Historically, moustaches have been worn by military men and the number of nations, regiments and ranks were equalled only by the number of styles and variations. Generally, the younger men and lower ranks wore the smaller and less elaborate moustaches. As a man advanced in rank, so did his moustache become thicker and bushier, until he ultimately was permitted to wear an ever fuller beard. For a glimpse into this colourful and noble past, refer to the works of famous military artists.

In Western cultures women generally remove facial hair, though many are capable of growing it and have done so, usually in the form of thin moustaches.

An English moustache was formerly used in melodramas, movies and comic books as a shorthand indication of villainy. Snidely Whiplash, for example, was characterized by his moustache, his cape, and his habit of kidnapping women and then tying them to train tracks, in order to foreclose on their mortgages. It should be noted that stock character 20's [male] attire is generally a tophat, a handlebar moustache, and a monocle.

In some countries, it was obligatory for soldiers to grow moustaches. The British Army, for instance, forbade the shaving of the upper lip by all ranks from the 19th century until the regulation was abolished by an Army Order dated 6 October 1916.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word is of French origin, dating from the mid-16th century.

In North America, many groups of men (co-workers, friends, and students) often partake in moustache growing competitions. They are usually fun in nature and offer a bonding experience for groups of young men. The ultimate goal is to grow the most full and well-groomed moustache in the least amount of time.

In more robust competitions, as mustaches are seen as a symbol of male virility, the winner is usually seen as the most manly of the competitors. Many competitions exist at any given time, for example the North Bay Moustache League.

MoustacheMarch has a large number of participants each year. They spend several months growing out beards and then enjoy the Moustache all March long. Several pictures and videos can be seen on the website.

An organization calling itself the Follicle Freedom Foundation hosts a yearly event known as Mustache March. The event is a charitable in nature with all proceeds going to the MACC (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) Fund. The event starts on March 1st, the day that all participants must be clean shaven. On March 15th the participants must shave all facial hair except that which is defined as a mustache. On the 31st a chili cookout is held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to give the participants a chance to show off their follicular artistry. More information on the event can be found at http://www.mustachemarch.com/