Looking for some cool mustache styles to try this year? Look no further, we’ve rounded up our favorite stache styles.
From pencil to handlebar, these 15 mustache styles will renew your appreciation for this classic facial hair feature.
The mustache is a simple and economical way to sport facial hair. Since it’s lower maintenance than a beard, it’s a good option for guys who want some facial hair but don’t want the effort that a beard requires.
When it comes to mustache styles, though, things can get a little tricky. For obvious reasons, there are far fewer mustache styles than there are beard styles, and many of the mustache styles you’ll see online are either impractical or just plain hideous.
That’s why we’ve handpicked 15 mustache styles to give you an idea of what’s out there. There’s a little bit of everything, so no matter what your facial hair is like, there’s something here for you.
15 Cool Mustache Styles
Here are cool mustache styles in no particular order…
Simple Stache
Let’s kick things off with a classic mustache that’s as simple as it gets. The hair is grown out to the top of the upper lip, and the ends are trimmed so that they reach to just below the lower lip.
If there’s such a thing as a “standard” mustache, this is it. It’s so simple that just about any guy can grow it, and it’s dead easy to maintain.
Casual Mustache
For a more casual look, you can go with a slightly shorter and less bushy mustache. This style works especially well if your facial hair is on the finer side.
With this style, the mustache ever so slightly overhangs the upper lip for a casual touch. The ends are still trimmed just below the bottom lip so that the mustache is clearly defined.
Trimmed Chevron
The chevron is a classic mustache that’s characterized by its titular shape, a gentle upside-down V that follows the contour of the top lip. It’s traditionally a bushier style, but this variation offers a tidier take.
It has the same shape as the classic chevron, but it’s much shorter and neater. This gives the mustache a more defined shape. Because it’s not as thick, it’s a little more versatile than a typical chevron.
Sleek Dallas Mustache
The Dallas is so named because it draws its style from the cowboy look. The version showcased here is a contemporary interpretation of the Dallas that’s a bit thinner and more refined.
What’s most notable about this mustache is that the top reaches up to the nostrils, resulting in symmetrical upward curves. It protrudes slightly over the top lip, and like a chevron, it has a gentle part in the middle.
Also note that the ends of the mustache don’t curve down. Instead, they’re kept short so that each side of the mustache ends in a straight line that’s level with the mouth.
Stubbly Beardstache
The beardstache is one of the few facial hair styles that can be categorized as both a mustache style and a beard style. It’s mostly mustache, but there’s a definite beard presence. Still, we think it deserves a spot on this list.
There’s a lot of flexibility with this style. You can go for a burly mustache with thick stubble, as shown here, or you could opt for a neater mustache and a lighter five o’clock shadow.
Whatever you choose, make sure there’s a definite delineation between mustache and beard. The point of the beardstache is that the mustache sticks out from the beard.
Pencil Mustache
The pencil is another classic mustache style that was popular in the early 1900s.
As its name suggests, the pencil is a thin mustache. It’s typically much thinner than your lips, and it’s closely trimmed to match the contour of the mouth.
It instantly evokes old Hollywood actors and is usually associated with fancier garb, so if you want to look like you’re heading to Jay Gatsby’s mansion, the pencil is probably the right choice.
Mustache With Soul Patch
The soul patch gets a bit of a bad rap, but it can look good when used in the right context. Here, a short soul patch is paired with a relaxed mustache.
In this case, the soul patch feels like a continuation of the mustache. You can think of it as a mini goatee, where the top and bottom aren’t perceived as separate.
Generally, soul patches look best when kept shorter. Just a half inch or so is more than enough to give your mustache a little more fullness.
Vintage Handlebar
If you want to go really old-school with your mustache, try out a vintage curled handlebar.
This is a full and bushy stache with long ends that curl upward. You can get away with some beard stubble, but generally speaking, the rest of your face should be clean shaven.
Although it’s a relatively simple look, there is some maintenance involved. You’ll need to apply mustache wax daily in order for the ends to stay curled, and regular trims are a must.
Walrus Mustache
This mustache isn’t messing around. Known as the walrus, this hefty style is extra long and completely covers the top lip.
Famously worn by Teddy Roosevelt, the walrus is associated with ruggedness, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a formidable, eye-catching style that will take months to fully grow out.
Even though the walrus isn’t a common mustache style, it’s more versatile than you’d think. It’s a great option if you want to blend vintage and modern looks.
Casual Painter’s Brush
Named after the fact it looks like a single stroke of paint, this mustache is a casual alternative to the standard stache or chevron.
Usually, this mustache is just a straight line, though you can opt for slightly downturned ends as shown here. Either way, the straightness of the mustache is emphasized.
This mustache pairs well with stubble and can even be used with a beardstache. It’s a gentler and more subtle style, which also means it’s a nice option for guys who have trouble growing a thick mustache.
The Artist
This slender mustache looks exactly like the type of facial hair you’d expect a mid-1900s artist or film director to have.
It’s a pencil-style mustache that begins at the nostrils and slopes downward, creating a noticeable part in the middle. It doesn’t get very far, as it’s trimmed so that the ends barely reach past the mouth.
If your mustache tends to be patchier, this could be a good solution. Alternatively, you can either shave or cut the middle part out to shape the mustache.
Sketch Mustache
If your facial hair is thinner and straighter, this mustache is a good choice for you. It’s a short style that’s brushed downward, resulting in a texture similar to that of sketched lines.
You don’t have to worry about length here either, so it’s a good fit if your mustache tends to be on the smaller side.
You can get a similar look if you have thicker facial hair; you just have to make sure it’s trimmed short enough.
Tapered Mustache
If you want something a little different, try this mustache that tapers as it extends. The result is a thick middle section with thinner sides.
This variation in length is a subtle touch, but its effect is noticeable. One thing to note is that this style is slightly higher maintenance since it can’t all be trimmed to the same length.
For best results, the taper should be gentle and even. If the taper is too severe, the mustache will look thinner than it should.
Patchy On Purpose
“Patchy” usually has a negative connotation, but when styled correctly, patchy hair can actually look good. Take this sparse mustache style that’s noticeably patchy near the philtrum (the middle area just above of your upper lip).
The deliberate patchiness gives off an ultra-casual feel that’s almost the mustache equivalent of “just rolled out of bed” hair.
Of course, if your mustache is too patchy, it probably won’t look good. You need a balance of patchiness and consistency in order for it to look deliberate.
Natural Mustache
To round out our list, here’s a natural mustache look that is simply the product of growing the mustache out and trimming it a little.
Since you’re not styling the mustache in any certain way, it will reflect how your facial hair naturally grows. For that reason, it’s best for guys who can grow a fairly substantial mustache. You don’t have to be Ron Swanson, but having even just a little bit of thickness will help.
Which Stache Style Is Right for You?
The mustache is experiencing a bit of a renaissance right now. It’s way more in style than it was a few years ago. With plenty of styles to choose from, consider trying one out.
It’s easier to experiment with mustaches than it is with beards, so don’t be afraid to try different styles. If worse comes to worst, you can just shave it off and start over again.
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