The Ultimate Guide to Goatee Beard Styles

A goatee is one of the most versatile and stylish facial hair choices a man can make. Whether you prefer a classic, rugged, or modern look, a goatee can define your style with minimal maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore what a goatee is, its history, different styles, and how to trim and maintain one for the perfect look.

What Is a Goatee Style Beard?

A goatee is a versatile and stylish facial hair choice that features hair concentrated on the chin while the cheeks remain clean-shaven. It can be worn with or without a mustache, offering a sleek and well-defined appearance that suits various face shapes. This timeless style has evolved over the years, making it a favorite among men who want to express individuality while maintaining a polished look. Whether neatly trimmed for a professional setting or grown out for a rugged edge, the goatee remains a go-to option for those seeking a balance between sophistication and masculinity.

The History of the Goatee Beard Style

The goatee traces its origins back to ancient Greece, where it was closely associated with the god Pan, the half-man, half-goat deity of the wild, shepherds, and rustic music. Ancient Greek art and sculpture often depicted Pan with a pointed beard on his chin, a look that later inspired the name "goatee."

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, beards - including goatees - were seen as symbols of wisdom and authority. While the full beard dominated, variations of the goatee occasionally appeared among scholars and aristocrats.

The modern goatee as we recognize it today gained popularity in the mid-to-late 19th century. It was frequently sported by military figures and intellectuals, signaling a balance between ruggedness and sophistication. This period saw men adopting the goatee as a controlled, stylish alternative to the bushier beards of earlier eras.

By the 1940s and 1950s, goatees had become a signature style for jazz musicians, beatniks, and countercultural figures. Icons like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk helped popularize the look in artistic circles, associating it with intellectualism, rebellion, and cool confidence. During the 1960s and 1970s, goatees took on new meanings, symbolizing counterculture movements and nonconformity. The look was favored by anti-establishment figures, artists, and activists.

The goatee saw another surge in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s, when celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., and Brad Pitt helped reintroduce the style to mainstream culture. Often paired with a mustache, the "Van Dyke" variation of the goatee became a signature look for many.

Today, the goatee remains a versatile and timeless beard style, blending well in both professional and casual settings. It’s a great option for men who want to define their jawline, add a touch of edginess, or maintain a well-groomed yet masculine appearance.

Popular Goatee Styles

Here are all of the most common goatee styles you can try:

Classic Goatee

A small patch of hair on the chin without a mustache.

Full Goatee (Circle Beard)

A connected mustache and chin beard forming a circle.

Anchor Goatee

A pointed beard that traces the jawline, connected to a mustache, resembling an anchor shape.

Short Anchor Goatee

While the traditional anchor beard features a defined strip of hair extending up from the chin and connecting to the mustache - creating that signature "anchor" shape - the short anchor goatee offers a more trimmed, understated take on this style. In this variation, the chin hair doesn't reach all the way up to the bottom lip; instead, it stops midway between the chin and lip, giving the beard a sleeker outline. The overall effect is a sharper, neater anchor look without the longer lines, making it a great choice for those who prefer minimalist yet sculpted facial hair.

Van Dyke Goatee – A disconnected mustache and chin beard, named after the 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyck.

Balbo Goatee – A mustache combined with a separated chin beard, without sideburns, offering a stylish and contemporary look.

Extended Goatee (Hollywoodian) – A goatee that extends along the jawline, often incorporating a mustache, but without sideburns.

Chin Puff

A small, concentrated patch of hair just on the chin, also known as a "goat patch."

Soul Patch Goatee

A small patch of hair just below the lower lip, which can be combined with a chin beard.

Petite Goatee – A small, precise goatee that covers only a portion of the chin, suitable for a subtle look.

Landing Strip – A narrow vertical strip of hair on the chin, offering a minimalist style.

Rap Industry Standard (RIS) – A trimmed-down version of a goatee, often sported by hip-hop artists.

French Fork Goatee – A variation where the goatee splits into two at the bottom, resembling a fork.

Stubble Goatee – A short, neatly trimmed version of a classic goatee with stubble.

Thin Goatee

If you're drawn to a more understated approach, the thin goatee might be your style of choice. This variation keeps the facial hair closely cropped - think subtle stubble, not a full beard. What sets the thin goatee apart is its neatness and precision: the hair is trimmed short to contour just the chin, offering definition without adding bulk.

To achieve a thin goatee, use a precision trimmer set to a low guard (usually a #2 works well) and carefully shape your facial hair along the chin. Keep the width fairly slim and pay close attention to maintaining clean edges. With regular touch-ups, you'll enjoy a sleek, modern look that pairs well with both casual and professional wardrobes.

Long Goatee

If you’re looking to make a statement with your facial hair, the long goatee could be your style of choice. Distinguished by extra length on the chin, this goatee is grown out vertically for a bold, masculine appearance - but importantly, the hair shouldn’t extend much past the chin. While long goatees are sometimes linked to biker culture or those who want to channel a rugged vibe, they’re just as at home on anyone aiming for a dramatic, standout look.

Most men prefer to let the long goatee grow naturally, but keeping the sides neatly trimmed will help maintain definition and keeps things looking intentional rather than unruly. Regular shaping ensures the goatee complements your jawline and doesn’t veer into wild territory.

Square Goatee

The square goatee puts a modern spin on the classic circle beard. Like the circle beard, it connects the mustache to the chin hair, framing the mouth. However, what truly sets it apart are its crisply defined, vertical edges at the sides of the mouth. Instead of following the natural curve around your lips, the lines run straight up and down for a distinctly angular effect.

This style works best when kept on the shorter side, which helps maintain those sharp, geometric lines. If you’re aiming for a look that’s sharp and intentional - with a bit of Hollywood edge, think Dwayne Johnson - you’ll find the square goatee delivers a polished, contemporary twist on a traditional favorite.

Chin Strap Goatee

Arguably one of the boldest beard styles, the chin strap goatee is all about sharp definition. Instead of covering the whole chin or jaw, a thin line or "strap" of hair traces along the jawline, running from one sideburn to the other. When paired with a mustache and connected at the corners of the mouth, this look evolves into a unique goatee variant - equal parts edgy and meticulous.

Success with the chin strap goatee depends on regular maintenance. The cheek and neck areas should remain clean-shaven, allowing the defined line of the beard to take center stage. This style has been favored by trendsetters who aren't afraid of a little grooming commitment, as precision is key to achieving that crisp, unmistakable outline.

If precision is your passion and you like your facial hair with a side of drama, the chin strap goatee just might be your next look.

Low Chin Goatee

Looking for a contemporary twist on classic facial hair? The low chin goatee might be your match. This style features a neatly trimmed strip of hair that sits lower on the chin, usually positioned halfway down or slightly below. The lower placement creates a flattering horizontal or slightly curved edge, giving your jawline a subtle, modern accent.

Men who want to experiment with goatee placement - without sacrificing that sharp, sculpted vibe - will appreciate the low chin goatee. It's especially flattering for those aiming to elongate their chin or bring more balance to facial proportions. Whether kept crisp and straight or with a gentle curve, this style offers a fresh yet timeless approach to facial hair.

Growing a Goatee: Getting Started

Ready to sport a goatee? Here’s how to get your growth underway with confidence.

First, patience is key - let your facial hair grow freely for two to four weeks. This gives your beard enough fullness and coverage to work with, no matter which goatee style you’ve set your sights on. Even if you’re aiming for a petite or stubble version, starting with a clean slate of growth makes shaping much easier later on.

During this phase, resist the temptation to trim or shape. Let the hair come in evenly across your chin, mustache, and jawline. Patchiness is normal at first - don’t worry, many iconic goatees started with some awkward stages!

To support strong growth, consider adding a quality beard oil like Bearded Coast to your routine. Not only will it soften new whiskers, but it’ll keep your skin comfortable as things fill in. And remember, everyone’s growth rate is different, so don’t rush - your distinctive goatee will be making a statement soon enough.

Circle Beard With Soul Patch: What's the Difference?

A circle beard with a soul patch sets itself apart by keeping that distinctive patch of hair just below the lower lip - known as the soul patch - intact and grown out. In contrast, a classic circle beard typically involves shaving this area clean for a more uniform, connected look between the mustache and chin beard. By allowing the soul patch to flourish, this variation adds a dash of flair and a touch of individuality to the neat symmetry of the traditional circle style. The result? A little extra character and depth, perfect for those who want something subtly different without straying too far from timeless goatee territory.

How to Trim and Maintain a Goatee

Trimming and maintaining your goatee is crucial for a sharp, clean look. Follow these steps:

1. Choose Your Style – Decide on the shape and length that suits your face.

2. Trim Regularly – Use a precision trimmer to keep edges sharp.

3. Define the Lines – Shave the cheeks and neck for a clean contrast.

4. Use Beard Products – Keep your goatee soft and healthy with Bearded Coast products like:

   • Carpe Diem Beard Oil for hydration

   • Dapper Dude Beard Butter for styling

   • Tea Tree + Grapefruit Beard Wash to keep it fresh

5. Comb and Style – Use a fine-tooth beard comb for a polished appearance.

Finding the Right Goatee for Your Face Shape

Choosing the right goatee style isn’t just about personal preference - it’s also about complementing your natural features. Here are some quick tips, plus a few style suggestions tailored to different face shapes:

• Round Faces – Opt for a longer goatee to elongate your face.

  • Try: Soul Patch, Long Goatee, Goatee Beard, or a Landing Strip. These styles add length and create a slimming effect.

• Square Faces – A softer, rounded goatee works best.

  • Try: Balbo Goatee, Chin Strap Goatee, Petite Goatee, Chin Puff, or the Classic Goatee. These options help soften strong jawlines.

• Oval Faces – Almost any goatee style suits this face shape.

  • Try: Van Dyke Goatee, Extended Goatee, Anchor Beard, Disconnected Goatee, Circle Beard, or Classic Goatee. Oval faces have the versatility to pull off both bold and subtle looks.

• Long Faces – Keep the goatee shorter to maintain balance.

  • Try: Anchor Goatee, Van Dyke Goatee, Soul Patch, or a Low Chin Goatee. These styles won’t add unnecessary length, helping your features stay in harmony.

Taking your face shape into account ensures your goatee enhances your best features, letting your style shine through.

Final Thoughts

A well-groomed goatee can instantly enhance your personal style, adding a touch of sophistication or edge depending on the look you’re going for. Whether you prefer a bold, statement-making goatee or a more refined and subtle approach, keeping it well-maintained is key to ensuring it looks sharp and intentional. Regular trimming, shaping, and nourishing with high-quality beard care products will keep your goatee soft, healthy, and perfectly styled. Experiment with different shapes, keep it neat, and embrace the confidence that comes with a well-maintained goatee. After all, a great goatee isn’t just about facial hair - it’s about making a statement.