Mutton chops then and now: How this facial hairstyle has held up

A century ago, mutton chops were worn by all manner of men, from presidents to peasants. But they've fallen out of popular fashion, and now a contemporary wearer of these triangular pieces of facial hair carries with him a sense of roughness and an appearance of paying homage to the...

By Nick Lucchesi

February 28, 2011

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A century ago, mutton chops were worn by all manner of men, from presidents to peasants. But they've fallen out of popular fashion, and now a contemporary wearer of these triangular pieces of facial hair carries with him a sense of roughness and an appearance of paying homage to the old world. As an illustrated guide, we present you with photos from last night's mutton chop contest at the Vine Street Pub, compared to some of the most classic chops in history. Who wore them best? The iPhone toting stout beer drinkers of today, or this great American Civil Rights champion of yesteryear? We've ranked today's chop-wearers with the Chester-Scale. Five Chester heads is perfect, one Chester head means he should probably plug in the Norelco. Travis Jones, the first-place winner of last night's mutton chop contest. (Minus one Chester head for the dress.) (Two Chester heads for playing the bagpipes, one of the most manly instruments.)

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