It’s not quite Movember time but the popularity of the humble ‘tache deserves a blog post of its own nonetheless. More and more of us are giving moustaches a go and it seems to be a cyclical thing. Throughout history moustaches have come into and fallen out of fashion, and right now they’re all the rage. Moustaches traditionally stood for masculinity and all things manly but they’re more a part of your style and personality these days. Let’s take a walk down moustache memory lane and see how they’ve changed throughout the years.
The Whiskery Victorians
Moustaches first became a true status symbol in Victorian Britain. Of course, men have had moustaches and beards for centuries but it was in the Victorian age that they became truly recognised for their magnificence and grooming practices became more commonplace. The elaborate handlebar moustache, popularised by military figures such as Lord Kitchener, became associated with strength and discipline. Men of the upper classes wore well-groomed moustaches as a sign of respectability. You’d often see men choosing their facial hair as a mark of respect to the reigning monarch in the period after Victoria’s reign that is!
The Soldier’s Trim
During World War One, the trend for moustaches made a strong comeback, with practicality and simplicity becoming key. Soldiers on the front line in Europe adopted short, manageable moustaches that were not only easy to keep clean but also crucial for hygiene in the trenches. The compact style ensured gas masks could be worn securely, without interference from longer facial hair. Military personnel often chose the ‘Regulation Moustache’, which wasn’t just a mark of discipline, it became a symbol of camaraderie and shared experience. After the war, this style gained popularity among veterans, offering them a connection to their time in service while adapting to civilian life.
The Errol Flynn
The interwar years ushered in a new era of glamour, with Hollywood taking centre stage in influencing global fashion trends. Facial hair was no exception, and British actor Errol Flynn’s iconic ‘Zorro’ moustache became a symbol of dashing style and confidence. His sharp, defined look inspired men across the world to abandon the strict military aesthetic of the war years and embrace more flamboyant and expressive moustaches. This period marked the start of experimentation, with men opting for varied moustache shapes and sizes, reflecting their individuality and embracing the growing diversity in male grooming. It was an era where personal style became intertwined with cinematic fantasy.
The Great Return of the 60s
Moustaches once again grabbed the attention of the average man in the 1960s. The cultural revolution that drove the swinging sixties brought with it plenty of facial hair with all kinds of styles being adopted by the most popular icons of the time, from The Beatles to David Bowie. Teamed with similarly creative hairstyles, the 60s moustache varied greatly.
The Movember Movement
Movember was started in 2003 by two Australians who decided to see how much money they could make for charity through simply growing facial hair. The movement quickly grew and sees thousands of men growing moustaches each November, raising money for men’s health issues. The moustache has become a symbol of advocacy as well as style.
Which ‘Tache Style Suits You?
Today, the moustache is more than just a piece of history, it’s a bold expression of individuality, confidence, and style. Whether you’re going for a classic handlebar, a refined pencil moustache, or something unique, the act of growing and defining your moustache is all part of the fun.
Just like our experience with beards, the Chaps team can also help out when it comes to your moustache. Whether you’re looking to experiment with something new or refine a look you’ve sported for years, our team is dedicated to helping you perfect your moustache. You can book in and we can help you create the look you’re after.
It’s not quite Movember time but the popularity of the humble ‘tache deserves a blog post of its own nonetheless. More and more of us are giving moustaches a go and it seems to be a cyclical thing. Throughout history moustaches have come into and fallen out of fashion, and right now they’re all the rage. Moustaches traditionally stood for masculinity and all things manly but they’re more a part of your style and personality these days. Let’s take a walk down moustache memory lane and see how they’ve changed throughout the years.
The Whiskery Victorians
Moustaches first became a true status symbol in Victorian Britain. Of course, men have had moustaches and beards for centuries but it was in the Victorian age that they became truly recognised for their magnificence and grooming practices became more commonplace. The elaborate handlebar moustache, popularised by military figures such as Lord Kitchener, became associated with strength and discipline. Men of the upper classes wore well-groomed moustaches as a sign of respectability. You’d often see men choosing their facial hair as a mark of respect to the reigning monarch in the period after Victoria’s reign that is!
The Soldier’s Trim
During World War One, the trend for moustaches made a strong comeback, with practicality and simplicity becoming key. Soldiers on the front line in Europe adopted short, manageable moustaches that were not only easy to keep clean but also crucial for hygiene in the trenches. The compact style ensured gas masks could be worn securely, without interference from longer facial hair. Military personnel often chose the ‘Regulation Moustache’, which wasn’t just a mark of discipline, it became a symbol of camaraderie and shared experience. After the war, this style gained popularity among veterans, offering them a connection to their time in service while adapting to civilian life.
The Errol Flynn
The interwar years ushered in a new era of glamour, with Hollywood taking centre stage in influencing global fashion trends. Facial hair was no exception, and British actor Errol Flynn’s iconic ‘Zorro’ moustache became a symbol of dashing style and confidence. His sharp, defined look inspired men across the world to abandon the strict military aesthetic of the war years and embrace more flamboyant and expressive moustaches. This period marked the start of experimentation, with men opting for varied moustache shapes and sizes, reflecting their individuality and embracing the growing diversity in male grooming. It was an era where personal style became intertwined with cinematic fantasy.
The Great Return of the 60s
Moustaches once again grabbed the attention of the average man in the 1960s. The cultural revolution that drove the swinging sixties brought with it plenty of facial hair with all kinds of styles being adopted by the most popular icons of the time, from The Beatles to David Bowie. Teamed with similarly creative hairstyles, the 60s moustache varied greatly.
The Movember Movement
Movember was started in 2003 by two Australians who decided to see how much money they could make for charity through simply growing facial hair. The movement quickly grew and sees thousands of men growing moustaches each November, raising money for men’s health issues. The moustache has become a symbol of advocacy as well as style.
Which ‘Tache Style Suits You?
Today, the moustache is more than just a piece of history, it’s a bold expression of individuality, confidence, and style. Whether you’re going for a classic handlebar, a refined pencil moustache, or something unique, the act of growing and defining your moustache is all part of the fun.
Just like our experience with beards, the Chaps team can also help out when it comes to your moustache. Whether you’re looking to experiment with something new or refine a look you’ve sported for years, our team is dedicated to helping you perfect your moustache. You can book in and we can help you create the look you’re after.
