The Moustache Is Back And It's Not Going To Go Anytime Soon
Decoding the psychology behind the moustache comeback and why every celebrity is sporting it in style
Once dismissed as your dad’s unfortunate grooming choice or the calling card of a 70s detective, the moustache has swagger back into the zeitgeist. And no, we’re not talking about the half-hearted Movember ‘stache that men grew before shaving in shame. This is a full-blown revival, with Hollywood heartthrobs and the coolest guys you know wearing their facial fuzz like a badge of honour.
Spotted on the likes of Vicky Kaushal, Henry Cavill, Ranveer Singh, Jacob Elordi, and Veer Pahariya, the moustache is no longer a relic of the past but the must-have accessory of the moment. It’s rugged, a little rebellious, and undeniably attractive. But how did we go from collectively cringing at upper-lip hair to celebrating it as the pinnacle of cool?
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This isn’t just a grooming trend; it’s a cultural shift. Everything old-school is back—retro football jerseys, wired headphones, indie sleaze, and Tumblr-era aesthetics. The moustache is part of this nostalgia-fueled renaissance. Like a vintage leather jacket or a perfectly worn-in pair of Levi’s, it suggests confidence, irony, and an air of mystery.
Blame it on cinema if you must. Hollywood has steadily reintroduced the moustache as a symbol of charisma and masculinity. When Henry Cavill sported a thick, villainous ‘stache in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, it became such a hot topic that Warner Bros. had to CGI it out for his Justice League reshoots—an expensive mistake that only made it more infamous. Jacob Elordi, already exuding 70s matinee-idol energy, made his moustache debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival 3 months ago, while Austin Butler sported it for his movie ‘The Bikeriders’. And who could forget Miles Teller’s Top Gun moment? His Maverick moustache sparked a TikTok frenzy and made “Top Gun moustache” one of the most-searched grooming terms of the year.
Beyond the silver screen, the moustache is more than just a style choice—it’s a rebellion against the hyper-groomed aesthetic of the past decade. Gone are the days of precision-cut jawlines and glass-skin skincare routines; today’s men want to look like they could chop wood, fix a car, or at the very least, write poetry in a dimly lit bar. The moustache delivers just that. It carries a sense of effortless cool and nods to icons who wore it before—Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck, and Salvador Dalí.
But don’t be fooled—pulling off a moustache isn’t as effortless as it seems. The key? Commitment. A half-hearted attempt can quickly veer into ironic hipster territory, while a well-groomed, intentional moustache exudes confidence. Vicky Kaushal’s recent stint with one sent fans into a frenzy, and Veer Pahariya’s clean yet rugged take proves that Gen Z isn’t afraid to embrace the look. The modern moustache isn’t about looking outdated—it’s about owning it.
Of course, not everyone is on board. The moustache remains as divisive as Crocs or low-rise jeans. Some love it for its throwback appeal, while others can’t shake off its association with ‘creepy uncle’ energy. Even Hailey and Justin Bieber have been at odds over it, with Hailey famously declaring she’d “kill” Justin if he didn’t shave. But perhaps that’s part of its charm—it’s not for everyone, and that’s exactly why it works.
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Fashion’s love affair with the moustache is only growing. Grooming brands are doubling down on ‘stache-care, Instagram is flooded with moustache tutorials, and barbers are seeing an uptick in requests for everything from pencil styles to thick, statement-making versions. So, if you’ve been staring at your razor, wondering if you should ditch it, take this as your sign. Grow it out, push through the awkward phase, and who knows? You just might go from ick to iconic.