The fashionable public male image.

Grannyknot - the 'whisp below the bottom lip' could mean, as it did in my case for many years, that the wearer is a player of clarinet and/or saxophones - it provides a little cushion against the reed, and eliminates the soreness that can result from playing.

On the other hand, I removed the beard I wore in the late sixties, and when I meet a certain one of my colleagues from that time, he puts his head on one side like a winsome puppy and says 'You looked so much better with the beard..." Forty some years ago!

My men (DH, DSs, DSiL) have those electronic grooming sets, that comprise different sets and sizes of clippers for different purposes and styles. They look good (my men, I mean) Heaven forbid they went all short back and sides and squeaky!

Mind you, Movember was somewhat distressing; I do dislike moustaches.

Mr G. has always had a beard and like dahlia's DH has always kept it in good trimmed order, during the winter he grows it slightly thicker and during the summer the razor is put onto no1 and given that designer stubble effect this has gone on for years it has nothing to do with trends it 's what he finds comfortable and what suits his face that is important to him,the only time the children saw him with out beard/stubble they walked past him on the drive as they did not recognise him at first.I must say without his facial hair he could be discribed as non-discript as facial hair certainly enhances his appearance.

Actually, isn't designer stubble a bit passé? I don't think the most fashionable men are doing it any more – just the ones who are bit parochial and slow about these things.

dahlia i do believe the goatee wisp below the lower lip is known as a 'soul patch' .

Son-in-law seems to have poor beard growth but has maintained a constant level of stubble for a year now. Not only does he look as if he has just hasn't bothered with shaving, it's extremely scratchy!
DH has had a beard since we married 44 years ago, but he gives his beard as much attention and time as he would had he been clean shaven. He hates the beard to go down his neck and keeps it constantly trimmed. Son used to have a "beard" a la George Michael years ago (round the edge of the face) but now maintains a goatee wisp below his lower lip, which irrates me considerably!

It is supposed to show how casual and laid-back the wearer is - but then he must put in a lot of time and work to maintain it, the narcissistic twit, so that puts the kibosh on that...

The only thing wrong with the open necked shirt and the American business suit... is the suit.

It struck me that all the people have brought me trouble in my life - tax thugs - bailiffs - scum like that - have all worn suits and - worse - the necktie.

I have to admit I quite like a bit of stubble but it has to be the right length. Too long just looks untidy.

Ana

ella ditto my SiL looked awful. I saw him today and blurted out 'thank god you've shaved off that awful goatee' I think he was offended. Tough!

He's never had to shave, mudskipper...

Well, I didn't really believe that there would turn out to be an adjustable razor. I am stuck for words to describe how I feel about this. Superficial comes to mind. In fact I think they just look ridiculous and immature.

On the other hand I must admit I don't like the squeaky clean look of our PM.

Yes anno my SiL looks frightening! Well, even more than usual!

Thank goodness 'Movember' is half over. DS1 put a picture of himself with a very sinister moustache on FB yesterday. And a former colleague has done the same today. Both are asking for sponsorship. I might pay them to shave immediately!

Nanadog, I so agree! Think Charles Clarke in the previous Labour government - he just looked grubby!

My OH has designer stubble! His is of course white and he maintains it with an elctric razor that can be set at different lengths. I like it!

Trouble is some men look absolutely drop dead gorgeous with this designer stubble [weak at the knees emoticon] but others just look dirty and unkempt.

I agree completely - for goodness sake, men, either get a proper beard or be clean shaven. I hate the fashion for wearing formal shirts open at the neck too, with business suits. I think Blair started it, trying to show how 'cool' he was, a man of the people, youthful, exciting - yuk!

There are razors that allow different depths of beard growth to attain the designer stubble look mudskipper. Why, I have no idea!