14 Best Mustache Styles: Classic & Modern Looks for Every Man

Mustaches have been making history for centuries, often becoming defining features for some of the most famous names in history. From the dapper pencil-thin styles of old Holywood to the statement-making handlebars resurrected by hipsters, facial hair and beard styles are constantly being redefined.

Depending on your face shape, beard status, and ability to grow facial hair, choosing the right mustache style can frame your face and help define your personality. Whether looking to refine your current mustache or venture into new territory, we’re here to inspire your journey!

Mustache Styles for Every Whisker Wearer

When it comes to facial hair, some of us can fall asleep bare-faced and wake up with a full beard. For the rest of us, growing a fancy handlebar ‘stache takes a little coaxing before shyly emerging from our upper lips. We get it; sometimes, each of our beard genetics works differently, and that's perfectly fine.

When starting a new style, patience and beard care are the top two things to remember. Certain mustache styles take some time, and that’s the reality, but you can also support the health and growth of your mustache through lifestyle and quality beard and skincare.

Fear not: Regardless of what you’re working with, there is no shortage of styles.

Thick Mustache Styles:

• The Walrus

• The Chevron

• The Lampshade

• The Zappa

• The Painter’s Brush

• The Hungarian

• The Beardstache

• The Handlebar

• The Horseshoe

Thin Mustache Styles:

• The Pencil

• The Parted Pencil

• The English

• The Dalí

• The Fu Manchu

With so many mustache looks, we’re here to help you determine the perfect style based on your ability to grow facial hair, desired maintenance level, and overall vibe. So, without further adieu, here are the best mustache styles to inspire your ‘stache journey.

The Top Thick Mustache Styles

1. The Walrus Mustache

For a rugged, masculine edge.

The king of thick mustache styles: the walrus mustache. Named after none other than a walrus’ whiskers, this mustache is big and bold, making it a huge statement for your face (think Teddy Roosevelt). Thick, bushy, and usually long enough to cover the upper lip, this Wild West mustache style was famously worn by Sam Elliott.

One of the benefits of the walrus is little to no maintenance. It’s all about embracing a more natural, untamed look. If you have the patience to let it grow, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most legendary mustaches in history.

How to Maintain It:

• Let it grow as thick as possible—this style is about volume.

• Use a mustache comb to keep it neat without over-trimming.

• Apply beard oil to prevent dryness and maintain softness.

• Trim only when necessary to prevent the mustache from getting too wild.

The walrus is the perfect ‘stache to pull out all the stops for healthy hair growth: beard growth vitamins, growth oil, and a healthy beard growth lifestyle.

2. The Chevron Mustache

For those who like a bold look.

The Chevron mustache is thick, full, and neatly shaped to cover the upper lip in an upside-down V formation. It’s a power move in the world of facial hair—bold, masculine, and effortlessly cool. This style has been famously sported by Tom Selleck, Henry Cavill, and even Freddie Mercury, proving its versatility across different personalities and face shapes.

One of the biggest perks of the Chevron is its relatively low maintenance. Unlike the handlebar or English mustache, you don’t have to spend time waxing and shaping—it’s meant to look naturally thick and rugged. However, patience is required because this mustache doesn’t appear overnight. You’ll need to commit to growing it out before shaping it.

How to Maintain It:

• Let it grow thick and full before attempting any trimming.

• Use a precision trimmer to maintain the shape and prevent overgrowth on the lips.

• Comb regularly to train the hairs downward and avoid a bushy appearance.

• Condition with beard oil or mustache wax to keep it soft and prevent dryness.

3. The Lampshade Mustache

For a clean yet noticeable look.

You know Eddie Murphy in Coming To America (or just about any movie he acted in)? He rocks a lampshade mustache like it’s no one’s business. This style looks fantastic with thicker facial hair, so let your mustache hair grow naturally first.

Once it's grown to the length you desire, go ahead and trim the ends right above your upper lip, following the lip line. Using a precision beard trimmer, round out the edges of the mustache by your upper lip, ensuring the hair does not extend further than the sides of the mouth. 

You can expect a medium amount of grooming and maintenance to avoid hairs covering the top lip and any stragglers away from the rounded edges.

How to Maintain It:

• Keep it thick but well-groomed—no scruffiness here.

• Trim it regularly to maintain a consistent shape with a t-blade beard trimmer.

• Shave the surrounding area, trimming ends right above your upper lip and rounding out edges to not extend further than the sides of your mouth.

• Use a mustache comb to keep the flyaways lying flat and even.
  
  

4. The Zappa Mustache Style

For the brave and unconventional.

Frank Zappa didn’t just create legendary music—he also pioneered one of the boldest mustache styles in history. The Zappa mustache is thick, full, and unapologetic, often paired with a soul patch for an extra rebellious touch. It’s a look that screams individuality and is perfect for those who like to stand out.

Not for the faint of heart, the Zappa mustache thrives on thickness and a bit of wildness. It works best on those with a naturally dense mustache and don’t mind a bit of scruff.

How to Maintain It:

• Grow it thick and full, letting the mustache take up as much space as possible.

• Keep the soul patch neatly trimmed for contrast.

• Brush regularly to prevent it from looking unruly.

• Moisturize with beard growth oil to keep it conditioned and boost growth.

• Trim just enough to maintain shape, but don’t overdo it—this mustache is meant to be bold!
  
  

5. The Painter’s Brush Mustache

For an effortless, masculine look.

This mustache is as effortless as it sounds—thick, even, and slightly extending past the corners of the mouth without dramatic shaping. It’s the go-to style for those who want to grow a full mustache without the extra effort of sculpting curls or points.

The painter’s brush mustache gives off a relaxed, confident vibe and has been worn by everyone from military officers to Hollywood actors. It’s a classic, masculine look that doesn’t require much fuss.

How to Maintain It:

• Let it grow naturally, trimming only when necessary to maintain an even shape.

• Keep it thick but tidy—this style isn’t about sharp edges but shouldn’t be messy, either.

• Use a soft-bristle beard brush to keep the hair in place and smooth.

• Apply a light layer of wax or beard moisturizer for frizz control and to soften without stiffness.
  
  

6. The Hungarian Mustache Style

For those who love to make a statement.

The Hungarian mustache is the way to go if you want a mustache that practically announces your presence before you even walk into the room. This beast of a ‘stache is big, bold, and thick, extending well past the edges of the mouth in a grand, bushy statement. Historically worn by Hungarian cavalrymen, this style is all about power and confidence.

The Hungarian mustache is not for the faint of heart—it takes commitment to grow, maintain, and style. It’s a go-to choice for those who love a classic, larger-than-life look, similar to what you’d see on legendary figures like Franz Joseph I of Austria.

Growing and maintaining this powerhouse mustache requires patience and the right tools:

• Grow it out thick and long. This isn’t a mustache you can rush—give it time to develop volume.

• Train the hairs to grow outward by brushing regularly and using a beard comb.

• Apply a strong-hold mustache wax to shape and tame the edges while keeping that natural fullness.

• Trim carefully to avoid a messy or unkempt appearance—precision is key with a statement ‘stache like this.

Our pocket mustache comb is the perfect on-the-go tool to keep your ‘stache smooth and styled all day.

7. The Beardstache

For those who can’t decide between a beard and a mustache.

The beardstache is what happens when a mustache takes center stage while the beard plays a supporting role. It’s a rugged, masculine look that pairs a thick, well-defined mustache with a beard. Some prefer a shorter, scruffy beard for more definition, but the world is your oyster.

This style is a favorite among Hollywood actors and modern trendsetters because it blends old-school charm with a contemporary edge. Henry Cavill has worn a killer beardstache, proving that this look is versatile enough to wear in a movie fight scene and at a high-end cocktail bar.

Growing a beardstache is pretty straightforward, but balance is key. If the mustache isn’t full enough, the style can look incomplete. Think of it as the best of both worlds—bold up top, effortless on the bottom.

How to Maintain It:

• Let your mustache grow thick and full while keeping the beard more maintained.

• Use a trimmer to contrast the two, allowing the mustache to grow fuller.

• Apply beard oil to keep everything soft and conditioned.

• Use mustache wax if you want to shape the mustache for extra definition.

8. The Handlebar Mustache

For a vintage and playful statement.

Now we get to one of the most iconic and daring of mustaches — the handlebar. Named after the handlebars from bicycles, the handlebar mustache style is thicker, and the ends are twirled upwards away from the corners of the mouth. It’s often confused with the horseshoe mustache, which grows straight down in an upside-down “U” shape.

This mustache isn’t for low-maintenance groomers—it requires daily styling to keep it in prime shape. But if you’re willing to commit, the handlebar mustache is a showstopper that adds personality and vintage charm to any look.

How to Maintain It:

• Grow your mustache long enough to create those signature curls.

• Apply a strong-hold mustache wax to sculpt and twist the ends upward.

• Train the curls daily by twisting them into place with your fingers.

• Comb through regularly to prevent tangling and keep hairs smooth.

9. The Horseshoe Mustache

For a tough, rebellious edge.

The Horseshoe mustache is the go-to style for those who want to add a bit of ruggedness to their look. Shaped like an upside-down “U,” this mustache extends past the corners of the mouth and is often associated with bikers, wrestlers, and all-around tough guys. Hulk Hogan, anyone?

This mustache is not for the faint of heart—it’s bold, commanding, and demands confidence. This mustache takes some effort to maintain, but it'll be a breeze once you get it down.

How to Maintain It:

• Grow a full mustache first, then shape it into a horseshoe by shaving the area above the chin and around the mouth.

• Keep the edges trimmed for a sharp, clean appearance.

• Use a beard trimmer or razor to maintain the signature vertical strips extending downward.

• Apply beard oil to keep it soft and well-conditioned.

Whether you pair it with a beard or let it stand alone, the Horseshoe mustache is an undeniable statement of masculinity!

The Best Thin Mustache Styles 

10. The Pencil Mustache

For a sleek and sophisticated style.

The pencil-thin mustache is a classic that hit its stride in the early 20th century. It’s a thin mustache style that’s one of the most effortlessly cool facial hair styles ever worn. Thin, neatly trimmed, and sharply defined, this mustache has been worn by Hollywood icons like Clark Gable and Brad Pitt  (remember Inglourious Basterds?). It gives off an air of old-school charm, perfect for those who like a refined yet understated look.

This mustache requires regular upkeep, but if you enjoy precision grooming and sharp lines, this could be the style for you. The best way to get a pencil mustache is by growing out your current mustache. Once you get to a reasonable length, use beard-trimming scissors to cut your mustache hairs right above your upper lip, following the shape with precision and accuracy. 

How to Maintain It:

• Trim closely and precisely to maintain the narrow shape.

• Shave the surrounding area daily to keep it looking crisp.

• Use a fine-tooth comb to ensure every hair stays neatly in place.

• Apply a light layer of mustache wax for structure and shine.

11. The Parted Pencil Mustache

For a vintage and debonair look.
A sleek and suave throwback to the golden age of Hollywood, the parted pencil mustache is a thinner, neatly trimmed mustache with a distinctive mustache gap at the philtrum. This debonair style was a favorite among 1930s and ‘40s movie stars, exuding class, charm, and a touch of mischief.

This mustache requires dedication—every hair must be kept in place, and regular shaving is necessary to maintain its signature split showing your mustache gap. If you’re going for that old-school, vintage sophistication, this is the mustache for you.

How to Maintain It:

• Trim closely and keep the width narrow for a refined look.

• Shave the philtrum area daily to maintain the parted effect.

• Use a fine-tooth comb to style it neatly.

• Apply a small amount of mustache wax to keep the hairs in place without making them stiff.

12. The English Mustache

For a refined, aristocratic look.

The English mustache is a refined, aristocratic style that gives off a distinguished, old-world charm. It’s a thin, neatly combed mustache that extends outward past the upper lip, often styled with slight curls at the ends. If you’ve ever wanted to look like a 19th-century gentleman or a character from a Sherlock Holmes novel, this might be your mustache.

This style demands precision and maintenance, but it's worth the effort for those who enjoy a well-kept, sophisticated look.

How to Maintain It:

• Trim regularly to keep it narrow and sharp—precision is key.

• Use mustache wax to shape the ends into slight curls or a straight, outward style.

• Shave the surrounding area frequently to keep the look clean and defined.

• Comb daily with a fine-tooth mustache comb to keep it structured and orderly.

13. The Dalí Mustache

For the artistic and avant-garde.

If you want your mustache to be as much a work of art as you are, the Dalí mustache is for you. Named after the legendary surrealist Salvador Dalí, this whimsical style features long, thin ends that curve dramatically upward. It’s a playful, eccentric look that requires serious styling commitment.

How to Maintain It:

• Grow your mustache long enough to create those signature curls.

• Apply a strong-hold mustache wax to sculpt the ends upward.

• Twist the tips daily to train them into the desired shape.

• Use a fine-tooth comb to maintain precision and prevent stray hairs from ruining the dramatic effect.

14. The Fu Manchu Mustache

For an exotic and dramatic edge.

Look no further than the Fu Manchu if you want a mustache that commands attention. This long, thin mustache extends past the corners of the mouth and continues downward, often growing well past the chin. It’s a dramatic, eye-catching style historically associated with martial arts masters and cinematic villains.

Unlike the horseshoe mustache, which connects to the beard, the Fu Manchu grows exclusively from the upper lip, with the rest of the face clean-shaven.

How to Maintain It:

• Allow the mustache to grow long, resisting the urge to trim it too soon.

• Shave the surrounding facial hair daily to keep the style distinct.

• Use wax or styling gel to direct the ends downward for that signature look.

• Regularly comb to prevent tangling and maintain smoothness.

Your Mustache, Your Statement

Nervous to try something new in the world of 'staches? Don’t be. Facial hair is one of man’s greatest ways to express their style. It's a right of passage, whether a subtle display, like a goatee or soul patch, or a full-on statement like the Dalí. You’d be joining some of the most iconic men of all time: Martin Luther King Jr., Theodore Roosevelt, and even Albert Einstein, who sported classic mustaches. 

Join the ranks of these and other whiskered icons with help from The Beard Club. From pro grooming tips, like how to trim your mustache, to our catalog of tailored beard care products, you can be on the right track to looking like Burt Reynolds or Freddie Mercury in no time. 

Sources:

The Moustache: A Hairy History | BBC Culture

Watch a Beard Model Show You How to Pull Off Henry Cavill's Epic 'Beardstache' | Men's Health

Salvador Dalí talks about his iconic, 'very aggressive' moustache | BBC

Fu Manchu moustache | Wikipedia

Brad Pitt, Burt Reynolds and More! How These Famous Men Look Without Their Mustaches | OK!Magazine

The man, the myth, the mustache: We GIF thanks for Burt Reynolds' famous facial hair | USA Today