ONCE DISMISSED AS a relic of the past or the reserve of Movember-only enthusiasts, the moustache has made a confident comeback, thanks to a wave of stylish celebs reviving the fuzzy upper lip.
As for timing? ‘Across the fashion landscape, styles always tend to come back around – this is totally the same in the barbering game,’ explains Elliot Pritchard of leading barber group Ruffians. He credits the slow-burn rise of the moustache to key moments in recent pop culture. ‘You can’t look past 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick – Miles Teller’s role as Rooster featured an iconic moustache that piqued people’s interest in the style.’
Elsewhere, country music has taken hold of the collective imagination, bringing with it not just the sound, but the aesthetic – and yes, the return of the moustache. ‘Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen, to name a few, have been spearheading the moustache’s resurgence for a new generation, headlining BST Hyde Park this year and last. We’re now at a point where it’s at its zenith, with key figures across music, sport, and film bringing it firmly back where it belongs,’ says Pritchard.
The hairstyle to pair it with? ‘A mullet and a moustache – that’s 100% a vibe,’ says Maxwell Oakley, Co-founder of Supply 91. Pritchard adds, ‘We get asked to do one of these at least once a week now.’
If you’re new to the moustache game – or just looking to switch things up – these are the barber-approved styles worth trying, plus the best products and tips to pull them off.
12 moustache styles to try now
The good news is that face shape isn’t a factor you need to consider. ‘I’m a big believer that it’s all in how you wear it. If you’ve got the confidence, it’ll look like it was made for your face. There’s no one-size-fits-all, it’s more about what fits your personality and how you carry it,’ explains Oakley.
1. The beard stache
‘Henry Cavill’s beard stache looks totally great – a perfect example of facial hair groomed so well it doesn’t look groomed,’ explains Pritchard.
2. The mullet moustache
Jacob Elordi, was one of the early proponents of the mullet-moustache combo, a look that blends retro irreverence with modern cool. While once considered a daring throwback, his take on the style helped usher it into the mainstream, proving that when done right, even the boldest grooming choices can feel fresh.
3. The chevron moustache
Much like Tom Selleck famously proved the power of a great moustache in Magnum P.I., modern stars like Miles Teller are picking up the mantle – bringing classic facial hair back into the spotlight with a fresh, contemporary edge.
‘This low-maintenance moustache is thick and has a full shape that follows the natural line of the upper lip, just slightly trimmed for a clean finish. It gives off retro vibes, but when paired with sharp grooming and minimal beard growth, it really pops,’ says Oakley.
4. The skinny moustache
Pedro Pascal – arguably the internet’s favourite human – has been effortlessly sporting a subtle, low-key moustache on and off for the past few years, proving that even the most understated facial hair can become a signature look. ‘He doesn’t have loads of facial hair, but it does grow relatively strongly around the moustache, therefore a more trimmed back, subtle style will work here as it doesn’t have much other areas of beard to compete with,’ explains Oakley.
5. The baby walrus moustache
This look works especially well on those with wider face shapes – and Zac Efron proved it, sporting the style flawlessly while presenting Nicole Kidman with the AFI Life Achievement Award.
6. The soft moustache
‘Timothée Chalamet’s moustache adds a slightly elegant edge to his vibe. He’s already got that soft, artistic style going on, and the facial hair just takes it up a notch,’ reveals Oakley.
7. The anchor moustache
Both Brad Pitt and Robert Downey Jr. have sported this signature style. It combines a pointed beard that traces the jawline with a disconnected moustache, creating the shape of an anchor. ‘If you’re really pushing the style and want to twist the ends, go for it, but to be honest, not many people are doing the full twirl anymore,’ says Oakley.
8. The contemporary handlebar moustache
‘This is stylish, creative, and full at the centre with curved ends, often styled with a touch of wax. It’s bold without being over-the-top and definitely a conversation starter,’ adds Oakley.
9. The modern cowboy moustache
‘One look that’s been coming through the barbershops lately is a bit of length in the moustache, paired with some rough stubble on the face. It gives that rugged cowboy feel without looking messy. It’s a solid middle ground between clean and wild,’ reveals Oakley.
Case in point? Austin Butler’s latest red carpet appearance. Failing that, think the entire cast of Yellowstone.
10. The barely-there moustache
Australian actor Jacob Elordi turned heads at The Narrow Road to the Deep North premiere, sporting a subtle, ‘barely there’ moustache. This effortless 5’o’clock shadow style is quietly emerging as one to watch for 2025 – understated, cool, and undeniably wearable.
11. The modern moustache-goatee combo
As seen on Luke Grimes at Cannes Film Festival, this moustache and goatee combo looks laid-back yet effortlessly rugged – perfectly balancing red carpet polish with Western edge.
12. The rectangle moustache
This moustache is all about angles. When trimming, don’t follow the natural lines of your mouth, square the corners. You can even let a little go over the sides of your mouth, as shown here on Donald Glover.
How to grow a moustache
‘Ideally for your first trim you should see your barber, who can talk you through best options and cut in the desired shape. From here we’d recommend trimming your moustache once or twice a fortnight, focusing on removing the hair that grows below your lip line,’ explains Pritchard.
Then, once established the key is to let it grow. ‘Be brave,’ adds Pritchard. ‘This is how you’re going to get that thick, defined moustache that’s going to stand out amongst your other facial hair, especially if you’re growing a beard-stache ala Henry Cavill.’
Finally; ‘use a beard oil to soften the hair and prevent dry skin on and around the moustache areas,’ add stylist Jake Wanstall at Larry King South Kensington Salon.
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health UK.
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Men’s Health’s guide to the best barbers in Sydney
Here’s what these 16 famous bald actors looked like when they had hair
