Why You Need to Get Your Hands on a Bearded Man ASAP

Is there any better way to celebrate all of the guys out there for whom "not shaving" is a way of life than with a slightly obsessive appreciation post? The answer: there is no better way. This is the best way.

While smooth-faced chaps and bald boyfriends are wonderful in their own right, it seems to me like bearded men are cut a little less slack. There's a lot to be said about dudes who have committed their time (and their mugs) to being bearded. If facial hair has never really been your thing, here are 22 reasons that might just change your mind.

01
Beards Hold Snacks
YouTube | incredibeard

Beards Hold Snacks

OK, not really. But wouldn't that be cool?

02
They're in Good Company
NBC

They're in Good Company

All the greats have had beards. Jake Gyllenhaal, Brad Pitt, Idris Elba, Ryan Gosling . . . and, my personal favorite, Kit Harington.

03
Fashion on Fleek
YouTube | xtraonline

Fashion on Fleek

You can always count on a bearded beau to be trendy. Also, if you haven't already noticed, there seems to be a signature go-to look for all truly bearded men: faded jeans, rugged boots, white v-neck tee. How could you not be into that?

04
They're Exclusive
YouTube | TheHouseFM

They're Exclusive

Any man can grow facial hair, but not every man can grow a wow-worthy beard. Remember that. #NeckBeardsDon'tCount

05
They Understand Good Hygiene
NBC

They Understand Good Hygiene

Contrary to popular belief, the maintenance of a facial mane requires effort. There's a lot of combing and trimming involved in getting it to look just right. So, take this as a sign that he cares about his appearance — it's a good thing!

06
Everyone Will Take Him Seriously
CBC

Everyone Will Take Him Seriously

We know it, Jared Leto knows it: beards give guys a really strong air of seriousness. No one will ever mess with you if you're on the arm of a bearded man.

07
They're Soft
NBC

They're Soft

Don't get us wrong; we love the subtlety of a five-o'clock shadow, but when a man's facial hair goes from stubble to beard, something mystical happens. It's no longer prickly, but rather so, so soft. It's hard to keep your hands off a good beard.

08
They're Age-Defying
YouTube | OriginalThoughtFilms

They're Age-Defying

Beards turn boys into men. There are tons of perks to dating a guy who looks way older than he actually is — you won't get carded as much when the two of you are out and about, that's for sure.

09
They're Cute Even When They're Angry
HBO

They're Cute Even When They're Angry

Or perhaps a more apt word is hot.

10
Lots of Feelings
ABC

Lots of Feelings

From my experience, bearded men are a sensitive bunch. That rough, beautifully hairy exterior is usually masking an inner softie who is aware of his feelings — and yours.

11
Way With Words
Giphy

Way With Words

Anything that comes out of a mouth surrounded by a good amount of hair just sounds better. It doesn't really matter what a handsome bearded man is saying, or if it is superobscure and doesn't make sense; he can get away with it.

12
They Have Cool Interests
Viacom

They Have Cool Interests

You will most likely never get bored with bearded fellas. They'll excite you with their love for arcane literature, their favorite documentaries, and their intrigue with exotic foods.

13
Tresses on Tresses
LucasFilm

Tresses on Tresses

No man with a good beard ever has a bad head of hair. Or bad eyebrows. Unless he's bald, which is its own brand of hot.

14
Tattoos, Tattoos, Tattoos
YouTube | Hennes&Mauritz

Tattoos, Tattoos, Tattoos

Speaking in made-up statistics, around 80 percent of bearded men are also tatted. It's a glorious combo.

15
They Can Get Away With Otherwise Questionable Things
Instagram | jensenacklesss

They Can Get Away With Otherwise Questionable Things

Bearded men are the ONLY men who can successfully rock a "Canadian tuxedo," aka denim on denim.

16
They're Confident
Magnolia Pictures

They're Confident

In order to commit to such a signature look, they have to have a fair amount of confidence. Kudos to a guy who is sure of his image — it's usually a good indication that he's confident in other aspects of his life.

17
They're Outdoorsy
Ferrara USA

They're Outdoorsy

Men with beards are always down for a good time out in the wild. It's a scientific fact. Date a guy with a beard, and adventures will always ensue.

18
Tactile Pleasure
ABC

Tactile Pleasure

Beards bring a whole 'nother dimension to making out.

19
They Look Strong
MLB Network

They Look Strong

Whether they are actually strong and burly doesn't really matter. Boys with facial hair just evoke the sense that they can punch a hole in a wall or uproot a tree with their bare hands.

20
They're the Life of the Party
YouTube | keshaVEVO

They're the Life of the Party

They usually love whiskey, know all the best hangouts, and will take you along for the ride.

21
They'll Rub Off on You
HBO

They'll Rub Off on You

Guys with beards are hip. You, by association, will also be hip. If you never thought you were the type to ride fixies or obsess over pour-over coffee, date a bearded man, and you'll finally understand it all.

22
They're Just Hot
TV.com

They're Just Hot

Is there anything left to be said?