The mustache has long been a powerful symbol of style, masculinity, and individuality. From the pencil-thin lines of Hollywood’s golden age to the thick and bold chevrons of the 1970s, mustaches have gone through countless reinventions. In 2026, they are experiencing a huge resurgence, appearing everywhere from red carpets and runways to barbershops and Pinterest inspiration boards.
The beauty of mustache styles lies in their diversity. Some are minimal, requiring little more than natural growth and light trimming, while others are bold, intricate, and demand daily styling with wax and grooming tools. The right mustache can completely transform a man’s appearance, adding character, confidence, and personality.
Below are the 20 best mustache styles for men in 2026, ranging from classic designs to modern innovations and creative statement looks.
Classic Mustache Styles
Chevron Mustache
The chevron mustache is one of the boldest and most timeless mustache styles. It is thick, wide, and covers the entire upper lip, creating a strong presence that instantly commands attention. This style was made famous by icons like Tom Selleck and remains a symbol of rugged masculinity.
Pencil Mustache
The pencil mustache is slim, refined, and neatly trimmed just above the upper lip. Popular in the 1930s and 1940s, it was worn by movie stars like Clark Gable, giving it a suave, vintage charm that still resonates today.
This style is best suited for men with fine facial hair and a sharp sense of grooming. It requires precision to maintain, as the mustache must remain thin and clean without stray hairs. It’s often paired with slicked-back hairstyles or formal fashion, giving a classic gentleman’s appeal.
Horseshoe Mustache
The horseshoe mustache is bold and unmistakable. Extending downward from the corners of the mouth to the jawline, it creates an inverted U-shape that gives off toughness and confidence. Associated with bikers, athletes, and strong personalities, this mustache style projects power and dominance.
Because of its shape, it requires significant facial hair growth along the sides of the mouth. Regular trimming is necessary to maintain clean edges, and it looks especially good when paired with a goatee or stubble beard.
English Mustache
The English mustache is slim, elongated, and styled outward into fine points. This aristocratic style originated in the late 19th century and continues to represent refinement and individuality. Unlike fuller mustaches, the English requires light trimming along the lip line and consistent use of mustache wax to maintain its sharp outward lines.
Bold & Statement Mustache Styles
Handlebar Mustache
The handlebar mustache is instantly recognizable by its curled ends, styled upward with wax. It’s playful, stylish, and works well for men who want their facial hair to be a conversation starter.
This mustache requires patience, as the hair must grow long enough at the ends to twist and curl. Styling wax is essential to keep the curls in place, and daily grooming is needed to maintain symmetry.
Walrus Mustache
The walrus mustache is thick, heavy, and often droops over the upper lip. It projects a rugged, intellectual, and wise appearance, historically worn by leaders and thinkers such as Theodore Roosevelt.
Because of its fullness, the walrus mustache requires thick hair growth and consistent care to prevent it from becoming unkempt. Regular trimming is necessary to keep the hairs from overwhelming the mouth, but leaving some natural flow adds to its charm.
Imperial Mustache
The imperial mustache is wide, bold, and styled outward with wax. It gives a regal and commanding appearance, making it a style that suits men who want to be noticed. Unlike the handlebar, the imperial is often paired with a beard, creating a more dramatic and powerful effect.
Maintaining this mustache requires both length and density. Daily grooming with a strong wax ensures that the mustache holds its wide, outward shape. It’s best suited for men with round or square faces, as the width balances facial proportions.
Fu Manchu Mustache
The Fu Manchu is one of the most dramatic mustache styles, featuring thin strands that grow downward from the corners of the lips, often extending below the chin. Unlike the horseshoe, the middle area of the upper lip is shaved, creating a distinctive look.
This style is challenging to maintain and requires significant patience, as the hair must grow long enough to achieve the dramatic downward effect. Some men even braid the strands or accessorize them for a unique touch.
Mustache + Beard Combinations
Beardstache
The beardstache combines a thick mustache with shorter stubble or a trimmed beard. It’s rugged, masculine, and currently one of the most fashionable grooming choices for men in 2026. This look fits perfectly into today’s popular short beard styles movement.
The mustache is the focal point, while the beard adds balance and texture. This style works well for men who want boldness without going over the top.
Chevron with Full Beard
Pairing a chevron mustache with a full beard creates one of the most masculine looks possible. The thick mustache stands out while the beard adds volume and power to the face.
This style works especially well for men with square or oval faces. It requires dense hair growth and consistent grooming, but the result is striking. It’s also a top choice among men exploring bold beard styles for bald guys or strong jawlines.
Handlebar with Goatee
The handlebar mustache with a goatee is a stylish combination that focuses attention around the mouth and chin. The curled mustache adds flair while the goatee adds depth and balance.
This style works well for men with oval or rectangular faces, as it creates proportion and definition.
Horseshoe with Beard
The horseshoe mustache paired with a beard creates a bold and rugged style. The vertical lines of the horseshoe blend with the beard, creating a powerful, commanding look.
This combination is particularly popular in biker culture and among men who enjoy heavy, statement-making grooming.
Unique & Creative Mustache Styles
Dali Mustache
The Dali mustache, named after the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, is thin, sharp, and styled upward into dramatic points. It’s an eccentric, artistic mustache that instantly grabs attention.
This style requires both patience and styling wax to achieve the extreme upward curls. It’s best suited for men who want their grooming to reflect artistic individuality. Styles like this pair best with expressive men’s hairstyles that enhance personality.
Hungarian Mustache
The Hungarian mustache is thick, bushy, and slightly curled at the ends. It was a staple in Eastern European fashion during the 19th century and has recently re-emerged as a strong, masculine style.
This mustache requires dense hair growth and frequent grooming to maintain shape. It’s bold, commanding, and works well for men who want their mustache to dominate their appearance.
Extended Mustache
The extended mustache grows slightly past the corners of the mouth, creating a wider, fuller look without dramatic curls or styling. It’s natural, masculine, and versatile.
This style is great for men who want a fuller mustache without the commitment of complex grooming. It pairs well with both casual and formal outfits and adapts easily to different lifestyles.
Lampshade Mustache
The lampshade mustache is wide and rectangular, covering the entire upper lip while extending slightly beyond the mouth. It resembles the shape of a lampshade, hence the name.
This style works best for men with fuller faces, as the rectangular shape adds balance. It’s neat, bold, and communicates strength.
Grooming Tips for Mustaches
- Trim regularly: Keeps the mustache neat and prevents overgrowth.
- Use mustache wax: Essential for styling handlebar, English, or Dali mustaches.
- Wash daily: Prevents buildup of oils, dirt, or food particles.
- Condition: Use beard oil to soften thick mustaches like chevrons or walruses.
- Shape with scissors: Clippers are great for length, but scissors provide precision.
- Pair with haircut: A mustache looks best when matched with a hairstyle that complements its vibe.
Conclusion
The mustache in 2026 is more than just a grooming trend — it’s a statement of individuality. Whether you prefer the classic chevron or pencil, the bold handlebar or walrus, the modern beardstache, or the creative Dali or Fu Manchu, there’s a style for every man.
Choosing the right mustache comes down to your face shape, hair growth, lifestyle, and personality. With regular grooming and the right products, a mustache can elevate your look and give you a unique signature style.
💡 Save this guide on Pinterest and try experimenting with different mustache styles to find the one that best defines you.
