35 Best Crew Cut Hairstyles for Men to Rock in 2024 & 2025

If you’re looking for a stylable, timeless men’s hairstyle, the crew cut is a versatile option that has been a favorite for many. It’s a classic look, with tapered or faded sides that are blended seamlessly into the top, giving you flexibility depending on your hair texture, length, and density. Whether you prefer tapered cuts at different heights or various lengths up top, the crew cut allows for plenty of customization, including cool designs, sharp hairlines, and even pairing with facial hair.

Its versatility, ease of maintenance, and the ability to cater to different preferences, from crop cuts to traditional styles, make it perfect for any guy. Whether you’re aiming for a popular look like those once favored by college crews or want to experiment with personalization, the crew cut offers endless possibilities.

What is a Crew Cut?

A crew cut is a classic men’s haircut known for its short hair on the top that is graduated in length along the sides and back. The name comes from crew teams at American Ivy League schools, where guys kept their hair short while rowing. This style became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, especially at universities like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Cornell. The upright hair on the top of the head is cut short, with the longest forming a short pomp at the front hairline and the shortest at the back, near the crown. From the side profile, the outline of the top hair appears almost horizontal.

Depending on the front view, the top hair can be arched or flattened, especially around the pomp front, while the rest of the top may be rounded or flattened to match the front hairline, head shape, face shape, and facial features. Sometimes, it’s confused with a butch cut, but the key difference is that a butch or buzz cut is cut very short and all in one length. The sides and back are usually evenly buzzed and shorter, often with a faded taper using clippers ranging from a skin fade to clipper sizes from 1 to 4, depending on the look you’re going for.

How to Style a Crew Cut

When it comes to styling a crew cut, getting the right advice from grooming experts like Christina Marie, a master hair and makeup artist, and Joseph Andrews, the founder and creative director of BluMaan Hair Care, can be helpful. This hairstyle, a hallmark of men’s grooming, blends its military staple roots with a more sharp, contemporary fashion edge. Known for its iconic look with a short length and graduated profile, a slight pomp at the front and a shorter back add definition.

Tips for Crew Cuts

• For a longer top, you might want to go for a brush-up look using hair products like wax or pomade.
• To style, brush the hair on the top forward, or parted to the side depending on the length.
• A younger vibe can be achieved by combing and blow-drying the hair to lift it up and to the side.
• Regardless of your hair type or texture, this style suits most face shapes and is especially trendy with a skin fade and focused texture on top.
• For a more polished look, opt for a shiny pomade or go for a natural texture with no sheen.
• If you’re unsure, ask your barber for assistance to choose the best styling products for your hair type.

The Experts

• Christina Marie, a master barber and makeup artist from Los Angeles, shares valuable tips on achieving the best crew cuts for men.
• Joseph Andrews, the co-founder of House of AANUKO and founder of BluMaan Hair Care, offers great insights on choosing the right crew cut styles that suit different hair types while maintaining a sharp and stylish look.

Best Crew Cut Hairstyles For Modern Men

Classic Crew Cut

The classic crew cut is a popular hairstyle that many athletes and fashionable men choose. This look features longer hair on top and shorter sides and back, creating a timeless style that can really impress. As Marie points out, the cut is neat all around, making it a great option for anyone looking for something clean. To keep the top hair in shape, you can use a light cream and a wide-tooth comb for added texture. This modern twist on the traditional crew cut has the top slightly longer for more versatility, while the sides are faded down to the skin for a crisp finish.

• It perfectly balances classic and contemporary styles, making it suitable for men who want a dapper and polished appearance.
• The skin-tight fade blends into a voluminous, textured top, making it a versatile choice, especially for those with thick hair.
• It’s a low-maintenance style that requires minimal effort to look sharp, often just needing a little pomade run through the locks.

Diagonal Front-Low Crew Cut

The top and sides of this style are virtually the same length, creating a clean, polished appearance that flows smoothly. With the hair meeting at a low diagonal angle toward the front, this cut stands out for its sharp geometry. Usually, high-contrast between longer lengths and very short lengths enhances the charm of these cuts, making them ideal for both casual and formal settings.

• As Marie notes, it’s a versatile choice that works best for those who prefer a structured, symmetrical look.

Beveled Mid-Line Crew Cut

Inspired by a Caesar-esque style, this look, popularized by Nick Jonas, is quite a head-turner. The sides are cut tight, with the hair revealing skin up to the beveling at the round of the head for a sleek finish. As Marie notes, the hair in the front is left with length to play around, allowing for slight adjustments based on personal preference.

• This blend of structure and flexibility makes it a great option for men looking to maintain a polished yet playful style.

Edgy Defined Crew Cut

This crew cut, with its sharply defined lines and contrasted lengths, is perfect for a man who dares to stand out. The top is kept longer and brought forward in a structured manner, giving it a polished edge. Meanwhile, the sides are carved out using a skillful fade, adding depth and character.

• This combination creates an edgy yet refined profile that naturally demands attention wherever you go.

Urban Sophisticate Crew Cut

Merging the best of urban style with sophisticated grooming, this crew cut, when paired with a full beard, delivers a polished top that works perfectly with both a suit and a casual outfit. The fade on the sides is smooth, subtly underscoring the clean lines and providing a neat frame for the face.

• The full beard adds a touch of ruggedness and maturity, enhancing the overall look with an effortlessly stylish vibe.

Grown-Out Fade

One of the best ways to embrace a crew cut style is by letting it evolve over time. Just like Will Smith, who often rocks a buzzed do, you can experiment by occasionally letting the hair on the top grow out while keeping the sides low and neatly tapered. The beauty of this style is that it still looks good even when grown out, proving that a crew cut can be sleek and adaptable at various lengths.

• This approach not only keeps your hair manageable but also adds a versatile, fresh look.

Wavy Forward Quiff

If you’re someone with a natural wave, this cut is perfect for embracing your hair’s texture while keeping it under control. As Andrews says, it’s all about matching the right length on the top with neatly shaved sides. This approach makes even those hard-to-deal-with waves a thing of the past. You’re not just working with what you’re gifted, but also ensuring the style remains sharp and manageable.

Slicked-Back Top Crew Cut

An unexpected twist on the classic crew cut was spotted at the 2023 Met Gala by Bad Bunny. He showed how to take advantage of extra length on the top by side-parting the hair and then slicking it back using a strong-hold gel. This clever styling hack gave his look an old-school feel while allowing the buzzed sides to really shine.

• It’s a modern way to elevate the traditional crew cut, making it versatile and stylish.

Curly Crew Cut

While you might usually see a crew cut on men with straight hair, it also works incredibly well for those with curly hair. In fact, a curly crew cut not only looks great but can be even more eye-catching when paired with various fades and styling products. The key to this style is keeping the hair short, which minimizes styling time while still looking purposeful.

• As Andrews suggests: you can add a bit of light cream to give your curls a natural, healthy-looking shine, making this style both easy and fast to manage.

Rounded Mid Crew Cut

For guys with thin hair, the rounded mid crew cut is a great choice. As Marie points out, this style draws visual interest to the mid sides while keeping the top stylish. Using a cream or pomade is ideal for adding texture and separation to the hair, ensuring it looks full and vibrant.

For best results, I recommend the V76 by Vaughn Texture Clay to achieve that perfect finish.

Straight Hair Textured Crew Cut

For men with naturally straight hair, the straight hair textured crew cut is an excellent option. This classic cut features short sides and leaves plenty of length on top for styling. To make it more lively, texturizing the hair adds life and character. Your stylist or barber can easily do this while cutting, and using a product like Byrd Texturizing Surfspray helps you achieve that choppy definition for a fresh look.

Low Taper, Square Fringe Crew Cut

For those with thick hair or anyone looking to hide a recession, this crew cut is a great choice. The low tapered sides effectively help tame any bulkiness, while the fringe is neatly trimmed into a squared shape and directed downward for a clean look. Using a strong-hold styling product is essential for controlling the top and fringe, and I highly recommend trying the BluMaan Cavalier Clay to achieve the best results.

Sporty Dynamic Crew Cut

The Sporty Dynamic Crew Cut is perfect for the active man because it combines functionality with style. With a practical length on top, this crew cut helps to minimize styling time. The sides are faded to create a sharp, athletic look, making it a go-to style for those who need to balance a busy schedule with an easy upkeep routine.

• This cut offers a sleek appearance without much effort, allowing you to stay stylish while on the move.

Textured Crew Caesar Cut

The Textured Caesar Cut is perfect for the sophisticated man who wants a low-profile hairstyle. It’s easy to style and maintain for a month without drawing too much attention. Just take a tiny bit of matte paste to throw some texture in the front, and you’re good to go.

• This cut combines simplicity with a touch of flair, making it a great choice for everyday wear, as Andrews points out.

Side Swept Crew Cut

The side swept crew cut is a stylish mashup of a classic crew cut and an ivy league look, giving you the best of both worlds. This cut is styled to one side, creating a clean and sophisticated appearance. Since there is no defined parting, using styling products is necessary to keep this look in place. Simply apply your favorite product to the longer hair and then comb or sweep it neatly to the side for a polished finish.

• This hairstyle adds a touch of elegance while remaining easy to maintain.

Faux Hawk Crew Cut

If you find it hard to break away from the traditional clean crew cut, the faux hawk crew cut could be your new go-to hairstyle. When you visit your barber, ask for a zero fade on the sides. It’s also wise to get a recommendation for the proper length on top, which should suit the size of your head and face shape. For a stylish finish, use matte wax for a dry, textured look or a pomade for some extra shine and moisture.

As Marie notes, this modest take on a faux hawk is nicely complemented by medium-length sides. A texturizing pomade will help lift everything up, forward, and slightly toward the center. I recommend trying the Blind Barber 90 Proof pomade for that perfect hold.

Undercut Crew Cut

The undercut crew cut is a stylish choice that offers a great blend of classic and modern styles. This haircut features longer hair on top and distinct, faded sides, giving it a fresh appeal. The added length on top is even greater than a traditional crew cut, which helps in creating a bold and unique look.

Whether you’re dressing up for work or going out, this cut provides versatility and flair, making it a favorite for those who want to stand out while keeping things neat. With its eye-catching design, the undercut crew cut has become a popular choice among men who appreciate a well-groomed appearance.

Widow’s Peak Crew Cut

If you’re dealing with a V-shaped hairline, the Widow’s Peak Crew Cut is a fantastic option to consider. It’s a sharp style that balances the natural shape of the hairline while keeping everything neat. To make this cut look even better, use a light styling cream for some control. I’ve personally found that a product like Living Proof Nourishing Styling Cream helps maintain a natural-looking curl control—definitely worth a try for those looking to refine their look.

High Fade Side Part

For those with straight hair, the High Fade Side Part is a timeless choice. It’s an effortless style to pull off, especially if your hair is at a medium length. As Andrews mentions, straight hair often looks best when it’s clean and polished, allowing for a smooth, well-kept side part that adds sophistication without much effort.

Voluminous Textured Crew Cut

If you have thick hair and can handle losing some length, the Voluminous Textured Crew Cut is a bold choice. Your stylist can focus on cutting to create more texture and remove unnecessary hair, adding volume to your dense strands. A matte pomade, applied from roots to ends on towel or blow-dried hair, enhances the textured top, giving it depth and character. This cut offers a strong presence with a clean fade that blends smoothly into the shorter sides, creating a dynamic style that exudes confidence and showcases a subtle play of textures between the top and sides.

Spiky Crew Cut

The spiky crew cut is a classic hairstyle that’s worn by many stylish men, including Zac Efron and David Beckham, each giving it their unique spin. Efron rocked it in 2011 with a fresh, gel-styled top, proving this look never gets old. The spikes on the upper hair add an edgy vibe, and pairing them with short, shaved sides brings sharp definition. Over the decades, Beckham has revamped the crew cut, with his blonde moment in 2021 standing out as one of the best.

If you go for this style, keeping the top a bit longer helps, and adding some product can make your look worth a million bucks. A proper wash routine with purple shampoo keeps a platinum ‘do sharp and fresh, making sure your hairstyle is always on point.

Tapered Side Burn Crew Cut

Inspired by PK Subban, the crew cut with a lineup in the front and lightly tapered sideburns brings a sleek, modern look. This style keeps the hair short all around, making it low-maintenance and ideal for trendsetters who want to pair their hairstyle with bold locks. When visiting your barber, ask for a zero-drop fade on the sides along with a buzz and lineup on the top. The thick tapered sides add dimension to your haircut, while using matte clay will further emphasize the edgy feel of this cool look.

• As Marie suggests, this style works effortlessly, giving you confidence without requiring much styling effort.

Low-Taper Line Up Crew Cut

In Vince Staples’ version of the lineup, the low-tapered sides draw attention to subtle taper and fade alterations. As Marie notes, variations of this look can be seen in the styles of Jamie Foxx, Stephen Curry, and PK Subban, each adding their own twist.

Refined Urban Crew Cut

The urban vibe of a crew cut stands out with its sophisticated appeal, making it a perfect choice for the modern gentleman. The length on top is kept neat and even, creating a smooth, structured surface that naturally reflects light. The sides are expertly faded, offering a subtle transition that shifts like a shadow into bare skin with seamless precision.

• This hairstyle works well for anyone who values a polished, effortless appearance that feels just right for everyday wear.

Rounded High and Tight Crew Cut

The rounded high and tight crew cut is a great choice for anyone wanting a stylish look with little to no styling needed. This haircut is perfect for someone with a strong front hairline, allowing it to accentuate their features nicely. As Marie says, it works well for those who want a clean and polished appearance without fuss.

• This crew cut keeps things simple and sharp, making it an excellent option for everyday wear.

The French Crop Crew Cut

The French crop crew cut is quickly becoming a popular choice among men who want a fresh style. This haircut features a unique texture on top, which is combined with straight, forward-facing bangs that add character. The design gives a clean appearance that is also easy-to-style, making it perfect for those who want to look sharp without much effort.

• This cut is versatile and works well for different hair types, ensuring you always look your best.

The Military Crew Cut Fade

The military crew cut fade is a sharp and disciplined look that many men appreciate for its low-maintenance style. With a neat and even top combined with a clean fade, this haircut provides a bold appearance that suits most hair types. It accentuates the jawline and cheekbones, giving a strong, masculine profile that feels professional and tidy.

• This style is a perfect choice for those who value an air of authority and want a streamlined routine for their grooming needs.

Mid Drop Fade for a Crew Cut

For a formal event, consider asking your barber for a mid-drop fade on your crew cut. This style not only helps to make your night better, but it also has a timeless quality. The zero fade on the sides, paired with a scissor cut on the top, creates a classic look. You can easily style it with pomade, such as Suavecito’s Original Hold, for that extra gentlemanly look that stands out. This combination ensures you’re ready for any occasion with confidence.

The Ivy League Cut

The Ivy League cut is a smart blend of tradition and trend that gives a suave look. This crew cut features a longer top that tapers into clean, skin-faded sides, creating a neat, subtle transition similar to an undercut. For thick-haired gents, this style offers a professional edge with a hint of playfulness. The structured top and precise fade provide a sharp, defined look that is versatile enough for both work and weekend vibes.

• Maintenance is a breeze, but you’ll need the occasional touch-up to keep it looking crisp.