You know the look. It’s thick. It’s slightly unruly. It hangs just a bit over the upper lip, creating a silhouette that is instantly recognizable and, for some reason, totally timeless. We call it the non nude 70's porn star mustache, a term that’s less about the industry itself and more about a very specific, hyper-masculine aesthetic that defined an entire decade of pop culture.
It wasn't just about the films. Look at Burt Reynolds on the cover of Sports Illustrated or Mark Spitz at the 1972 Olympics. That heavy "chevron" style became a shorthand for a certain kind of rugged, unapologetic confidence.
Honestly, the 70s were a weird time for grooming. After the clean-cut 50s and the shaggy, "hair everywhere" 60s, the 1970s landed on a compromise: the groomed but massive mustache. It was the era of the "macho" man, and nothing signaled that more than a dense thicket of facial hair that required its own comb.
The Architecture of the Non Nude 70's Porn Star Mustache
What actually makes it "that" specific look? It’s not a pencil mustache. It’s definitely not a handlebar.
The non nude 70's porn star mustache is defined by volume and width. Specifically, it usually follows the "Chevron" or "Walrus" shape. The hair grows thick from the philtrum all the way to the corners of the mouth, often stopping just before it turns into a horseshoe. If it starts creeping down the chin, you’ve hit biker territory. If it’s too thin, you’re in John Waters land.
The "non nude" aspect of this trend in modern fashion is pretty fascinating. People today are adopting the look—the heavy brow, the vintage aviators, the thick upper lip—without any of the actual 70s adult film baggage. It’s become a high-fashion statement. You see it on runways for Gucci and Saint Laurent. It’s a costume of masculinity that feels both vintage and weirdly fresh in a world of overly manicured "Instagram beards."
Why the 70s Loved the Lip Sweater
Culture moves in cycles, but the 1970s was a unique pressure cooker for facial hair. You had the rise of the "New Hollywood" era. Actors like Elliott Gould and Dustin Hoffman weren't traditional "pretty boys." They were gritty. They were hairy.
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Then you had the athletes.
Mark Spitz famously won seven gold medals in Munich while sporting a mustache that supposedly "deflected water" from his mouth (a total lie he told the Russian coach, but everyone believed it). That specific look—the Spitz—is the blueprint for the non nude 70's porn star mustache. It was about performance and virility.
It's sorta funny how a style once associated with "sleaze" became the gold standard for Olympic excellence.
Cultural Impact and the "Caterpillar" Legacy
We can't talk about this without mentioning Burt Reynolds. In 1972, Reynolds appeared in Cosmopolitan, and while that was a "nude" shoot, his mustache remained the focal point of his persona even in his most "non nude" family roles like Smokey and the Bandit.
The mustache acted as a mask. It gave men a way to look rugged without the effort of a full beard.
But why do we still care?
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Basically, the non nude 70's porn star mustache represents a break from the "polished" look. Today, we live in an era of filters and skin fading. Wearing a heavy, 70s-style mustache is an act of rebellion. It’s messy. It catches crumbs. It requires a certain level of "don't care" attitude that is hard to fake.
The Modern Resurrection
Go to any craft brewery in Brooklyn or Silver Lake. You’ll see it. The "ironic" mustache has transitioned into the "unironic" mustache.
Modern celebrities like Miles Teller in Top Gun: Maverick or Henry Cavill in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (the infamous mustache that had to be CGI-ed out of Justice League) have brought the look back to the mainstream. These aren't just mustaches; they are characters.
When Teller sported that look, searches for "how to grow a 70s mustache" skyrocketed. People realized that the look wasn't about the 70s adult industry—it was about the "tough guy" archetype that the industry just happened to borrow.
How to Get the Look (Without Looking Like a Costume)
If you’re thinking about growing a non nude 70's porn star mustache, you need to understand that it takes work. You can't just stop shaving.
First, you need the "bulk." This isn't a style for guys with patchy facial hair. You need density. Most barbers recommend growing a full beard for about four weeks before carving out the mustache. This ensures the "wings" of the mustache have enough structural support from the surrounding hair.
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- Trimming: Never trim above the lip line. The 70s look requires the hair to slightly overhang the vermilion border of the lip.
- Products: Use a heavy wax, but don't style it into points. You want it to look natural, not like a circus performer.
- Maintenance: Use a dedicated mustache comb. Honestly, it sounds extra, but it keeps the "caterpillar" from looking like a "rat's nest."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most guys fail because they try to make it too perfect. The non nude 70's porn star mustache is supposed to look a bit rugged. If it's too symmetrical or too sharply lined with a straight razor, you lose the vintage "film grain" vibe. It ends up looking like a Snapchat filter.
Also, watch the soul patch. In the 70s, the mustache usually stood alone. Adding a soul patch or a chin tuft moves you into the 90s or early 2000s, which is a completely different (and arguably worse) aesthetic.
The Psychological Weight of the Mustache
There is a real "mustache confidence" that comes with this. It changes how people look at your face. It draws attention to the mouth and the jawline.
Psychologists have actually looked at this. A study by the University of Queensland suggested that facial hair (including heavy mustaches) is often perceived as a sign of maturity and social dominance. In the 70s, this was the "alpha" look. In 2026, it’s a way to stand out in a sea of generic corporate grooming.
It’s a bold choice. You’re essentially saying, "I am comfortable with this giant thing on my face."
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Mustache Enthusiast
If you’re ready to commit to the non nude 70's porn star mustache, follow this trajectory:
- The Growth Phase: Stop shaving entirely for 30 days. Don't touch the upper lip. Let it get "too long."
- The Reveal: Shave the cheeks and chin, leaving a wide "box" around the mouth.
- The Refinement: Use scissors—not electric trimmers—to clip the very bottom hairs that get in your mouth when you eat. Leave the rest.
- The Hardware: Buy a pair of classic aviators. The mustache and the aviator glasses are a package deal. One rarely works as well without the other.
- The Skin Care: Remember that the skin under a thick mustache gets dry. Use a drop of beard oil daily to prevent "stache-druff."
The 70s mustache isn't just a trend; it's a permanent fixture in the gallery of masculine styles. Whether it's for Movember or a permanent lifestyle change, it demands respect. Just make sure you have the confidence to back it up, because once you walk out the door with that much hair on your lip, people are going to notice.