During my last trip to Hamburg - really one of the coolest places I have visited - I noticed an increasing amount of men sporting stubbles and beards. I know, I’ve been always attracted to "stubbled"/bearded guys and I know there is nothing new to this trend. But thanks to this observation, I realized that I unconsciously categorized these men systematically in my head. And I thought I might as well just put it down on writing and share it with you. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of eye-candy, if I do say so myself?!
1 | THE SCANDY | “Scandy“ actually stands for Scandinavian (Eye-) Candy. I came up with this exclusive nickname during my final year at graduate school in Sweden. Their outfit consists of contemporary and minimalistic premium pieces such as white collarless shirts. I was never fond of long haired men, but Scandies made me change my mind!
2 | THE FOLK SINGER | Now this type of man can be found in the park either participating in jam sessions and rocking their acoustic guitars and of course on festivals! Their favorite pieces: corduroy jackets, denim jackets, beanies or fedoras and the infamous jute bag.
3 | THE FISHERMAN | The favorite mean of transportation of a Fisherman is usually and old rusty retro bike. To be found at the local market buying fresh organic produce sipping on some green juice. In the evening they can be spotted in cool pubs drinking beer and watching their "Folk Singer" buddies play unplugged. The Fisherman's favorite pieces are: beanies, parka, rolled up skinnies and a pair of old boots, occasionally seen with hipster specs such as the infamous Ray Ban Clubmasters.
5 | THE BEARDED GENTLEMAN | Suit and tie or basic shirts paired with chinos, slippers or brogues and cool sunglasses. Voilà! Just imagine Harvey Specter or Dr. Sheperd on a shaving strike and you know what I’m talking about. Their natural habitat? Art exhibitions, musea or any sophisticated location you can think of.
++ Disclaimer: Stereotype alarm! So skip this post if you're a bearded guy and you find this offensive ++
4 | THE URBAN HUNTER | AKA Lumberjacks are one of the sexiest and manliest guys out there ladies! Flannel shirts, tattooed, sometimes pierced and pretty much the outdoorsy type of guy - VERY ADVENTUROUS I believe. Enough said!
According to a recent study published on Evolution and Human Behavior by Dixson and Brooks „an intermediate level of beardedness is most attractive while full-bearded men may be perceived as better fathers who could protect and invest in offspring“. There you go! Scientific proof! You’re welcome. Wait! Did I just read "invest in offspring"?! Oh god, I guess something started ticking.
So I’m asking myself: does it all come down to reproduction and our attraction to cavemen look-alikes?! Well, I guess there are also enough women out there who dislike men with facial hair.
I believe not only does a beard make men look older, manlier and maybe slightly macho, but it can also be beneficial by turning a nerdy looking dude into a stud. Technically like make-up for men. And like make-up to women, some guys just look better with and some look better without. Personally, as long as it's not a Goatee, a Fu Manchu or a Super Mario Moustache, I'd say BEARD ON!
