Over the past decade, there has been an unprecedented surge in the popularity of beards. The figures speak for themselves: 92% of men aged 25 to 35 now reportedly wear a beard with pride, both in private and at work, completely reshaping grooming conventions established since the early nineties.
The moustache, however, seems to remain somewhat unconventional, reserved for the daring (or the reckless, depending on its size and shape). Not for lack of trying to bring it back into fashion through hit films or songs—Jean Dujardin in The Artist or Cuir Moustache by Pan Pan Master spring to mind. Yet since 2003, a campaign aimed at improving men’s health has put this upper-lip growth firmly back in the spotlight: Movember, a portmanteau of “moustache” and “November”. Strategically held in November, directly following Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Returning to our cotton. While facial hair is, by nature and almost by default, a hallmark of masculinity—women being largely hairless in this area—the shirt has established itself as an unrivalled, timeless icon, despite stiff competition from the T-shirt and the roll neck. Such enduring success is easily explained: worn with a tie, the shirt displays rare elegance, while unbuttoned slightly, it feels effortlessly relaxed, subtly rakish, or even entirely carefree with more than three buttons undone. And we are still talking about the very same garment—proof of its remarkable versatility! QED.
In support of the movement, we look back at the men who, in our view, best mastered the shirt and moustache combination.
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando was above all a distinctive face, with his square jaw, full lips and world-weary pout. In his role as Vito Corleone, godfather of the Italian mafia, he effortlessly wore the formal white shirt and thin moustache, perfectly embodying the quintessential patriarch.
Not everyone can be Marlon Brando. We suggest really honing your attitude, your stride and the way you speak. Style-wise, slip into a white poplin shirt with a semi-cutaway collar: the classic, understated elegance of poplin pairs seamlessly with this wide, open Italian collar, perfectly setting off your tie or bow tie.
Salvador Dalí
Voted the most famous moustache in a Movember Foundation poll, Dalí’s moustache almost preceded the man and his work. A flawless expression of the artist's boundless creativity and humour, the slender, waxed moustache pointing at ten past ten became the definitive emblem of the surrealist movement.
With such a distinctive facial feature, there is no need to overcomplicate the shirt. A classic white shirt or a subtle semi-plain design will let the face take centre stage. For the collar, opt for a neat point collar, or venture towards a club collar that complements the curves of the moustache.
Sean Connery
Connery. Sean Connery. With his deep voice and thick eyebrows, the legendary 007 actor wore a moustache with peerless class, in a classic Oxford shirt, of course. The embodiment of the gentleman, and proof that a moustache can be both elegant and attractive.
Dressed in an impeccably tailored white shirt with a point collar, a dark bow tie, sporting a classic moustache and holding a glass of Scotch whisky, channel your inner James Bond. Do not forget mother-of-pearl collar stays for the height of sophistication, looking immaculate whatever the occasion.
John Waters
It is impossible to talk about moustaches without mentioning John Waters, one of the most subversive directors of the 21st century. The fine stroke of black pencil drawn just above his upper lip became the ultimate hallmark of this provocateur, whose style was as elegant as it was unsettling.
Often imitated, never equalled. Frequently seen with a white shirt or broad stripes, the real secret lies in a solid or patterned, colourful tie. A narrower collar, such as a refined tab or pin collar, works best to frame and elevate the tie.
Ready for the shirt and moustache combination at the office? Take care, gentlemen.
