Find a man who grows a beard to look worse, and you’ll have the first man ever to make that choice. One of the many quests a man faces throughout his life is finding the ideal beard for their face. From the moment that first bit of stubble grows in during your teen years, it’s a battle to make your face look as clean and crisp as possible. For some guys, the no facial hair look fits. But for many others, a beard adds a level of elegance that can’t be found with anything else.
But how can you find the right beard style? As a quality tailor, Commonwealth Proper knows a thing or two about finding the right fit. So if you want to accentuate your jawline or cheekbone, use some of our tips to find your personalized beard style. And don’t worry, the best part about beards is that there’s a fit for everyone. So with this in mind, brush up on your knowledge and take your confidence to the next level.
What’s My Face Shape?
When selecting the right beard, the goal is to give your face the most symmetrical look possible. This usually involves creating an oval shape. The good news? The oval is a very common structure for many people. The bad news? There are plenty of other facial types you might be born with. These styles are handsome and unique in their own right, and you shouldn’t feel any less confident with whatever shape you have. But it does make a difference when determining the styles you look good with and the ones you should avoid.
The most common face shapes include:
- Square
- Round
- Oval
- Rectangle/Oblong
- Triangle
- Oblong
Thick Beards vs. Patchy Beards
Every man knows the struggle of growing their beard, only to find that it comes out in a patchy mess resembling a poorly maintained backyard. While beard oils and other substances can aid its growth, some guys just can’t grow a thick beard or look better without one. Thicker beards add many more styling options, as you can choose a variation closer to your face or one that's grown out. On the other hand, patchy beards are best kept short. You’ll have a more limited selection of styles, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them look good. Many guys with patchy beards try out a chinstrap style, but that has undoubtedly lessened in popularity, and its divisive look tends to take attention away from what really matters in your look. So try to stick to a more muted style with a patchy beard, but test your imagination if your beard can grow fuller and thicker.
How Face Shapes Impact What Beard Style You Should Choose
So how do facial shapes play a role in your beard style? Again remember, the goal is to make your face look as oval as possible, which means you must factor in the length and width of your beard. So people with more oval faces have a wide selection to choose from, while face shapes with unique styling have to play around with different options. Let’s take a look at how to find the perfect beard and face shape pairing.
Oval Face
If you have an oval face, the length of your face is larger than your cheekbones, and the forehead is much more prominent than your jawline. Oval face shapes work best with a variety of beard styles. Try various styles to create your desired look, or stick to a classic beard squared at the jaw and lined to the cheeks.
Round Face
A rounded face gives an almost triangular-shaped look, meaning you should keep a shorter beard style like a goatee. A longer beard on a rounder face will often give you a circular look (similar to a bowling ball), a shape that often detracts from your outfit, hair, and face.
Square Face
A square face is unique, with similar measurements all around. While most men appreciate the solid square jaw common with this facial structure, it limits how much beard you can grow. A goatee-style beard is an excellent option as it keeps the chin area rounded while enhancing the jawbones.
Diamond Face
Diamond faces are the widest at the cheekbones, with a narrow forehead and jawline. This is another facial style with a bit more variety in beard styles, but you want to accentuate your features to create the best look. Keep the mustache well-shaven, and don’t let your beard grow out too long on the chin. Even so, a full beard can work great if you have an exceptionally slim chin, giving it some added depth and thickness.
Rectangle or Oblong Face
The biggest thing to avoid with a rectangle or oblong face is making your face look any longer or skinnier than it already appears. This is a facial style where it's also important to pay attention to the hairstyle you choose. A smaller beard that doesn’t go too far past the chin won’t make your face look longer, or you can grow a fuller beard to give your face some added width. Because your face is already a bit longer, be mindful of how far the beard grows vertically and trim it to accentuate the width appropriately.
No Matter What Beard Style You Choose, Make Sure to Pair it With Clothing That Fits Just as Well
The true test of a man's look isn’t based on genetic differences like how much your beard grows in or the shape of your face. Instead, set yourself apart with the way you dress, and you can make almost every beard and face shape combination work to perfection.
At Commonwealth Proper, we can help you achieve the ideal look for any and every event. Our custom men’s clothing in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and now Washington, DC, helps men of all face shapes and beard styles look and feel their best. With suitable clothing, you can reinvent the wheel and take charge of any environment you step foot in. Shop our shirts, outerwear, and other garments, and find the perfect design style to accentuate your look.