Last Updated on: September 29, 2022
The goatee and van dyke are some of the oldest facial hair styles on the planet that have trended over the last few decades.
Unfortunately…
These styles have many similarities, and the debate on which beard style is better has been there for years, with some guys claiming that they are the same. But despite the similarities between Van Dyke Beard Vs Goatee, these two beard styles are different. So if you want to know between them, please read on.
The Main Differences Between Van Dyke Beard Vs. Goatee
The main difference between van dyke vs. goatee are:
- Van dyke beard style features a mustache and chin beard, whereas most goatee types only include the chin.
- Van dyke beard style doesn’t connect the mustache and the chin hair, whereas the goatee includes connecting hair between the mustache and the chin beard.
- Van dyke beard style is quite stylish and may be hard to maintain, whereas the goatee is easy to manage and affordable.
Van Dyke Vs. Goatee: What Is The Difference?
Generally, the Van Dyke style and Goatee are quite similar, but with the numerous variations, most guys have been known to use these two terms interchangeably. This is understandable; after all, the Van Dyke can be considered a type of goatee. After all, it includes a goatee, mustache, and soul patch, also referred to as a mouche, but the chin beard and mustache styling make them unique.
What Is Van Dyke Style?
Van dyke is an exceptional beard style named after a seventeenth-century Fleming painter, Anthony Van Dyke. Van Dyck was famous for painting this style on most of his portraits. It was often referred to as a “Charlie” thanks to a portrait of King Charles I of England that Van Dyck painted with this beard style.
This beard style refers to a fully grown goatee with a mustache; in fact, the mustache is essential for it to be considered a Van Dyke.
Since there is no beard on the cheeks, it can be considered a goatee, but its unique styling makes it a classic beard style.
But the most crucial part that makes it a van dyke is that the goatee and mustache are never linked.
After all, if you connect them, you end up with a full goatee or a circle beard.
Therefore, the key difference between these two beard styles is a full goatee doesn’t need a mouche or mustache but for the Van Dyke, it’s mandatory.
What Is A Goatee Beard Style?
The term goatee can trace its roots to ancient times, when it referred to the facial hair on your chin and no mustache, until the late twentieth century. The rest of the face is usually clean-shaven, just like a goat’s beard, hence its unique name.
Trimming your facial hair to resemble a goat’s beard may seem weird, but it does look exceptional on men.
The name “goatee” is used loosely to refer to different beard styles that vary depending on the absence or presence of a soul patch, mustache, and the quantity of facial hair left.
Some of the most common types of goatee styles include:
The Pretty Boy
The pretty boy resembles the circle beards, but the goatee and mustache are usually trimmed to create a beautiful thin line outlining your chin and mouth.
The Landing Strip
Many goatees feature a sole patch, but the landing strip stretches vertically for about 3 inches from the lower lip.
The Anchor
This goatee style includes a wide goatee that stretches past your chin region, a soul patch, and a mustache.
The Balbo
The Balbo differs from the anchor in several ways, with the key aspect being the goatees are thicker and extend towards the sideburns.
Van Dyke Vs. Goatee: Which Style Is Ideal For You?
There are some elements that you have to consider when picking between the van dyke and the goatee. But you must consider the maintenance requirement, which in this case is determined by the length of your beards.
Fortunately, these beard styles work with stubble, shorter, and longer hair, but with the van dyke, you will need to keep the length of your beards in check.
For example, the curly mustache will demand extra products like balms, pomades, and waxes to be kept in place.
On the other hand, a goatee is simply a patch of facial hair on the chin, which is not hard to maintain. Even goatees with stubble are quite easy to maintain; after all, they’re quite straightforward. Some of the factors to consider include:
Patchiness
If you have patchy hair, you have an issue with growing a full beard covering the cheeks, mustache, and chin regions; then, you can pick either van dyke or goatees. You can go for either if your mustache and chin hair don’t connect.
A disconnected goatee can be perfect for anyone with a patchy beard.
Versatile
Goatees are the most versatile styles that can be worn on several occasions; a full goatee is flexible and quite common, so you can wear it anywhere and still look amazing.
A van dyke looks exceptional, but it’s ideal for formal events. If you are unsure about the two, you should go for a classic goatee. But your choice is usually a matter of preference and personal experience.
Trim Talk: It wouldn’t matter much if your facial hair has a few strands sticking out. It’s unsightly and untidy. We present you with some tips here to control that run-away hair — How To Keep Beard Hairs From Sticking Out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Van Dyke A Goatee?
No, it’s not. For decades, these terms have been used interchangeably — thanks to their many similarities — but they are two different types of beards. A van dyke is pointier and longer than goatees. Additionally, the mustache and chin beard are not connected.
Why Is It Referred To As A Van Dyke?
The van dyke has been around for centuries, but it was made popular by Fleming painter Anthony Van Dyck. Since most of his paintings featured models with this style, it was named after him.
What Is A Goatee Without A Mustache?
Beards with goatees and no mustache are referred to as standard goatees. A standard goatee only includes a soul patch and chin hair.
Conclusion
Despite being different styles, they have many similarities, which may be why folks use these names interchangeably. But the key difference between the two styles is with the van dyke the chin and mustache are connected, while with goatees, they’re not linked. The chin beard is usually pointier for Van Dyke than on a goatee.