Van Dyke beard: A moustache and goatee with shaved cheeks.

This facial hair style combines a moustache and goatee while keeping the cheeks clean-shaven. It is named after the 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyck, who popularised it in his portraits. The look saw revivals in the 19th century and remains a recognised grooming choice today.

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Named after 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyck
Consists of moustache and goatee with shaved cheeks
Also known as Charlie after King Charles I
Revived in popularity during the 19th century
Worn by figures like Lenin and Colonel Sanders

What it is

The Van Dyke is a specific arrangement of facial hair. It features a moustache and a goatee, but all hair on the cheeks is removed. This creates a distinct separation between the upper lip and the chin area. Variations exist within this framework. Some wearers curl the moustache, while others keep it straight. A small patch of hair under the lower lip, known as a soul patch, may be present or absent. The defining trait remains the clean-shaven cheeks that isolate the mouth-area hair from the rest of the face.

History and origin

This style gained prominence in Europe during the 17th century. It is named after Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish painter who depicted many subjects with this look. King Charles I of England was a notable wearer, leading to the alternative name Charlie. The fashion declined in Britain after the Restoration, as wigs and French styles took over. However, loyalists known as vow-beards kept the style alive. It saw a resurgence in the United States during the 19th century, worn by figures such as General Custer and Vladimir Lenin.

What it means

In the 19th century, the style carried mixed social signals. Columnist Edith Sessions Tupper criticised it, associating the look with selfishness and pomposity. Despite such commentary, it remained a choice for various public figures. Today, it is often viewed through a historical lens due to its association with the 17th century. The stylised mask of Guy Fawkes, which features a similar beard shape, has given the silhouette new cultural visibility in modern movements.

A drawing made by EveryFaceShape from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real face guide.

Styling and care

Maintaining this look requires regular grooming. The hair on the cheeks must be shaved completely to maintain the characteristic separation. The moustache and goatee can be trimmed to different lengths. Wearers may choose to curl the ends of the moustache for a period-appropriate aesthetic or keep it natural. The presence of a soul patch is optional. Precision is key to ensuring the cheek lines remain sharp and the two hair sections do not merge.

In culture

The beard is linked to artistic history through Anthony van Dyck’s portraits. It appears in modern media through characters like Van Pelt in Jumanji and the War Doctor in Doctor Who. Colonel Sanders is another well-known figure associated with this facial hair pattern. The style’s connection to Guy Fawkes has made it a recognisable symbol in contemporary culture, detached from its original royal associations.

Charles Bonaventura de Longueval, Count de Bucquoi. Photo: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Van Dyke beard

What defines a Van Dyke beard?

It is defined by having both a moustache and a goatee while keeping the cheeks completely shaved. This separation distinguishes it from other full beard styles. Variations may include a curled moustache or a soul patch.

Why is it called a Van Dyke?

The style is named after Anthony van Dyck, a 17th-century Flemish painter. He frequently portrayed his subjects, including King Charles I, with this specific facial hair arrangement, making it widely recognised.

Is the Van Dyke beard still worn today?

Yes, it remains a known style. It experienced a revival in the 19th century and continues to be worn by individuals today. It is also seen in film and television character designs.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Van Dyke beard", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFaceShape rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

Van Dyke beard