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The moustache has taken center stage in 2024, capturing headlines and dominating social media. From A-listers flaunting their ‘staches at the Oscars to the stars of Rivals sporting bold 80s-inspired looks, this year has proven that the ultimate statement has been right under our noses all along.

"With facial hair trends showing no signs of fading, it was inevitable for the moustache to make a full comeback—and I’ve loved seeing it reclaim the spotlight this year," says Lee Kynaston, aka The Grooming Guru, a leading authority on facial hair trends. Each November, Movember puts the moustache in the spotlight, celebrating everything from timeless styles to daring new interpretations. "Movember has shown us just how impactful facial hair can be," Lee continues, "So why not keep your moustache into December and beyond? Whether you’re into a more understated look or a bold upper lip statement, embrace it... Now that you’ve grown it, it’s time to own it.”

Whether you're looking to embrace a subtle style or go for a daring look, these iconic moustaches have set grooming standards across generations. From Brad Pitt's sophisticated charm to David Beckham's understated elegance and even Doja Cat's playful twist, each of these facial hair moments holds a unique place in pop culture. Love them or hate them, these top-tier grooming moments have defined eras, sparked trends, and continue to inspire. 

So, if you or someone you know is considering growing a moustache this Movember, look no further for inspiration—these iconic styles are sure to fuel your grooming ambitions and make your look unforgettable. Dive into the list and find the mustache that suits your personality and style, and let these legendary icons guide your facial hair journey this month...

Movember Explained:

Movember is a leading leading charity changing the face of men’s health. The global movement  encourages men to grow moustaches each November to raise awareness for men's health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. 

Charles wearing ceremonial robes after being installed as a Great Master of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath © Getty Images
Prince Charles' vintage moustache era will go down in history

The name combines "moustache" and "November." Movember focuses on raising awareness and funds for cancers affecting men, specifically prostate and testicular cancer. The campaign highlights prevention, early detection, and treatment, supporting research and programs aimed at improving men's health outcomes. "Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men," explains the charity.

The Rules of Movember:

Movember participants start clean-shaven on November 1, then grow and groom a mustache throughout the month without shaving it off. The mustache serves as a conversation starter to raise funds and awareness for men's health issues.

How Women Can Support:

Women, or 'Mo Sistas,' can support Movember by raising awareness, fundraising, and encouraging men to participate. "Mo Sistas are true champions of Movember," explains the official Movember website. "As wives, mothers, sisters and friends, Mo Sistas play an important role in prompting the men in their lives to take action for their health. They are key players in rallying others to join the Movember movement... all the while raising much needed funds and awareness."  If you are interested in supporting you can host events, share information on social media, or complete personal fitness challenges to support men's health initiatives and promote awareness.

The Most Iconic Celebrity Moustaches Of All Time:

1/18

 Einstein’s famously wild moustache, paired with his unruly hair, was the ultimate ‘eccentric genius’ look. This unkempt yet memorable style became symbolic of his intellectual brilliance and carefree spirit, adding character to his legendary persona.© Bettmann

Albert Einstein - 1900

Einstein's famously wild moustache, paired with his unruly hair, became the ultimate 'eccentric genius' look. This unkempt yet memorable style became symbolic of his intellectual brilliance and carefree spirit, adding character to his legendary persona.

2/18

Charlie Chaplin: Chaplin’s iconic toothbrush mustache was central to his “Little Tramp” character. Though simple, it became one of the most recognizable facial hair styles, symbolizing humor, resilience, and classic silent film era charm.© Print Collector

Charlie Chaplin - 1928

Chaplin's toothbrush moustache is one of the most iconic styles in cinema, defining his 'Little Tramp' character. Simple yet recognisable, it captured the humour and resilience of his silent film persona, making him a timeless symbol of comedy.

3/18

Frida’s unapologetic embrace of her natural moustache was revolutionary, smashing beauty norms and redefining femininity. Her choice to wear her facial hair with pride challenged conventions and celebrated self-expression, making her an icon of authenticity in art and fashion.© Bettmann

Frida Kahlo - 1930

Frida's unapologetic embrace of her natural moustache was revolutionary, smashing beauty norms and redefining femininity. Her choice to wear her facial hair with pride challenged conventions and celebrated self-expression, making her an icon of authenticity in art and fashion.

4/18

Clark Gable: Gable’s pencil mustache was refined and polished, epitomizing 1930s and ’40s Hollywood elegance. His thin, well-groomed mustache became a symbol of sophistication, influencing men’s grooming during Hollywood’s Golden Age.© Bettmann

Clark Gable - 1939

Gable’s pencil moustache was refined and polished, epitomising 1930s and ’40s Hollywood elegance. His thin, well-groomed moustache became a symbol of sophistication, influencing men’s grooming during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

5/18

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s neatly trimmed moustache was understated yet powerful, a look that’s effortlessly classic. Its simplicity enhanced his approachable aura while adding a subtle touch of strength to his public image, embodying the calm, composed leader he was.© Bettmann

Martin Luther King Jr. - 1963

 Dr King's neatly trimmed moustache was understated yet powerful, a look that’s effortlessly classic. Its simplicity enhanced his approachable aura while adding a subtle touch of strength to his public image, embodying the calm, composed leader he was.

6/18

Salvador Dalí: Dalí’s mustache was extravagant and surreal, mirroring his art. Thin, waxed, and pointed, it became an eccentric symbol of his creative genius and is remembered as one of the most distinctive artist trademarks.© Terry Fincher

Salvador Dalí - 1964

Dalí’s moustache was nothing short of surreal – thin, waxed, and pointed, it was an eccentric masterpiece that matched his art. This flamboyant moustache became his signature, symbolising his wild creativity and unrestrained imagination.

7/18

George Harrison: Harrison’s thick, neatly trimmed mustache complemented his rocker style, often paired with long hair and colorful attire. His mustache embodied the 1970s counterculture and became part of his distinctive, rebellious image.© Icon and Image

George Harrison - 1967

Harrison's thick, moustache was quintessential Brit-rocker. Paired with his long hair and psychedelic The Beatles wardrobe, it embodied the counterculture spirit and rebellious flair, becoming part of his distinctive and free-spirited image.

8/18

Prince Charles: Prince Charles’ understated mustache, neatly trimmed and modest, exudes traditional elegance fitting for a royal. It embodies refined British style and complements his reserved demeanor, marking a subtle yet distinct feature in his public image.© Keystone

Prince Charles - 1975

Prince Charles' understated, well-trimmed moustache embodied quintessential British elegance. The subtle, modest style aligned perfectly with his traditional image, adding a touch of regal sophistication to his public presence without overpowering his refined royal aesthetic.

9/18

American singer Lionel Richie poses for a portrait with his piano and sunset in Los Angeles, California, circa 1983. © Bonnie Schiffman Photography

Lionel Richie - 1983

Richie's full, well-groomed moustache was as iconic as his '80s hits. The thick, soft shape matched his signature curls, adding a smooth, relaxed vibe that’s pure retro sophistication – the moustache that soulfully sings All Night Long.

10/18

Freddie Mercury: Mercury’s thick, bold mustache became a symbol of his confidence and rock star persona. Often paired with his energetic performances, it defined his rebellious image, marking him as an unapologetically flamboyant icon in music and fashion.© Pete Still

Freddie Mercury - 1985

Mercury's thick, bold moustache screamed confidence and rock star charisma. It was as unapologetic as his stage presence, giving him an unforgettable, flamboyant edge that cemented his status as an icon in both music and fashion.

11/18

eckham’s thin mustache, often paired with a soul patch, is understated yet sophisticated, adding a subtle edge to his clean-cut style. Its simplicity and adaptability made it iconic for modern, minimalist grooming trends.© Anthony Harvey

David Beckham - 2001

Beckham's thin moustache,  paired with a soul patch, is the epitome of sleek, modern grooming. Minimalist yet sophisticated, it added edge to his clean-cut image and became an emblem of adaptable style, influencing men’s grooming trends everywhere.

12/18

 Prince’s thin, perfectly sculpted moustache is pure minimalist chic, accentuating his refined, androgynous style with a touch of mystery. This iconic facial hair added an unforgettable detail to his enigmatic vibe, balancing elegance and edginess like only he could.© Carlo Allegri

Prince - 2005

Prince's thin, perfectly sculpted moustache is pure minimalist chic, accentuating his refined, androgynous style with a touch of mystery. This iconic facial hair added an unforgettable detail to his enigmatic vibe, balancing elegance and edginess like only he could.

13/18

Johnny Depp: Depp’s mustache, part of his eclectic style, complements his trademark goatee and messy hair. The slightly untamed, Bohemian look became a staple for his persona, reflecting his free-spirited and unconventional Hollywood image.© Frank Micelotta

Johnny Depp - 2005

Depp's artfully untamed moustache, combined with his goatee and messy hair, defines his free-spirited, Bohemian aesthetic. This eclectic style has become synonymous with Depp, showcasing his Hollywood rebel vibe and refusal to conform to traditional grooming norms.

14/18

Ryan Gosling: Gosling’s soft, vintage-inspired mustache adds a classic touch to his clean look, often styled with a subtle scruff. This facial hair choice gives him a timeless, rugged appeal, blending effortlessly with his versatile acting roles.© Jamie McCarthy

Ryan Gosling - 2006

Gosling’s soft, vintage-inspired moustache channeled old-school charm. Paired with his subtle scruff, it added a timeless ruggedness to his clean-cut look, perfectly suited to his chameleon-like ability to transition between suave and rough-around-the-edges roles.

15/18

Brad Pitt: Pitt’s trimmed, refined mustache pairs well with his formal attire, adding an old-Hollywood charm to his look. It reflects his versatility, often seen as a blend of classic and contemporary styles.© Mike Marsland

Brad Pitt - 2009

Pitt's refined moustache, paired with formalwear, gave a nod to old-school Hollywood charm. It's a perfect blend of classic and contemporary, showcasing his versatility and adding a hint of timeless elegance to his red carpet looks.


16/18

Zac Efron: Efron’s light, neatly trimmed mustache paired with subtle stubble highlights his youthful yet refined look. This style adds maturity without overpowering his fresh appearance, symbolizing a modern take on classic masculinity and effortless style.© Francois Durand

Zac Efron - 2010

Efron's neatly trimmed moustache and light stubble brought an effortlessly cool edge to his boyish charm. It’s the perfect blend of youthful and sophisticated, capturing a fresh take on classic masculinity that’s both stylish and versatile.

17/18

Doja Cat: In this look, Doja Cat sports a playful drawn-on mustache, adding a touch of theatricality and androgyny. It’s an ironic twist on the traditional mustache, showcasing her ability to challenge and redefine beauty norms.© Marc Piasecki

Doja Cat - 2023

Doja's playful moustache, which she donned to attend the Viktor & Rolf haute couture show in Paris, was pure performance art. Blending theatricality with androgyny, the ironic twist on facial hair pushed beauty boundaries, proving her ability to break norms and reinvent style.

18/18

Pedro Pascal in a low plunging black shirt with red detailing, sporting a moustache and coiffed hair. © Samir Hussein

Pedro Pascal - 2024

"Pedro’s thick mo has become a signature part of his look," says Lee, "No matter what the role - Narcos, The Last of Us, or Gladiator II - Pascal gets to keep his trademark 'tache. Is it about time Pedro Pascal’s facial hair had its own acting credits?" Like wine and cheese, Pedro Pascal and his moustache are a perfect pair, and one just isn’t as good without the other.

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