Proper moustache grooming. Mustache styles: what are your options?, Philips

The 'tache - facial hair not to be messed with Fu manchu mustache styles.

The mustache has always commanded a certain level of respect - the commitment required to grow and maintain one being widely recognized. Today, mustaches are enjoying something of a revival among the well-groomed, sharply-dressed and fashionable set, helped by the hipster culture and popularity of events like 'Movember' that use the mustache to draw attention to male health and wellbeing issues.

There's no shortage of great mustache styles

But the mustache is a tool of self-expression,, and with such a wide range of styles to choose from, there are many ways to express yourself.

With its hint of cowboy, the Dallas has long been one of the most confidently masculine mustache styles - although you should be sure to shampoo and trim it regularly to make sure you don’t end up smelling like a cowboy too. Nor is it one of the more difficult mustache styles to create - follow our five steps, and it should take just a few months to take beautiful effect.

Mustache and goatee combo

As the name suggests, this is an unpretentious, no-nonsense mustache that is neither a titchy Clark Gable number, nor anything too extravagantly bushy. This is the mustache for those who like to express their masculinity in an understated, unfussy way, and it's one of the easiest mustache styles to achieve.

Another mustache with echoes of the 19th-century Wild West, the Handlebar mustache is distinguished by its wiry edges that resemble gracefully upturned bicycle handlebars. It's the perfect match with a pipe or a horse. Be warned, though - you will need a nicely cowboy-esque square face to really pull off this most gentlemany of mustache styles.

Few mustache styles exude the throwback sophistication and class of the pencil-thin mustache, which was favored by such true greats as Errol Flynn and David Niven. Just make sure you have the classy wardrobe to match, or you'll look like a petty criminal! Unlike the handlebar 'tache, the pencil-thin is one of those mustache styles that suits almost any face.

No mustache type screams 'evil mastermind' quite like the Fu Manchu, its name borrowed from the villain of British writer Sax Rohmer’s series of novels. If the other mustache styles you've been considering just don't have enough of that 'plotting to take over the world' vibe, step this way for our top tips on how to create the Fu Manchu.

Thin mustache and beard

Lacking the upper-class breeding of the handlebar mustache or the sinister determination of the Fu Manchu, the horseshoe is the less civilized 'black sheep' of the mustache family. You might have last seen it on Hulk Hogan or another of his pro wrestler brethren, causing as much bad luck as any other upside-down horseshoe.

Definitely not a shy mustache, the Chevron displays itself loudly and proudly upon the wearer's top lip, representing a seriously hefty style statement. Grow some beard stubble below it, and you will have an even more formidable look that will attract knowing nods of appreciation from closet connoisseurs of the finest mustache styles.

This sophisticated mustache is characterized by a wide base that slightly narrows as it reaches the nose. When it's done right - and rest assured that this isn't one of the more challenging mustache styles to grow - the Pyramid 'tache will look good on almost any face shape, its borders easily maintained with a stubble or precision trimmer.

The Zappa mustache is as much a one-off as Frank Zappa himself, combining a a wide soul patch with a full mustache that has edges which droop slightly past the corners of the mouth. As a rule of thumb, the fuller your Zappa 'tache is, the better - although unlike some other mustache styles, it isn't too high-maintenance either. Indeed, a bit of stubble might just complement it nicely.

No hair in middle of mustache

For a sophisticated manly look from the old school, there can surely be no better mustache than the Clark Gable, this thickish pencil-thin number exuding the class of the Hollywood legend. It is quite simply one of the most distinguished and tidy mustache styles around - but be warned, daily upkeep will be required to sustain the impeccable facial hair standards of Gable himself.

Also known as the ’cop stache’ in some quarters, the Military mustache - with its top curved edges and lower edge that doesn’t grow over the lip - really does command instant attention and respect. Not for no reason is it regarded as the Governor General of mustache styles, it undoubtedly works best on square faces with well-defined jaw lines. Add a star-shaped badge for extra 'law enforcement' appeal.