A crew cut is a short haircut with tapered sides and back and slightly longer hair on top. The top is longest at the front hairline and gets gradually shorter toward the crown. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how to ask your barber for it and how to style it.
Crew cut at a glance
- Top: About 1/2 to 1 inch, longest at the front
- Sides and back: Tapered or faded short
- Maintenance: Low
- Trim every: 2 to 3 weeks
What makes it different
It's neat, masculine and practical, with just enough length at the front to brush up or to the side. It's been a standard since college rowing crews wore it in the early 1900s.
Crew cut vs buzz cut
A buzz cut is one length all over. A crew cut is longer on top and tapered at the sides.
Who it suits
Square, oval and round faces. It's a good cut for thick or coarse hair that's hard to control, and for a receding hairline.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
How to ask your barber for a crew cut
- Ask for a crew cut: short on top, longest at the front.
- Choose the sides: a taper, or a fade with a number 1 or 2.
- Say whether you want the front long enough to brush up.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
A small amount of matte paste, brushed up at the front, is enough. Many people use nothing.
Variations
- Ivy League: a longer crew cut that can be side parted.
- Crew cut fade: skin or mid fade on the sides.
- Textured crew cut: choppier on top.
- Flat top: the top cut level.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see the crew cut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is a crew cut?
A crew cut is a short haircut with tapered sides and back and slightly longer hair on top.
Who suits a crew cut?
Square, oval and round faces. It's a good cut for thick or coarse hair that's hard to control, and for a receding hairline.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 2 to 3 weeks.
