A full beard takes commitment; a chevron takes a week and a comb. Thick, full, and grown to drape over the top lip, it’s the most recognizable mustache there is — equal parts Tom Selleck and 1970s leading man.
Here’s what makes the chevron work, how to shape it, and 10 chevron mustache styles to model yours on.
What Is a Chevron Mustache?
A chevron mustache is a thick mustache style that covers the entire upper lip, with the ends angled downward to form an inverted V shape. It exploded in popularity during the ’80s, worn by icons like Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds, and it never really left.
Today, it remains a commanding mustache style. It’s not for everyone, but for those who wear it well, it makes a serious statement. Bold, attention-grabbing, and unapologetically masculine, it takes real confidence to pull off.
So if you’re considering a chevron mustache, get ready to own the room and lean into your individuality.
How to Get a Chevron Mustache?
Start by removing all facial hair except the mustache on your upper lip. Keep it full. Make sure you’re leaving hair at the corners of the mustache.
Don’t shave any part of the mustache that grows toward the corners of the mouth. Trim right at the point where the hair begins to grow downward.
Picture an imaginary diagonal line running from your nostril down to the edge of your mouth, forming that inverted V chevron shape. Then clean up any stray hairs sitting outside the upper lip perimeter. That’s your chevron mustache, done.
01 of 10Chevron Mustache with Light Stubble
Stubble is the go-to facial hair style for modern guys, and it pairs brilliantly with a chevron mustache. Keeping a layer of light stubble across the face lets the mustache stay the focal point while adding a rugged, well-groomed edge to the whole look.
02 of 10The Full, Dense Chevron Mustache
If you’re blessed with dense, coarse beard growth, this is your moment. A full, thick chevron mustache that completely covers the upper lip with serious density is about as masculine as it gets. Let the fullness do the talking.
03 of 10Brown Chevron Mustache with Clean-Shaven Face
Going clean-shaven everywhere except the mustache puts all the focus squarely on your chevron. With a sharp mustache trim and a crisp outline cleanup along the upper lip, this combination looks polished and precise.
Beard color plays a bigger role here, so embrace your natural shade or consider beard enhancement if you want extra richness.
04 of 10Freddie Mercury’s Iconic Chevron Mustache
It’s almost impossible to talk about the chevron mustache without bringing up Freddie Mercury.
He commanded every stage with that legendary voice and his signature chevron mustache, and the two became inseparable. Mercury’s mustache was thick, dark, and perfectly shaped, sitting just above the lip line with zero fuss.
If you want a reference point for the classic chevron done right, look no further than the man from Queen.
05 of 10Chevron Mustache Paired with a Cropped Fade Haircut
Your hairstyle has just as much say in the final look as the mustache itself. A tight cropped fade alongside a chevron mustache is a sharp, well-put-together combination. It signals that you care about the details, and that kind of grooming awareness always leaves a strong impression.
06 of 10Chevron Mustache with Heavy Stubble
You don’t have to rock the chevron mustache solo. It pairs beautifully with heavy stubble or a small goatee.
David Beckham is the perfect example here. His chevron mustache looks sharp and polished alongside the scruff, giving the whole look a rugged yet refined edge.
07 of 10Classic Full-Coverage Chevron Mustache
This is the chevron mustache in its purest form. The upper lip is covered completely, with the hair sitting just at the lip line and blending into the nose area on either side.
The overall shape follows that signature inverted V, though the corners are soft rather than sharply pointed. To pull this off, you need solid density and enough length to let the hair lay naturally downward. If you’ve got the growth, this style practically shapes itself.
08 of 10Chevron Mustache with a Pyramidal Shape
People often mix up the pyramidal mustache and the chevron mustache, and honestly, the confusion is understandable. Both styles are closely related, but they’re not the same thing.
A chevron can sometimes take on a pyramidal appearance, but the key difference is the silhouette: a true pyramidal mustache is narrow at the top and widens toward the lip like a pyramid, while the chevron stays full-width all the way across. No taper? You’re in chevron territory.
09 of 10White and Gray Chevron Mustache
A gray chevron mustache is a confident, sophisticated choice. If your mustache hairs are going gray, lean into it rather than fight it.
The style keeps that classic inverted V-shape, with the ends of the mustache hairs pointing downward. On a mature gentleman, the silver tones give this look a quiet authority that’s hard to argue with.
10 of 10Bald Head with Trimmed Chevron Mustache
A cleanly trimmed chevron mustache with neatly shaped sides is a natural fit for a shaved head. The symmetrical V-shape stays the focal point of the face, and the shorter, well-defined corners keep everything sharp and well-groomed without any extra effort.
How to Grow and Maintain a Chevron Mustache
A few straightforward habits go a long way when it comes to growing and maintaining a great chevron mustache.
First, let it grow out to a workable length before you touch it with a trimmer. Once it’s grown past the lip line, you can start shaping.
Use a quality detail trimmer for precision, and resist the urge to over-trim early on.
Go easy on the mustache wax. The chevron doesn’t need extra product to hold its shape since it grows naturally into the style. A light application is fine for flyaways, but heavy wax will weigh the hair down and kill the shape.
For your mustache trim, use sharp, small scissors and work slowly. Trim the mustache hairs evenly across both sides to keep the chevron symmetrical.
Take off a little at a time. One snip too many and you’ve got a pencil mustache instead.
Keep it clean by washing regularly with a mild beard wash or gentle shampoo. Work it through the hairs to clear out any buildup, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.
A clean mustache is a healthy mustache, and healthy hair holds its shape far better. Stay consistent with these steps and your chevron will always look sharp and well-groomed.
