The Ultimate Guide to the Best Moustache Styles of 2026: From 70s Icons to Modern Trends

 Looking for the best moustache style? We cover moustache 70s classics, cop moustache looks, moustache types, and the essential scissors moustache tools. Plus fake moustache fun and moustache septum ring trends. Shop grooming tools here.

The Moustache Renaissance

The moustache is having a moment. After decades of playing second fiddle to full beards and clean-shaven looks, the upper lip is finally getting the attention it deserves. From the resurgence of moustache 70s styles to the modern reinterpretation of the cop moustache, men are embracing facial hair that makes a statement without covering the entire face .

But let’s be honest: growing a moustache is the easy part. The real challenge lies in finding the best moustache for your face shape, maintaining it with precision, and styling it with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner wondering about moustache types or a seasoned groomer looking for the perfect moustache trimmer, this guide has you covered.

And because great style requires great tools, we’ve integrated the best grooming products—available through our affiliate links—to ensure your journey is seamless. Check out the latest grooming deals here.

The 70s Revival: Why Moustache 70s Styles Are Back

There was a time when a moustache could tell you everything about a man before he even spoke. The moustache 70s symbolized a shift away from polished images and toward something grittier, heavier, and more personal . It framed faces on album covers, posters, and stages, becoming as recognizable as the music itself.

The Cultural Impact of 70s Moustaches

In the early 70s, rock musicians were actively shedding the clean-cut images of the 60s. Long hair, flared jeans, and facial hair all played a role, but the moustache stood out. It framed the face on stage, caught the light under arena spotlights, and became part of a performer’s visual identity .

A moustache 70s style signaled grit and confidence. It said you weren’t trying to look younger or safer. You were leaning into who you were, even if that made people uncomfortable. Artists like Freddie Mercury, Burt Reynolds, and members of Black Sabbath made the moustache an integral part of their personas .

Iconic 70s Rockstar Moustache Styles

Not all moustaches were created equal in the 70s. The decade gave us several distinct styles, each with its own personality:

The Chevron
Thick, full, and covering the entire upper lip, the Chevron is probably the most recognizable moustache 70s style. Think Freddie Mercury during Queen’s peak years. His version was dense and perfectly imperfect—never fussy, always commanding. It balanced flamboyance with raw power, which made it unforgettable .

The Horseshoe
Shaped like an upside-down U, the Horseshoe extends down the sides of the mouth toward the jawline. It’s aggressive, confrontational, and a little dangerous. Members of Black Sabbath leaned into this look, pairing it with darker clothing and heavier sounds. This was the moustache of musicians who wanted to look untouchable .

The Walrus
Long, bushy, and often hanging over the lower lip, the Walrus moustache required commitment. It wasn’t neat, and that was the point. Southern rock and folk musicians embraced this look because it felt organic and untamed, much like the music itself .

How to Wear a 70s Moustache Today

A true 70s Walrus often spilled over the upper lip, and back then, no one cared if it dipped into a beer or a sandwich. Today, that can get old fast. The fix is simple and subtle: instead of trimming straight across the front, lightly taper the underside of the moustache. Use scissors moustache tools or a trimmer angled upward to remove just enough bulk where the hair meets the lip. From the front, the moustache still looks full and heavy. From the side, it stays out of your mouth .

This one small adjustment keeps the spirit of the moustache 70s intact while making it far more wearable day to day. Get the right trimming tools here.

Finding the Best Moustache for Your Face Shape

Before you can rock any style, you need to understand what works for your unique facial structure. The best moustache for you is the one that harmonizes with your natural growth patterns and facial features .

Triangular Face

People with triangular faces—including Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi, and Timothée Chalamet—tend to have a narrower forehead and a wider jaw. Triangular faces benefit from a moustache that adds visual weight up top. A fuller style like the Chevron works well here—it helps broaden the upper part of your face and draws attention upward. Be patient while growing; it can take around five weeks to get the fullness needed for shaping .

Oval Face

David Beckham and Jake Gyllenhaal are among those with oval faces, which are naturally well-balanced—meaning most moustache types will suit. You’ve got the freedom to experiment, from a bold horseshoe to a neat pencil moustache. The only tip? Avoid styles that are overly long or droopy, as they can throw off your natural symmetry .

Rectangular Face

For longer face shapes—such as those belonging to Ben Affleck and Adam Levine—the goal is to avoid elongating the face further. Choose a moustache with some width, like a walrus or a natural, full-bodied style. These help create balance by visually shortening the length of your face .

Square Face

Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal, and Brad Pitt are among those with square faces. This face shape features a strong jawline and sharp angles. Moustache styles that soften and elongate pair best with this face shape. A narrower style like the English or handlebar adds contrast to the bold bone structure and brings in a bit of flair .

Heart-Shaped Face

A wider forehead and narrower chin call for a moustache that adds weight to the lower half of the face. A medium-thick moustache—like the Painter’s Brush or a soft natural style—can help balance out proportions without looking too heavy. Keep the shape rounded at the edges rather than angular, and trim just enough to define the upper lip .

Complete Guide to Moustache Types

Understanding the different moustache types is essential for finding your signature look. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most popular styles :

1. The Chevron Moustache

The Chevron is the quintessential moustache style. It follows the shape of the upper lip, resulting in a natural moustache that has a slight upside-down V shape. If you’ve never worn just a moustache, the Chevron is a great place to start. It’s a natural style that requires minimal grooming and is timeless .

Famous Chevron wearers: Henry Cavill, Tom Selleck, Freddie Mercury, Burt Reynolds 

How to grow: Let your moustache grow naturally. It will take two to three months to get the thickness and length for a Chevron moustache .

Grooming: Use scissors moustache tools to trim longer hairs. Trim the edges of the moustache so they don’t extend lower than the corners of your mouth .

2. The Lampshade/Cop Moustache

The Lampshade gets its name from its trapezoid shape. But this style is often labeled as a cop moustache due to the long-standing grooming regulations for servicemen—military included. For most servicemen, a moustache is the only facial hair permitted. Recently, this style has become synonymous with Miles Teller’s Top Gun moustache .

Famous cop moustache wearers: Miles Teller, Eddie Murphy, Sgt. Slaughter 

How to grow: Let your moustache grow naturally, but groom along the way. It will take one to two months to grow a lampshade moustache .

Grooming: Imagine a vertical line extending upwards from the edge of your mouth and a horizontal line extending from the bottom of your nose. Use a razor or electric trimmer to remove any hair outside of these lines .

3. The Walrus Moustache

The Walrus gets its name because it resembles a walrus’s whiskers. It engulfs the top lip and may also cover the bottom lip. It’s a natural style that is combed straight down and not curled into handlebars. Not every man can grow a Walrus moustache—you need a long terminal length on your moustache hair, which is controlled by your DNA .

Famous Walrus wearers: Teddy Roosevelt, Sam Elliott, Friedrich Nietzsche 

How to grow: Let your moustache grow naturally and don’t trim it at all. At a minimum, a solid Walrus will take six months to a year to grow .

Grooming: You’ll want to invest in a quality beard comb to keep the moustache free of tangles and growing in the right direction .

4. The Pencil Moustache

The Pencil moustache was the lip garnish of choice for legends of the silver screen. It was devilish, dastardly, and dreamy. If you wore a moustache in the 1930s or 40s, it was most likely a pencil. The Pencil works best for black or dark brown hair because it’s worn at a shorter length .

Famous Pencil wearers: Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Brad Pitt, George Clooney 

How to grow: Allow your moustache to grow naturally. Keep the length short enough so that it doesn’t cover your top lip and trim the bottom of the moustache to follow the shape of your mouth .

Grooming: The Pencil moustache requires a high amount of grooming. You may need to shave the upper line a few times per week, if not daily .

5. The Handlebar Moustache

There are few things as impressive as a Handlebar moustache. The standard Handlebar is thick with ends that curl upward like bicycle handlebars. It requires the use of moustache wax to achieve the style .

Famous Handlebar wearers: Rollie Fingers, modern hipsters 

How to grow: Grow your moustache out longer than average—typically three to six months of growth .

Grooming: Use a strong-hold moustache wax to train the ends into curls. Shop moustache wax here.

6. The Horseshoe Moustache

The Horseshoe features vertical strips growing down the sides of the mouth, resembling an inverted horseshoe or a U-shape. It’s bold, aggressive, and makes a strong statement .

Famous Horseshoe wearers: Hulk Hogan, members of Black Sabbath 

How to grow: Let the center of your moustache grow long while keeping the edges trimmed .

7. The Toothbrush Moustache

A small, rectangular patch of hair under the nose—approximately the width of the nose. Made famous by Charlie Chaplin. Note: This style has complicated historical associations and is generally not recommended today .

8. The Painter’s Brush

The Painter’s Brush has the thickness of the Chevron but is groomed straight across in a horizontal line, like a painter took a quick horizontal swipe with their brush under your nose .

9. The Zappa

Named after Frank Zappa, this style combines a thick moustache with a rectangular soul patch. Weird, intellectual, and deliberately unconventional .

The Pornstache: A Controversial Comeback

While we’re discussing moustache types, we have to address the elephant in the room: the “pornstache.” The retro moustache style is making a comeback, and Bollywood actors like Vicky Kaushal and Vijay Varma and Hollywood celebrities like Henry Cavill and Milo Ventimiglia have made it cool again .

What Is a Pornstache?

The pornstache is typically longer than the upper lip—a “dirty” moustache look that denotes manliness and enhanced sex appeal. One thing the look guarantees is that it makes you stand out in the crowd .

Why Try the Pornstache?

• It’s a versatile and classic trend that has never completely fallen off trend charts
• It’s easy to maintain compared to other styles
• It’s not specific to any age—older men might enjoy wearing it more
• It suits every ambiance and setting, from casual to formal 

How to Sport a Pornstache

• Be patient and achieve the right thickness before styling
• Once you achieve desired thickness, groom and trim it to make it neat
• Keep it well-moisturized and in place using moustache wax
• Don’t let it overgrow on the sides 

Get the perfect moustache wax for styling here.

Essential Tools: Scissors Moustache and Trimmers

You cannot build a masterpiece without the right tools. To achieve the best moustache, your grooming kit needs an upgrade.

Scissors Moustache: The Precision Tool

For detailed work, scissors moustache tools are essential. Small, sharp barber scissors give you control for trimming longer hairs and shaping the lip line . Unlike electric trimmers, scissors allow you to cut one hair at a time for ultimate precision.

What to look for:

• Small blades (under 4 inches)
• Sharp, stainless steel construction
• Rounded tips for safety

Shop precision grooming scissors here.

The Best Moustache Trimmer

A dedicated moustache trimmer is non-negotiable. Standard beard trimmers have wide blades that make detailed shaping difficult .

What to look for in a moustache trimmer:

• Narrow blade design for tight areas
• Adjustable length settings (1mm to 20mm)
• High-quality blades (stainless steel or ceramic)
• Good battery life (60-90 minutes minimum)
• Ergonomic design for comfort 

Top recommended trimmers:

• Wahl Groomsman Battery Trimmer: High-carbon precision-ground blades, 10 cutting lengths 
• Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 7000: Versatile with 23 pieces, 5-hour battery life 
• Panasonic ER-GB80-S: 39 adjustable length settings 

Check out the best moustache trimmers on Amazon.

The Complete Guide to Scissors Moustache Techniques

Using scissors moustache tools correctly can make the difference between a good moustache and a great one. Here’s how to master the technique :

Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair

Wash and thoroughly dry your moustache before trimming. Wet hair appears longer than it actually is, and cutting it wet can lead to over-trimming.

Step 2: Comb Down

Always comb the hair downward over the lip. This reveals the natural fall of the hair and shows you exactly where the longest strands are .

Step 3: Trim Gradually

Resist the temptation to cut too much at once. Trim gradually—you can always take more off, but you can’t put it back on .

Step 4: Follow the Natural Shape

The biggest mistake is trimming straight across too early. This can ruin the natural shape and make the moustache look thin or uneven. Instead, follow the natural curve of your mouth .

Step 5: Define the Lip Line

Use your scissors to create a clean line following the shape of your upper lip. Never cut this line straight across—follow your mouth’s natural curve.

Get professional-grade moustache scissors here.

The Fake Moustache: When You Want the Look Without the Wait

Sometimes you want the look immediately—whether for a costume party, a themed event, or just to try before you buy. That’s where the fake moustache comes in.

Types of Fake Moustaches

Adhesive Styles
These come with pre-applied adhesive or require spirit gum for attachment. They look realistic and can last through an entire evening.

Magnetic Options
Some fake moustaches use small magnets that grip onto a magnetic piercing—perfect for those who already have facial piercings.

Fake Moustache on a Stick
For the comedian in all of us, the classic “moustache on a stick” remains a beloved novelty item.

When to Choose Fake

• Costume parties and Halloween
• Theatrical performances
• Testing a style before committing to growth
• Movember for those who can’t grow facial hair

Shop fake moustache options here.

The Moustache Septum Ring: Where Facial Hair Meets Body Jewelry

One of the most unique trends in recent years is the moustache septum ring—jewelry designed to look like a tiny moustache that hangs from your septum piercing .

What Is a Moustache Septum Ring?

A moustache septum ring is exactly what it sounds like: a piece of jewelry shaped like a moustache that attaches to a septum piercing. It gives the illusion of a moustache without any actual hair growth .

Why Choose a Moustache Septum Ring?

• Instant style: Get the moustache look immediately without waiting months for growth
• No commitment: Change your look whenever you want
• Conversation starter: Unique jewelry that always gets noticed
• Versatile: Works for those who can’t grow facial hair or want to experiment

Materials and Options

Most moustache septum rings are made from stainless steel, making them safe for sensitive skin. They come in various finishes, including silver tone and black .

The TOYANDONA Mustache Septum Ring features stainless steel construction and comes in a comfortable design that won’t irritate your skin. It’s perfect for adding a touch of fun to your party look or elevating your everyday fashion game .

Shop moustache septum rings here.

The Cop Moustache: Authority and Style

The cop moustache has a long and storied history. Also known as the Lampshade, this style became synonymous with law enforcement due to grooming regulations that often permitted only moustaches for servicemen .

Characteristics of the Cop Moustache

• Neat and well-groomed
• Does not extend wider than the edge of the top lip
• Does not extend higher than the bottom of the nose
• Hair does not touch the upper lip
• Kept at a shorter length, not bushy 

Famous Cop Moustache Wearers

• Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick
• Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop
• Countless police officers and military personnel 

How to Achieve the Cop Moustache

1. Let your moustache grow naturally for one to two months
2. Imagine a vertical line extending upward from the edge of your mouth
3. Imagine a horizontal line extending from the bottom of your nose
4. Use a razor or electric trimmer to remove any hair outside these lines
5. Trim the hair so it doesn’t touch the upper lip 

Get the perfect trimmer for the cop moustache here.

How to Grow and Maintain Your Moustache

Finding the best moustache style is step one. Growing it requires patience and proper technique .

Phase 1: The Commitment (Weeks 1-4)

Resist the urge to trim. You need to let everything grow to see your natural density and growth pattern. This period includes the “awkward phase,” where you might look a bit scruffy. Push through it. Trimming too early is the number one mistake that ruins the natural shape .

Phase 2: The Shaping (Weeks 4-8)

Once you have length, it’s time to shape:

• Comb the hair downward first to catch any uneven lengths
• Use small, sharp barber scissors or a precision trimmer for control
• Define the lip line following the natural curve of your mouth
• Trim any hair that goes past the lip line 

Phase 3: The Training (Ongoing)

For styles like the Handlebar or English, you must “train” your hair to grow in specific directions:

• Brush daily to train the direction of growth 
• Use moustache wax for styles requiring hold
• Apply moustache oil to soften hair and prevent irritation around the lips 

Daily Maintenance Tips

• Brush it daily: Keep a comb in your car for touch-ups 
• Wash regularly: Keep it free of food and oil buildup
• Condition: Use beard oil to keep hair soft and skin moisturized
• Trim consistently: Maintain your shape with regular trims

Shop complete moustcare grooming kits here.

Common Moustache Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best moustache style picked out, these pitfalls can ruin your look:

1. Ignoring Face Shape

A round face paired with a round, bushy moustache can make the face look wider. Balance is key. Use angular styles to add geometry to round faces .

2. Trimming Too Early

The biggest mistake is trimming straight across too early. This can ruin the natural shape and make the moustache look thin or uneven .

3. Neglecting the Surrounding Area

A great moustache looks messy if your neck and cheeks are stubbly. Clean lines make the moustache pop.

4. Letting It Overtake the Lip

If people can’t see your mouth, it’s too long. Eating should be enjoyable, not an archaeological dig.

5. Skipping the Comb

Brush it daily—just like hair on your head, it trains the direction of growth and keeps it tidy .

6. Forgetting the Skin Beneath

Healthy skin underneath prevents flaking, which is the fastest way to ruin the look .

The Best Moustache Products: Our Affiliate Picks

To help you achieve the best moustache possible, we’ve curated our top product recommendations. Click any link to check prices on Amazon.

Precision Trimmers

Audioence Precision Trimmer
Engineered for the tight curves of the nasal area and lip line. Titanium-coated blades stay sharp, reducing tugging and ensuring symmetrical results.

Wahl Groomsman Battery Trimmer
High-carbon precision-ground blades with 10 adjustable cutting lengths. Powerful motor handles thick hair with ease .

Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 7000
All-in-one trimmer with 23 pieces for various grooming tasks. Five-hour battery life and water-resistant design .

Scissors and Combs

Professional Barber Scissors
Small, sharp scissors for precision moustache trimming.

Moustache Comb Set
Keep a comb in your pocket or car for daily touch-ups .

Styling Products

Moustache Wax
Essential for Handlebar and English styles. Provides hold and control.

Beard Oil
Softens hair and hydrates skin underneath to prevent beardruff.

Moustache Balm
Lighter than wax, perfect for natural styles.

Complete Kits

Cosmocare-20 All-in-One Grooming System
Includes a high-quality trimmer, guards, scissors, and cleaning brush. The ultimate value package for maintaining the best moustache at home.

Novelty and Jewelry

Fake Moustache
Perfect for costume parties and testing styles before committing.

Moustache Septum Ring
Unique jewelry that gives the moustache look without any hair growth .

Moustache by Occasion: Styling for Every Situation

The Corporate Professional

Stick to the Chevron or Painter’s Brush. It shows attention to detail and fits conservative environments. The cop moustache also works well in professional settings due to its neat, controlled appearance .

The Creative Freelancer

Experiment with the Handlebar or Imperial. Use high-quality wax to keep it looking intentional rather than messy. The moustache 70s styles like the Walrus or Zappa can also work well in creative industries .

The Weekend Socializer

For parties and social events, consider a fake moustache for fun or a moustache septum ring for a unique conversation starter .

The Special Event

For weddings and formal occasions, the Pencil moustache adds sophistication and pairs perfectly with a tuxedo .

The Athlete

Go for the Natural or Short Stubble moustache. It’s low maintenance and won’t trap sweat.

The Future of Moustache Trends

Looking ahead, moustache styling will only grow more diverse. Grooming brands are already expanding products targeted at moustache care, such as specialized waxes, oils, and combs. As facial hair becomes recognized as fashion, even workplaces may see wider acceptance .

More creative hybrid styles will appear where men merge different traditions and express individuality. The best moustache will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: the moustache is a statement accessory that shows confidence and personality .

Conclusion: Your Moustache Journey Starts Now

The journey to finding the best moustache is a personal one. It requires patience during the growth phase, a steady hand during the trim, and the confidence to wear it proudly. Whether you’re drawn to the moustache 70s classics, the authoritative cop moustache, or the playful fake moustache and moustache septum ring trends, there’s a style for everyone.

Remember, the tools you use are just as important as the style you choose. Equip yourself with precision gear like quality scissors moustache tools and reliable trimmers to ensure your ‘stache is always camera-ready.

Ready to transform your look? Browse our curated selection of grooming essentials below and join the moustache movement of 2026.

---

Quick Links to All Products

Category	Product Links
Trimmers	Best Moustache Trimmers • Precision Trimmers • Wahl Groomsman
Scissors	Barber Scissors • Beard Scissors
Styling	Moustache Wax • Beard Oil • Moustache Balm
Combs	Moustache Combs
Kits	Cosmocare-20 Grooming System • Complete Grooming Kits
Novelty	Fake Moustache • Moustache Septum Rings
General	All Grooming Products

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase products via these links, at no additional cost to you. This helps us continue to provide expert grooming advice.