A brush mustache, or "toothbrush" (from the English. Toothbrush mustache) - a style of mustache 1-5 cm wide rectangular in the center of the upper lip gained popularity in the early XX century. They were worn by many eminent people of that time - including Adolf Hitler. But why did he choose this style of mustache for himself?
Because he was a Charlie Chaplin fan
It is known that Charlie Chaplin got a mustache back in 1914. Hitler was two years later - in the First World War. They say that the future Fuhrer was a great fan of the English comedian and, under the influence of his image, acquired a "toothbrush". Interestingly, in 1940, Chaplin starred in The Great Dictator as Adenoid Hinkel, which was a parody of Hitler. The film was even sent to the Fuehrer. Chaplin, hearing that Hitler watched the film, said: "I would give anything to find out what he thinks about this film." But the Fuhrer's reaction remained unknown. But it is known that Stalin did not like the film very much.
Because it is convenient to wear a gas mask
According to the testimony of the writer Alexander Moritz Fry, who served in the First World War in the same regiment with Hitler, the future Fuhrer initially wore rather lush "Kaiser" ones. However, he had to shave them off on the orders of the commander so that they would not interfere with putting on a gas mask. and leave the characteristic “toothbrush” due to the fact that such a mustache made it difficult to properly put on the gas mask. “At the time, he looked tall because he was very thin. The lush mustache, which later had to be trimmed because of the new gas masks, hid the ugly cut of his mouth,”Fry recalled.