In November Charles Tyrwhitt founder Nick Wheeler took a plunge into stylistically dangerous waters by growing a moustache. But don't worry, it was all for a good cause. Every November The Prostate Cancer Charity encourages men to allow their top lip facial hair to grow freely to raise money and awareness. You can find out more at uk.november.com

But can this much-maligned lip adornment still work for a modern gent? Of all facial hair forms, the moustache is perhaps the most enigmatic. It has many permutations, from the handlebar to the pencil, but these days is seen only rarely.

When sported well it can give the wearer an air of authority, dash or artfulness. Worn badly and it's owner may appear as if he - it is usually a he - has let his nasal hair run a little too wild or has simply strapped a rodent to his upper lip. Choosing a style that suits you is key. Like one of these, for example...

How to grow it: Be patient, it can take years before you have long enough hair to create the pointed ends that characterise the handlebar. Once you have, slather it in wax and get sculpting.
Chief exponents: Lord Kitchener, Stan Richards (Seth from Emmerdale), King George V
What does it say about you? A sharply moulded handlebar will have ladies wondering who that dashing Victorian gent is. A bushy one will have them asking how many men you command.

How to grow it: Many have tried and failed to grow unbroken lines of hair from their mouth to their jaw line. If you're one of the lucky few who can, you'll need a steady hand to nail the horseshoe - it's all in the shaving. One slip and it'll resemble a topiary hedge after a giraffe attack.
Chief exponents: Hulk Hogan, Samuel L Jackson, the biker in the Village People
What does it say about you? You're a man whose relationship with fashion is one of ships passing in the night.

How to grow it: If your facial features are on the small side then a full, luxuriant moustache will inevitably make you look like a household broom. 'The Pencil' is a better bet. Keep it narrow, neat and petit by ensuring it's shorter than the width of your mouth and always well trimmed.
Chief exponents: Little Richard, Sammy Davis Jr, Wilfred Owen, Errol Flynn, John Waters
What does it say about you? You're an organised man who likes his face to match his sharp suits. You probably spend more time looking in a mirror than watching TV.

How to grow it: This is one of the easiest moustaches to cultivate. It follows the natural shape of your facial hair and can be grown thick and wide, so it's ideal for beginners. Obviously regular maintenance is essential if you don't want to be chewing on it with your dinner.
Chief exponents: Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, Mark Lawrenson, Ian Rush
What does it say about you? You're comfortable in a pair of slacks and a casual shirt and probably haven't overhauled your shaving habits since the 1970s.

How to grow it: Allow a thick wedge of hair to accumulate above the centre of your lip. Shave the edges in severe straight lines, there's no room for any tapering here.
Chief exponents: Charlie Chaplin, Oliver Hardy, Adolf Hitler
What does it say about you? It's about time someone reclaimed the toothbrush. Before Hitler got his hands on it this follicle fashion was a harmless tuft of hair, beloved by some of the world's finest comedians and no more threatening than a plucked eyebrow. You're a brave trendsetter who knows that man maketh the moustache and not the other way around.

More information on The Prostate Cancer Charity's Movember campaign at uk.movember.com