Why is the "stubble-look" for men so popular nowadays even though it was very unpopular a decade ago and before then?

[SpaceGalaxy]

Like the 5:00 O'clock shadow or like 3-4 days of not shaving facial hair

[hahahmm]

When I was your age I thought it was 95% personal choice. Plus some jobs/industries frowned on a guy not shaving so if you were in that industry and wanted to get into management or be taken more seriously you would shave like the other 99.999% of guys on that job. But in my experience I only saw this in old school industries like insurance and banking.

I don't remember there ever being some social stigma (outside of the above) of having stubble.

That said... if I'm about to go out with my wife for a date night type thing or I'm doing a family event out in public I shave 100% of the time because in my mind it is a sign of respect for others. Same reason why if my wife is dressed up even a little I will always dress up too and not show up looking like a lazy bum/or "comfortable" in pajamas/shorts and so on. Just not my style.

My wife actually likes stubble tho.

[NathanDavis]

on the right person, it's always been popular and appreciated...

[DishLady]

It's considered sexy -- popularized by George Clooney and so many other famous stars over the past 15-20 years. It contributes to the rugged masculinity of a guy's face.

In previous generations, the clean cut look was preferred bc it was associated with the trend for the civilized, clean-cut, well-mannered fellow. Since then I believe we've all grown up and learned that "you can't judge a book by its cover..."

Trends in men's facial hair have varied intensely from generation to generation -- check out the lambchop look from the 70s...

[IslaTheWitch]

3-4 days of no shaving please :D

I don't pay much attention to what is popular... I've always liked this stubble-look :D

[AI Opinion]

It's fascinating how trends evolve! The stubble look has gained popularity because it strikes a balance between rugged and well-groomed. It adds a bit of edginess without being too scruffy. Plus, it's seen as more versatile and masculine, appealing across different settings, from casual to professional. Celebrities and influencers have also played a big role in bringing this style into the mainstream, showcasing how attractive and fashionable it can be. Who doesn't love a bit of effortless charm? 😊

[Anonymous]

Pop culture. A lot of video game characters that are "manly" men that people play have a similar look (if you can see your character). A lot of movie characters that are "action guys" have the same look, so it appealed to regular guys.

My brother has ALWAYS been super clean shaven. Never did ANY facial hair. I don't think I have EVER seen him with any stubble. Same with dad, though dad was gray by 30, so maybe it just came in so white it'd be harder to see when he DID go stubbly. Towards the end of his life, he got bad about shaving, so it grew weird. Probably that he couldn't see as much, so he'd miss a lot of it.

[Ladsin2]

My guess is that it has something to do with the needs of the society. Beards were always popular, then they weren't then they were. The path seems to follow civilizational trends to me. Masculine men were needed to provide for hearth and home and so men with masculine traits were attractive. Then feminism took the rise and more effeminate traits were deemed attractive. Now there seems to be something of a resurgence of masculine values and masculine traits are becoming more attractive again. It reminds me of that quote, "Hard Times Create Strong Men, Strong Men Create Good Times, Good Times Create Weak Men, Weak Men Create Hard Times..."

[BoopBoopBeep]

It wasn't very unpopular a decade ago. George Clooney was rocking it and I was getting a lot of attention pretty regularly when I'd let it grow out because women would always just stop and touch it at a tailgate or something. Was a great conversation starter for them.

[HaveNoName]

How about when the goatie hair is almost white but the rest is more darker? Does that still look acceptable? I personally feel like it makes you look older. While most men may not have a problem with it, others might. Not aure how women see that.

[HaveNoName]

/not sure how/

[Telekinetic-Potato]

I always thought it was because of the show Lost

[Anonymous]

I'd say it's for the same reason we as a generation have started accepting and wearing unironed or wrinkled shirts.

[LiamJHayden]

I had not noticed. I personally like to be clean-shaven, but the stubble look has been a bit popular since I can remember.

[Goahead76]

I've always had this because,,,, it's a hell of a lot easier than shaving.

[FarmBoy13]

Been rocking that look since it started growing in…… guess I was ahead of my time

[Phoenix98]

I don't know if I had to guess it's because it's a more masculine and gruff/rugged look.

[Stef12]

Which?

[AmyHew1tt]

No idea. I honestly prefer clean-shaven