Read through our list of the best moustache styles from the handlebar to the fu manchu. Decide which facial hairstyle you might like and learn to maintain it.
Our London location – recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest barbershop – has been grooming discerning gents since 1805, and is no stranger to the rise and fall of facial fashions.
In recent years, we've seen the comeback of the best beard styles, from the beardstache to the full beard and even the soul patch and goatee. Since peak beard popularity may have come with the rise of the hipster and cabin-chicruggedness, men's facial hairstyles are likely about to bring about another renaissance— the return of the mustache.
Equal parts masculine and transformative in its abilities to lend additional intrigue to a man's face, the mustache can serve multiple aesthetics. Customizable and versatile in the numerous ways it can take shape, the best mustache styles are every bit as unique as the men who adopt them as their own.
Keen to stay ahead of the masses and be among the first to embrace the upcoming rise of the mustache? Peruse some of history's leading ‘stache styles (and their inspirational exponents) as you choose your next look.
Handlebar
Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York makes a convincing argument for the Handlebar Mustache.
Popular with trend-conscious individuals avoiding the ubiquitous beard, this sharp, well-manicured approach – a long, thick swathe with twisted, upturned ends – was de rigueur among tough, 19th-century military men.
Memorable wearers: Franz Ferdinand, Daniel Day-Lewis in Gangs of New York, Tom Hardy in Bronson.
Walrus
Could Hollywood's leading man Sam Elliott be responsible for a resurgence of the Walrus 'stache?
This thick mustache style replaces the Handlebar’s twizzled tips with a looser curtain that drapes the upper lip, leaving only a hint of the bottom lip visible. Common in Edwardian times, visions of the Wild West, and again in the 1960s, it’s imposing, yet low-maintenance.
Memorable wearers: Mark Twain, Sam Elliott, Nick Offerman (as Ron Swanson) walruses everywhere.
Horseshoe
The Horseshoe mustache has become synonymous with Hulk Hogan.
A concerted, southbound ‘stache, wearers of this upturned U grow their bristled ends down to the jawline. If you want to give your look some edge and transform your face shape in the process, this one is ideal.
Memorable wearers: Hulk Hogan and Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction.
Chevron
A classic through and through, the Chevron mustache looks right at home on Will Ferrell's Ron Burgundy.
This easily maintained style fully covers the space between nostrils and top lip, curving slightly downwards at the ends of your mouth. It’s popular among first-timers, as all it requires is a little time spent to let your hair grow and a few tools for upkeep.
Memorable wearers: Tom Selleck, Freddie Mercury, Will Ferrell (as Ron Burgundy).
Pencil
Clark Gable's Pencil musatche is not for the faint of heart.
A manicured triumph only the boldest can pull off, this ruler line of bristle – no wider than a bootlace and with lots of space above – suggests a superior, roguish twinkle.
Memorable wearers: Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Brad Pitt in Inglourious Basterds.
Dalí
Salvador Dalí's art and mustache remain iconic.
This quirkily enhanced Pencil, not to be confused with the Fu Manchu, combines a thin body with steeply curved, pointed ends grown from well-kept long hair. A thin mustache with substantial personality, the pencil mustache is best complemented with wide-open eyes and archly raised eyebrows.
Memorable wearers: Nobody does it better than the great man himself.
Truefitt & Hill Supports Your Mustache Style
No matter your stache of choice, Trueftt & Hill is here to support your facial hair endeavours, today and every day through time-tested grooming and traditions. To get the look you so desire, we suggest beginning with the right tools: a comb to keep hair tidy, scissors to control the length, and our very own Mustache Wax for ideal shape and style.