24-05-2025
Men, here's how to find the right moustache for your face shape
Much has been written about finding the right haircut for your face shape. Yet in what will be welcome news to any budding moustache-grower, there is also a tache to suit everyone too – one that can emphasise a strong jawline, disguise a babyish round face or make the most of an angular pair of cheekbones. There's no better time to grow one either, with the upper lips of Hollywood's hot young things – see Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and Harry Styles – all sporting bristles. And a special shout out to Pedro Pascal's husky moustache, which has been stealing glances in Cannes over the last few days.
'As a barber, I always say a good moustache can really frame the face – but getting it right depends on the shape of yours,' shares Megan McDonnell, senior barber at Well Groomed. 'It's also important to bear in mind the texture of the hair too, as well as maintenance.'
McDonnell's top tips include trimming every few days to keep the shape clean, using a little moustache wax to control strays and training it by combing daily. 'A more narrow comb will help with the smallest of hairs and be sure to use a wider thinner blade trimmer to grab hold of those hidden hairs and achieve precise straight lines. I'm a big fan of the BaByliss PRO Lo-Pro FX one skeleton. They take it to that level needed for precision with confidence.'
Don't underestimate a good beard oil too, advises Maxwell Oakley, co-founder of barbers Supply91. 'A good beard oil works wonders for keeping the moustache soft and the skin underneath healthy,' he says. 'I recommend our beard oil made in collaboration with Earl of East, crafted with skin-loving, organic ingredients like jojoba and vitamin C.'
For Miles Wood-Smith, creative director and master barber of Murdock London, there's a way to make any moustache style suit any face shape. 'I think face shape is obviously a factor in what kind of moustache looks best but it's definitely not the be all and end all,' says Miles Wood-Smith, Creative Director & Master Barber of Murdock London. 'The density and hair type is what makes a moustache. I think what's awesome about this trend is the fact that so many different sizes and types look great on so many different people. Your barber can tailor your moustache to your hair growth and face shape with some time.'
Oakley agrees. 'A barber will know what size and style best complement the natural symmetry of your face,' he says. 'When it comes to shape, the only real rule is to maintain good proportions. If you're grooming at home, a useful guideline is that your moustache should sit just above the top of your lip and not extend beyond the corners of your mouth – unless you're intentionally aiming for a handlebar.'
Here, barbers share their top tips for finding the one that works for you – whether it's a chevron, a handlebar or a pencil.
Oval
Danny Dyer, David Beckham
Often considered one of the most flattering face shapes, an oval is when your length and width is balanced, with a slightly rounded jawline. Unsurprisingly, most moustaches will suit an oval, which is why the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, David Beckham and Danny Dyer have all sported such different ones.
'An oval face is considered the most versatile shape when it comes to facial hair,' says Oakley. 'Almost any moustache style suits this balanced face type, from a classic Tom Selleck-esque chevron to a bold handlebar or, a neatly groomed natural look.'
Triangular
Jacob Elordi, Harry Styles
Triangular faces have a wider forehead than their chin, and are characterised by angular features, with Harry Styles being a classic example. 'For triangular face shapes, the key is to balance the narrower lower half of the face by adding softness and width to the upper lip,' says Oakley. 'A natural, medium-thick style works well to offset sharper jawlines. You can also embrace an ultra-thin or pencil moustache here, as these can highlight angular features and accentuate your chin and jawline.'
McDonnell meanwhile also suggests fuller styles, like a chevron or a walrus. 'The volume softens strong, angular features and adds a bit of balance. It also needs very little maintenance to keep fullness.'
Rectangular
Henry Cavill, Pedro Pascal
If you've got a long or rectangular face, one which has a high forehead and strong jawline, then it's best to stick to wider styles, says McDonnell. 'They add visual width and stop the face from looking even longer,' she says. 'Removing thinner corners at the end of the moustache gives a better depth of look too.'
Oakley also suggests fuller styles: 'It's all about adding width and reducing visual length. Fuller, wider moustaches or a naturally bushy style will help broaden the upper lip area and soften the overall shape.' His top tip? 'It's wise to avoid styles that droop downward, as these can exaggerate the length of the face.'
Round
Leonardo DiCaprio, Zac Efron
A round face is exactly that – with a shorter forehead and rounded jawline. This face shape can handle something a little more masculine and '70s in feel, according to McDonnell, which is great for making a baby face look more grown-up.
'A handlebar or English moustache helps create length and draws the eye down, making the face appear more structured,' she says. 'A refined pointed finish will give it that extra elegance – moustache wax will give you this.'
Heart
Timothee Chalamet, Henry Goulding
News to Timothée Chalamet's ears – his slightly Errol Flynn-esque skinny tache is the one that will suit his heart-shaped face best – a face shape that is typified by a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a pointy chin. 'A neat pencil moustache works best,' shares McDonnell. 'It adds definition without overwhelming a narrow chin or finer features, and it will draw the eye to any dimples too.'
Oakley agrees its best to avoid thicker styles: 'A medium-thickness moustache helps create balance,' he explains. 'Overly thick or dramatic styles can overwhelm the delicate proportions here, so it's best to keep it soft and subtly defined.'