Tags
19th Century, Facial Hair, Fashion, Gentlemen, Society, Victorian
Jesus; the Trendsetter
Now matter how dapper, the 19th century male was Manly, with a capital “M.” One of the best distinctions between men and the fairer sex is the ability to sprout facial hair. Beards and mustaches have been around long before the razor was invented. It was the norm for men to wear facial hair and clean shaven fellas were considered effeminate and not truly masculine. While a full beard is just a full beard, the 19th century exploded in variations and styles never before seen and hopefully will never return! Below are some great examples both awesome and awful.
The Classic mustache via President Teddy
The classic “beard, no mustache” look
A variation of the Van Dyke
The perfected Mutton Chop
Classic mustache gone awry!
The Curtain; a twist on the ruffled collar, no doubt, or built in neck warmer
I am not going to lie, this guy visage looks a villainous to me!
Edwardian-esque fuzz sported by Tsar Nick
Would not want to be this guy’s wife
*sigh*shakes head*
Trimmed Muttons
The coveted Handlebar
When is this ever a good idea?
Not his best look
Why? I ask WHY?!
19th Century Modern 
I have been talking with my female friends recently and am almost taken aback by how many dislike beards, yet I am relieved to see that a few still hold appreciation for them. What are your thoughts on why? Is it simply style? I imagine women might prefer well kept to wild, but still, why do some women run from a nicely trimmed beard?
This is purely my perspective on the topic. Many women do not like beards because it is akin to making out with a Brillo Pad. It hurts the girl’s face and sometimes may cause her to breakout in a rash or blemishes from the sandpaper-y texture of certain facial hair styles. Just as there are many men who detest bright lipstick and lip gloss on women; because it is messy to kiss. Practicality aside, Modern women tend to equate beards with “lumberjack” wilderness men or grandfather types; neither what they want to marry. Having said, all this, some men, like My Suitor for instance, can carry off a beard well. Not all gentlemen have the visage for it. My Suitor has a baby face and if he is clean shaven he looks ten years younger than me and this ruffles my vanity. I think if the style is kept trim, it can look rather distinguished.
Just shaved off a six day beard and the first thing my girlfrien said was I look ten years younger! im only 21 so im not sure if thats a good thing. I do find any more beard growth than that irratating though but i imagine im just not used to it.
So, Mr. Jordan, you look eleven? That is . . . disturbing. –I jest! I do understand her comments though. The absence is startling! Women do not have this sort instant youth feature, facial hair a blessing in disguise.
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