Macho for Mustaches - The Fu Manchu

The Fu Manchu

For those who really want to "go for it" with their approach to facial hair, there is no mustache more suitable for the job than The Fu Manchu. Beginning at the upper lip, this style features extremely long whiskers that extend down the sides of the mouth to the bottom of the jaw. Both historically-significant and attention-grabbing, this is the perfect option for anyone who wants to make the most out of their "Movember" Mustache experience.

Origin and Examples in History
The Fu Manchu is thought to have originated with Mongol invaders from China, dating all the way back to the time of the Yellow Emperor (2696-2598 BC). The mustache came into popular culture in the 1920s and gets its name from the fictional character Fu Manchu, featured in the British series The Mystery of Fu Manchu. Since then, it has been worn by a variety of well-known individuals including even Joe Namath.

The Look
Growing a Fu Manchu is somewhat of a labor intensive endeavor, but don’t fret – it’s not impossible. While it’s growing, be sure to groom the mustache so that the ends are the only parts that grow. Use an electric trimmer to shape the facial hair so that it extends down the side of your mouth while keeping the rest of your face clean-shaven. Depending on how long it takes you to grow a mustache/beard, this could be a relatively lengthy process.

Incorporating it Into an Ensemble
With origins in China, the Fu Manchu can easily be worn with practically any Eastern-leaning attire. If you’re looking to take a more western approach, however, consider wearing it with slim-fit designer jeans and a leather jacket. With a graphic tee underneath, you’ll stand out amongst the hipster crowd.