Back in the day, mustaches were a symbol of class and social status. A trend started by King Charles I in the early 1600s, you didn't really grow one unless you were a pretty important dude. Over four centuries later, and we're all sprouting a bit of lip fuzz just because, well, we can.
With so many different styles to choose from, it's essential that you pick one that actually suits you. “It may sound obvious, but take the time to consider your lifestyle before embarking on your ‘tache journey.” says TJ Hunt of London barber Ruffians. “While most styles are relatively easy to keep under control once you get the hang of it, there is always some ongoing maintenance required.”
“If you’re the type of guy who likes to hop straight out of bed and out of the house in the morning then an immaculate pencil line may not be the one for you. Similarly, if you prefer to look on point all the time then a bushy, walrus-esque number may frustrate you.”
In this GQ guide, we'll be showcasing six of the best mustache styles that are approved by Very Famous Men. If they work for Brad Pitt and Henry Cavill, they'll definitely work for you.
1. The Classic
Also known as The Daddy for very obvious reasons, this style was popularized by the legendary Tom Selleck and has been something of a sex symbol since the mid ‘70s. To achieve this ’stache, you need to have a large upper lip area with thick facial growth, and it usually suits guys with strong jawlines the best.
The Classic requires plenty of time and patience as you need about a month to grow it out to the desired length. Use a mustache comb and scissors to trim wayward hairs and cut a light line around the top lip. After this, apply a small amount of beard oil and comb to smooth the hairs downwards.
2. The Pencil
The Pencil is making one helluva comeback. Made famous by Hollywood Golden Age stars such as Errol Flynn and Clark Gable, thanks to Brad Pitt, it’s now back and better than ever. This tache was made for those who want a little bit of fuzz, but not so much that it will completely overwhelm your face.
While the perfect length can be achieved in as little as two weeks, this requires regular shaving and a strict daily grooming routine to keep it all under control. It's also worth noting that The Pencil tends to look better for guys with darker hair, so if your hair's a little on the fairer side, it might be worth considering a different style.
3. The Half Measure
A modern style that suits both square and oval-shaped faces, The Half Measure has the advantage of not looking like a full-on mustache (which can still be quite polarizing) because of the stubble backing. Worn by Henry Cavill in 2018's Mission: Impossible – Fallout, it was also (in)famously CGI'ed out during his scenes in Justice League.
If you want to achieve this look, start by growing your 'stache out for at least a month. Once you reach your desired length, use scissors to remove any stray hairs and use a high-quality clipper on the beard area to create a subtle, stubbled look—around two or three millimeters should do the trick.
4. The Modern Horseshoe
Made famous by Hulk Hogan, The Horseshoe is very badass, but not many dudes can actually pull it off. If you want to dip your toes into this style but you're not ready to fully commit to the madness, The Weeknd's The Modern Horseshoe might be something you can look into instead. It's the ideal style for those who have a fancy party at 10 a.m. and a wrestling match at 11 a.m.
Borrowing cues from the original, The Modern Horseshoe is significantly shorter in length and it doesn’t fall over your top lip as much. Allow the fuzz to grow around and down the corners of your mouth, but gently cut it off before it goes beyond the edge of your bottom lip. You can also link it to your beard stubble for a more rugged aesthetic.
5. The Walrus
In many ways, The Walrus is just a beefed up version of The Classic. It’s a style that favored by Wild West outlaws (and the actors who play them) because it requires very little maintenance compared to some of the other styles in this article. Maybe that's why Hollywood icon Sam Elliott is such a big fan.
If you’re brave enough to sport The Walrus, then you need to grow out the hair above your lip for a good two months. Don’t worry too much about being precise, as this is all about looking a bit rough and ready. The growth should hang well over the top lip, and all you need is a brush and scissors to keep it in shape. Just make sure you grow out the sides and wash it daily.
6. The Barely-There
Also known as The Skimmer, The Barely-There is all about keeping it low key and low maintenance. It best suits oval-shaped faces, and is the perfect mustache if you have an active lifestyle and you'd rather not have a sweat sponge permanently glued to your face while trying to hit your PB.
If you want this Jamie Foxx-approved mustache, start with a mini trimmer to get the line on the upper lip neat and perfect, and use a classic razor to sharpen up the top. Finish it off with by using a pair of scissors to remove any odd hairs that stick up here and there. It's worth noting that The Barely-There tends to work better for dudes with softer facial hair, but it's always worth experimenting.
This story originally appeared on British GQ with the title “Hollywood's leading men can't get enough of these moustaches”
