was ruining this mustache. But he did make it less desirable.
Nevertheless, there are ways to display one of the minimalist mustache styles in good fashion. Keep trimming from the edges to make sort of the opposite of a Fu Manchu. The middle under your nose remains bushy while the rest is shaved close.
5. The Pencil Thin
Now we're getting into some more advanced mustache styles. The pencil thin mustache is a look many guys are cautious about attempting. Not only is it difficult to maintain, it can be tricky to pull off in public. But if you're confident in your approach and keep it neatly trimmed, you'll probably succeed. It requires consistent upkeep. Any extra growth hides the mustache under a 5 o'clock shadow.
So a little commitment and a bold personality are our two main recommendations. The result is a bit of an accent to the upper lip. No other mustache styles are so understated and wispy. Naturally, this historically popular style stands out more prominently with darker colored hair.
6. The Walrus
On the other end of the spectrum of mustache styles is one. The walrus mustache is characterized by its bushy appearance. Sometimes a bit unkempt and untidy, guys can get away with being a little sloppier.
But as with most mustache styles, this one is open to interpretation. Some guys prefer a neater appearance. You can accomplish this by styling a wider version of the chevron mustache. Other men prefer to let it grow out and find its own way. You'll often see guys with a wild mane above their lips. Chances are, they're rocking a walrus.
Mustache styles are like the guys that wear them. They come in all shapes and sizes.
Whether you're ready to start growing a mustache or you want a change, you have plenty of options. The bottom line is that we encourage you to experiment. This is an important factor in any hair style decisions. But on your face, it can be even easier to experiment. Start with the bushiest style and whittle down with a razor. The worst thing that will happen is that you'll end up with a clean shaven face. If you're thinking about it, there's no better time than the present. Start growing it out and wait until there's plenty to work with. With mustache styles, you will probably find some just look better on your face than others.
We hope we were able to introduce you to a few of the leading contenders. If you found our guide helpful, share it with the stylish guys in your life. Leave us a message in the comments section below with any thoughts or questions. And if you're already rocking facial hair, let us know which mustache styles you wear!
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