Mustache fashion covaries with a good marriage market for women

It was predicted that men would emphasize sexual ly-selected traits, includ ing mustaches, beards, and sideburns, when they have difficulty obtaining s pouses. Using annual data on British beard fashions extending from 1842-197 1, it was found that mustaches, and facial hair in general, are more freque nt when there is a good supply of single men of marriageable age. Facial ha ir fashions, particularly mustaches and beards, were reduced when illegitim acy ratios were high. Regression analyses showed that the relationship betw een mustache fashion and the marriage market and illegitimacy, respectively , is independent of linear time trend. Results suggest that facial hair is worn to enhance a man's marriage prospects by increasing physical attractiv eness and perception of social status. Men shave their mustaches, possibly to convey an impression of trustworthiness, when the marriage market is wea k and women might fear sexual exploitation and desertion.