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Best Types of Moustache Styles

3.5 min read – 02:45 video
Whether you spell it 'mustache' or 'moustache', there's no question that it’s been a longstanding mainstay of the male upper lip. If you’re ready to adopt your own, you’ll soon learn that there are many types of moustache to play with – and not all moustaches are created equal. Check out our list of the best here, and find one that perfectly complements your look. … but the moustache is a tool of self-expression. And with such a wide range of styles to choose from, there are many ways to express yourself. Here’s how to choose a moustache style to suit your face:

Dallas moustache

With its hint of cowboy, the Dallas has long been one of the most confidently masculine trimmed moustache styles. Just be sure to shampoo and trim it regularly, to make sure you don’t end up smelling like a cowboy, too. Unlike roping a steer, the Dallas is easy to achieve: follow our five steps, and it should take just a few months to take beautiful effect.

 

Best for: Square faces. Embrace that strong jaw with a strong ‘tache.

Natural moustache

As the name suggests, this is an unpretentious, no-nonsense moustache that is neither a trim Clark Gable number, nor extravagantly bushy. The natural moustache is for those who like to express their masculinity in an understated, unfussy way, and it's one of the easiest short moustache styles to achieve.  

 

Best for: Everyone and anyone. No rules here. Find out how to get the natural moustache.

Handlebar moustache

Another moustache with echoes of the 19th-century Wild West, the handlebar moustache is distinguished by its wiry edges that resemble gracefully upturned bicycle handlebars. It's the perfect match for a pipe or a horse.

 

Best for: A nicely cowboy-esque square face can help you pull off this most gentlemanly of moustache styles. Find out how to get the handlebar moustache.

Pencil moustache

Few moustache styles exude the vintage sophistication and class of the pencil moustache, which was favoured by such true greats as Errol Flynn and David Niven. Just make sure you have the classy wardrobe to match.

 

Best for: Like the natural ‘tache, the pencil suits almost any face. One of the better moustache styles for thin hair, too.

Fu Manchu moustache

No moustache type screams 'evil mastermind' quite like the Fu Manchu, its name borrowed from the villain (hero?) of British writer Sax Rohmer’s series of novels. If the other moustache styles you've been considering just don't have enough of that 'plotting to take over the world' vibe, step this way for our top tips on how to create the Fu Manchu.

 

Best for: World domination. 

Horseshoe moustache

Lacking the upper-class breeding of the handlebar moustache or the delicate fronds of the Fu Manchu, the horseshoe moustache is the less-civilized 'black sheep' of the moustache family. You might have last seen it on Hulk Hogan or another of his pro wrestler brethren, causing as much bad luck as any other upside-down horseshoe.

 

Best for: Round and square faces looking to add some length.

Chevron moustache

Definitely not a shy moustache, the Chevron displays itself loudly and proudly upon the wearer's top lip, representing a hefty style statement. Grow some beard stubble below it, and you’ll have an even more formidable look that will attract knowing nods of appreciation from closet connoisseurs of the finest trimmed moustache styles.

 

Best for: If you have small features, the chevron will dominate your face. If not, you’re fine to take this strong moustache style on.


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What you need

OneBlade Pro

Face + Body

Trim, edge and shave any length of hair

Philips OneBlade Pro Face + Body trims, edges and shaves any length of hair. You get a blade for your face, and one with a skin guard for your body. Forget about using multiple tools. OneBlade does it all.

QP6550/15

Pyramid moustache

This sophisticated moustache is characterised by a wide base that slightly narrows as it reaches the nose. When it's done right – and rest assured that this isn't one of the more challenging short moustache styles to grow – the pyramid 'tache will look good on almost any face shape, its borders easily maintained with a stubble or precision trimmer

 

Best for: A well-constructed pyramid moustache will suit most.

Frank Zappa moustache

The Frank Zappa moustache is as much a one-off as Frank Zappa himself, combining a wide soul patch with a full moustache growing slightly past the corners of the mouth. As a rule of thumb, the fuller your Zappa 'tache is, the better – although unlike some other moustache styles, it isn't too high-maintenance either. A bit of stubble will complement it nicely.

 

Best for: Oblong faces, or those seeking more definition.

Military moustache

Also known as the ’cop stache’ in some quarters, the military moustache – with its top curved edges and lower edge that doesn’t grow over the lip – really does command instant attention and respect. Add a star-shaped badge for extra 'law enforcement' appeal.

 

Best for: Square faces with well-defined jaw lines are well complemented by this strong ‘tache.

The meaning of the moustache: facial hair not to be messed with

 

The moustache has always commanded a certain level of respect – the commitment required to grow and maintain one being widely recognised. Today, moustaches are enjoying something of a revival among the well-groomed, sharply-dressed and fashionable set. This is partly down to the popularity of 'Movember', which inspires a fresh crop of moustaches each year as guys go for a mo’ to raise money for and awareness of male health and wellbeing issues.

 

If you’re ready to join in this year, you can’t go wrong with one of the moustache styles here. If you discover it’s not for you, well, you can always shave it off – or graduate your beard game and learn how to trim your full beard.