The Philly beard, explained

OK, so it’s not really just a Philly beard. And this isn’t really an explanation.

But it’s one of those things a relative newcomer notices and wonders about. Like, what’s with all the dudes carrying sweat towels around here? If anyone sweats that much just walking around, even in this godforsaken Philly heat, they should probably go see someone, no? 

But that’s a discussion for another day. Today is the day to put the great beard question to rest.

One of the first trends I noticed when I moved to Philly was how much men here seem to like their facial hair. But it was the bushy unattached beard that really caught my attention. Since I first noticed it on a group of men outside of a mosque, I thought it was a religious thing. (Don’t mock me, I wasn’t the only one who thought that. Read this post.) But then I started seeing it everywhere.

So, what’s with all the Philly beards? Apparently, awesomeness, that’s what.

If you believe all the Interwebs fashionistas, it’s the hot new look. Yep, the “statement beard” is the “look of the decade.” 

So go on Philly. You wear it well. And speaking of beards, don’t miss this great beard story.