The John Barber blog
Moustache styles? The definitive guide to moustaches in 2025
The John Barber blog · Eleonora Boretti ·
Styles, trivia and tips for an iconic look
In recent years the moustache has made a comeback with a force not seen for decades.
Forget the idea of the moustache as a relic of a bygone era or an ironic hipster style: in 2025 moustaches have become a true style statement. From controversial symbol to conscious aesthetic choice, moustaches are reasserting themselves as protagonists in men’s grooming.
Whether you are a beard and moustache enthusiast or are considering for the first time growing some good hair under your nose, this guide will take you through the main moustache styles, their history, care techniques and the best products to use.
Why are moustaches back in fashion?
The return of the moustache was gradual, but unstoppable. Already in 2020 a certain openness towards this style began to show, but from 2021 onwards there was a real boom. Today, in 2025, we can speak of a global “moustache mania” that has won over influencers, actors, athletes and ordinary men.
The reasons for this return:
- Expression of individuality: moustaches allow extreme personalisation of your face.
- Vintage appeal: they evoke iconic decades such as the ’20s, ’40s and ’80s.
- Aesthetic rebellion: breaking the monotony of the shaved face or the full beard.
- Stylistic inclusiveness: from the twenty-something to the mature professional, moustaches suit all ages.
Haircut and Italian beard shave combo →
What are the main moustache styles in 2025?
We have selected the main styles that are most common today in Italy and around the world, using the terms most widely used.
1. Chevron moustache
Description: Classic, thick and slightly arched. They naturally follow the line of the upper lip.
Celebrities who made them famous: Freddie Mercury, Tom Selleck, Henry Cavill.
Ideal for: oval and triangular faces.
Maintenance: minimal. Just trim the hairs that invade the mouth.
2. Handlebar moustache
Description: Characterised by tips curled upwards, achieved with a specific wax.
Historic icons: Vittorio Emanuele II, dandy figures, bohemian artists.
More compact variant: the Petite Handlebar, for those whose hair has a shorter end length.
Requires: styling wax, a comb and plenty of patience.
3. Walrus moustache
Description: Long and thick, falling downwards and fully covering the upper lip.
Perfect for: those with an abundant beard who want a lived-in, imposing look.
Maintenance: you need a good beard comb and precision scissors.
4. Horseshoe moustache
Description: Often confused with the Fu Manchu, it extends vertically down to the chin forming an upside-down “U”.
Famous wearers: Hulk Hogan, Joe Namath, Jared Allen.
Note: it is a bold style, not for everyone, but perfect for those who want to be noticed.
5. Pencil moustache
Description: Thin, elegant and often separated by a clean line above the lip.
Evokes: the ’30s and ’40s, Hollywood, refined charm.
Celebrities: Clark Gable, Brad Pitt (in Inglourious Basterds), John Waters.
Warning: it requires very precise and constant maintenance.
6. English moustache
Description: Similar to the handlebar, but with the tips pulled outwards in a straight line.
Ideal for: a more sober but distinctive style.
Requires: strong wax and a moustache comb.
7. Dali moustache
Description: Thin, long and with straight tips pointing upwards.
Iconic thanks to: Salvador Dalí.
Look: artistic, theatrical, provocative.
Good to know: it is not an everyday style.
8. Fu Manchu moustache
Description: Similar to the Dalí, but with long tips falling downwards, detached from the lip.
Difference from the horseshoe: the Fu Manchu is disconnected from the rest of the face, while the horseshoe connects to the cheeks.
Style: mysterious, oriental-flavoured, iconic in ’70s films.
Hybrid styles: when the moustache meets the beard
Beardstache
Description: A combination of a full moustache and a short beard (usually unkempt or shaved to 1-2 mm).
Advantages: it gives definition to facial features without requiring the care of a full beard.
Look: modern, virile and manageable.
Zappa
Description: A mix between a wide, thick moustache and a small soul patch under the lip.
Made famous by: Frank Zappa.
Suited to: those who want to break the mould with style.
Imperial moustache
Description: Similar to the Hungarian or handlebar moustache, but with the addition of hair on the cheeks to create a fuller structure.
Name inspired by: Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Which common mistakes should you avoid?
- Cutting too early: don’t try to shape it too soon, wait at least 4 weeks.
- Wrong use of the razor: use moustache scissors for details, avoid excessive cuts.
- Lack of hydration: moustaches need to be nourished with specific oils.
- Unrealistic expectations: every man has his own growth rate and a genetic limit.
How do you care for a moustache?
Essential products:
- Beard and moustache oil: nourishes the hair and prevents irritation.
- Moustache wax: needed to shape and give form.
- Pocket comb: always carry it for quick touch-ups.
- Boar-bristle brush: distributes the natural oils.
- Precision scissors: essential for accurate cuts.
Practical tips:
- Comb your moustache every morning.
- Apply wax when the hair is dry.
- Trim the hair near the lip regularly to avoid discomfort.
Moustaches in Italian culture
Italy too has had its iconic moustaches: from Totò with his thin little moustache, to Vittorio Gassman, to historical figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi or the architect Gio Ponti. Today they are reinterpreted in a contemporary key by actors, musicians and even politicians.
Current fashion favours versatile styles, which can be worn with ease both in a suit and tie and with a more urban look. And thanks to increasingly widespread specialist barbershops, even the less experienced can rely on professionals to get an impeccable result.
Choose your style and wear it with pride
The moustache is not just an aesthetic detail: it is an element of personal expression, a symbol of identity. Whether you prefer the refined style of the pencil moustache or the opulence of the walrus, the key is consistency with your face, your personality and your routine.
In 2025, the moustache is officially back. And this time, it intends to stay. So… moustaches forward, and wear them with pride!
Visiting Milan? John Barber has three barbershops in the city centre, open every day including Sunday: choose your shop and book.
Frequently asked questions
Which moustache style is the easiest to maintain?
The chevron: thick, slightly arched, following the line of the upper lip. Maintenance is minimal; you just trim the hairs that invade the mouth.
What is the difference between a horseshoe and a Fu Manchu?
The Fu Manchu is detached from the rest of the face, with long tips falling downwards, while the horseshoe extends vertically down to the chin and connects to the cheeks.
How long should I wait before shaping a moustache?
At least four weeks. Trying to shape it too early is one of the most common mistakes; the others are using a razor instead of moustache scissors for details, neglecting hydration and having unrealistic expectations of your growth.
