Walrus moustache

The walrus moustache is characterized by whiskers that are thick, bushy, and drop over the mouth. The style resembles the whiskers of a walrus, hence the name.[1][2][3]

Not to be confused with Handlebar moustache.

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche had a walrus-handlebar moustache

History
Whiskers (vibrissae) of captive walrus (Japan)

An ethnic trait of Celts and Gauls, but strongly present in the Polish Sarmatian culture as well, the walrus moustache enjoyed immense popularity among men in the latter part of the 19th and early years of the 20th centuries. Gentlemen ranging from scientists to philosophers to politicians often favored the rugged look that the style created.

After falling out of favor in the 1920s it enjoyed a temporary resurgence during the youth counterculture revolution of the 1960s.

In Poland, the moustache became a symbol of nobility and traditionalism. From the 16th to the 20th century it was a symbol of Polish patriotism and sarmatism. Notable bearers at the time were King John III Sobieski in the 17th century, Langiewicz in the 19th century and Piłsudski in the 20th century.

Nietzsche also styled his moustache to be Polish, as he claimed Polish heritage in several of his books.

Styles

In some instances, the facial hair of the walrus moustache not only drops over the mouth but also extends downward at each corner. The hairline may wrap around the cheeks and connect to sideburns the same thickness, as worn by the man they are named for, Ambrose Burnside.

Polish statesman Józef Piłsudski had a traditional Polish "Sarmatian" walrus moustache

Many men throughout history have sported a walrus moustache. In Germany, the walrus is commonly associated with Reichskanzler Otto von Bismarck. Other men include actor Wilford Brimley, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, American president Theodore Roosevelt, former United States National Security Advisor and United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, American author Mark Twain, rock musician David Crosby, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, Polish politicians Józef Piłsudski and Lech Wałęsa, former professional hockey player Lanny McDonald, actor Stephen Fry, actor Sam Elliott and Soviet General Secretary Joseph Stalin, who at times also wore the handlebar moustache.[4] Jamie Hyneman of MythBusters is also known for his walrus moustache, a common source of humor with his co-host Adam Savage.[5]

See also

References
  1. Martin, Chris (1 June 2013). A Gentleman's Guide to Beard & Moustache Management. History Press. pp. 22–. ISBN 978-0-7509-5238-5. Delivering exactly what it says on the tin, the Walrus is characterised by a thick, bushy growth of long whiskers that droop over the mouth to give the wearer the appearance of a docile walrus. Once thought to promote good health by shielding ...
  2. Wilkinson, Dick (11 January 2013). Concise Thesaurus of Traditional English Metaphors. Routledge. pp. 223–. ISBN 978-1-134-08529-3. Walrus moustache [1918]. A thick bushy one overhanging the lips ...
  3. Edwards, Lucien (25 March 2011). The Moustache Grower's Guide. Chronicle Books. pp. 48–. ISBN 978-1-4521-0554-3. As it grows, the Walrus will creep farther down your face as well as to the sides. Use trimming scissors whenever ... The thick and bushy Walrus presents an open palette for creative moustache artists. Use a pair of moustache scissors to trim ...
  4. Cutler, Tom (4 May 2011). "Manly Facial Hair: 11 Different Types Of Mustaches". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  5. "How To Choose a Mustache For Styling Super Powers". Shaver Advice. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
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