Top Stylish & Trending Crew Haircuts for Men in 2024

In 2024, men are embracing crew haircuts as a sophisticated yet practical choice in the vast hair spectrum. These hairstyles have evolved from being just a military staple to a sleek, modern look. The crew cut strikes a perfect middle point between the long, shaggy manes and the ultra-short, close shorn buzz cuts that have dominated past decades.

As someone who’s always on the go, I find the crew cut’s easy-to-style nature a real time-saver. It’s perfect for guys who love savoring those extra ten minutes in bed. With its tapered sides and slightly longer top, this style has been a feature in breakdowns of the best haircuts year after year.

If you’re not sure which crew cut is your favorite, don’t worry. There’s a wealth of options to explore. From classic cuts to those with modern twists like fades, these 25 popular styles can help you pick the right one. Whether you’re heading to the office or hitting the town, a well-chosen crew cut is a slick decision you can’t go wrong with.

What Is A Crew Haircut?

A crew cut is a classic hairstyle that many might interchangeably mix up with a buzz cut, but the two are distinctly different. When you ask your barber for a crew cut, expect a style that’s tapered at the back and sides, often incorporating a fade. This contrasts with a buzz cut, where clipping the hair to its shortest is common across the entire head.

In a crew cut, length is retained and visible on top, creating a versatile look. As Callum McDonald from Ruffians explains, the crew cut is basically cropped but not as closely shorn as a buzz cut, offering a more nuanced style. The sides vary in length but are generally shorter than the top, providing a neat and clean appearance. This haircut can be a shock to those expecting a buzz cut’s almost bald finish, so it’s essential to spell out your preference clearly to your barber.

1. Classic Crew Cut

The classic crew cut, a style dating back to the 1920s, is the epitome of neat and low-maintenance. This haircut is a versatile option, well-suited to various face shapes, offering a clean and polished appearance. Characterized by tapered back and sides that graduate into a cropped top, typically about 1 inch in length, it presents a refined look. The front is slightly longer, adding a subtle touch of style to the overall silhouette.

To achieve this look, opt for a tapered scissor cut or a grade 3 trim on the sides. This ensures that the haircut neatly blends into the longer top, maintaining the signature aesthetic of the classic crew cut. This style is perfect for those seeking a timeless haircut that is both easy to manage and stylish.

2. Crew Cut with Fade

The crew cut fade is a contemporary adaptation of the classic crew cut, known for its signature longer length on the top and a shorter cut on the sides. This style creates a bolder contrast compared to the traditional version, with options ranging from low, mid, high, to skin fades. The look not only offers a slimming effect but also caters to a sense of modern style.

This haircut has garnered a cohort of celebrity fans with impeccable follicular credentials. Stars like Ryan Reynolds, Zac Efron, Tom Hardy, Brad Pitt, and David Beckham have adopted this cut in recent years, showcasing its versatility and broad appeal. It’s not just utilitarian; the crew cut fade is cool AF, blending classic sensibilities with a contemporary edge.

3. Crew Cut with Low Fade

The crew cut low fade stands out among fade options for its subtle yet striking effect. In this style, the fade begins just 1 inch above the ears, transitioning into a shorter cut. You can opt for a soft, low taper fade for a gentle blend, or choose a closely shorn low skin fade for a crisper effect.

When selecting the latter, the last inch of hair closest to the hairline becomes barely visible, creating a sleek and modern look. The crew cut low fade offers a refined appearance, maintaining the classic crew cut feel while adding a contemporary touch.

4. High Fade & Crew Cut

The high fade crew cut is an eye-catching look that starts its taper much higher up, around the corners of the forehead. This style effectively focuses attention on the cropped top, and is great for accentuating strong facial features. It’s a bold choice in men’s hairstyles and not for the faint-hearted.

For those who have never had a fade before, it might be advisable to start with a low or mid-fade and gradually work up to the high fade. The high fade crew cut makes a daring statement, combining traditional elements with a modern twist for a standout appearance.

5. Crew Cut with Mid Fade

The mid fade crew cut is the perfect balance of length and fade, striking a harmonious middle ground. The fade begins at a midpoint between the temple and ears, effectively removing bulk from the sides. This creates a smoother transition to the longer top section, offering a sharp, modern twist to the haircut.

This style is suitable for a wide range of hair types and adds an edge to the classic style. The mid fade crew cut’s versatility makes it an appealing choice for those looking to update their look while keeping some traditional elements.

6. Skin Fade Crew Cut

The skin fade crew cut offers a fresh and youthful look, perfect for those wanting to try something striking. This style goes right down to the skin, and works best with a high or mid starting point. The barely-there sides create a stark contrast with the longer, textured top, resulting in a sharp and somewhat rebellious finish.

However, it’s important to make sure the top isn’t too long, as it can appear unbalanced against the extreme shortness of the skin fade. This haircut combines edginess with a clean look, making it a bold statement for those looking to stand out.

7. Drop Fade Crew Cut

The drop fade crew cut differs from other fades we’ve covered as it doesn’t follow a straight line around the head. Instead, it elegantly drops down behind the ears towards the nape of the neck, creating a unique arc effect. This design adds depth and texture at the crown, while maintaining a sharp outline around the face.

The drop fade crew cut is particularly beneficial for those looking to elongate rounder faces, as its contouring effect creates an illusion of length. This style offers a subtle twist to the traditional fade, making it a distinctive choice for those seeking something different.

8. Short Crew Cut

The short crew cut offers a less conservative and more daring route. It skates perilously close to a buzz cut with its super short sides and almost obliterating the length on top. The result is a hairstyle that sits comfortably between the severity of a buzz cut and the smartness of a traditional crew cut. It’s pretty short, but won’t kill your chances of a proper job.

For those on the hunt for a men’s haircut that requires very little styling, the short crew cut is a great option. Typically between ¼ – ½ inch in length, it pairs the flattering nature of the crew cut with the easy upkeep of a buzz cut. The longest section of hair at the front can be spiked up for fun or kept flat to give the illusion of a smaller forehead.

9. Medium Crew Cut

The medium crew cut maintains a 1 inch length, staying true to its traditional roots. With subtly tapered sides, it offers a timeless finish while still allowing for a modern approach with a fade. The top can be styled in a variety of ways, from fluffy spikes to textured strands, giving you the flexibility to change up your look for different scenarios.

This style is perfect for those who appreciate the classic crew cut but want to add a touch of modernity. The medium length provides enough hair to experiment with different styles, making it a versatile option for various occasions.

10. Long Crew Cut

The long crew cut is a versatile style for men who appreciate having options with their haircut. Measuring up to 2 inches on top, it allows for a range of styling choices. This haircut can be brushed up into a pomp shape, parted to the side, or even crafted into a faux-hawk. All you’ll need is a stiff brush or comb and some strong hold wax or pomade to achieve your chosen look.

This style is particularly appealing for its adaptability, catering to different tastes and occasions. Whether for a formal event or a casual outing, the long crew cut offers an array of styling possibilities.

11. Messy Crew Cut

The messy crew cut is ideal for those looking to save time on styling. This casual men’s hairstyle offers a relaxed, natural finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. It’s especially good at adding volume to thin hair. With tapered sides and a bit more length allowed to grow out on top, it achieves a carefree look.

You can easily style it with your fingers, roughing up the hair with a bit of styling wax or hair mousse for a laid-back effect. The messy crew cut is a go-to for a low-maintenance yet stylish appearance.

12. Textured Crew Cut

The textured crew cut is a modern twist on the OG, neat crew cut that once required a truck load of pomade. Now in the 21st century, it has evolved beyond the Ivy League sports team standard. This style is about giving the classic a slightly undone and more intentional edge, compared to other messy styles.

It’s less formal, achieved through point cutting to create choppy layers of varying lengths in the longer top section. You can spike it up with gel or tousle it with texturizing sea salt spray to calm any natural fluffiness. The sides are blended into the cut, but kept short for a quirky, disjointed look. This textured variation adds a dynamic touch to the traditional crew cut.

13. Military Crew Cut

The military crew cut is a traditional style that echoes the disciplined look of armed forces. It features a short back and sides with just a hint of wartime charm. This style gained popularity during World War II, adhering to the strict regulations of military grooming.

The crop on top often combines with a high fade to create a crisp, clean, and tidy appearance. It’s a look that best suits those with angular faces, providing a sharp and defined silhouette. The military crew cut is a testament to classic style, offering a neat and no-fuss haircut.

14. Side Swept Crew Cut

The side swept crew cut is a versatile choice for those with medium or longer length crops. It offers a face-slimming effect, making it a popular request among stylists. This haircut is typically achieved with a square cut using scissors rather than clippers, allowing for more precision and control.

You can incorporate your natural parting to create a sleek, side-parted style, or opt for no defined parting at all. This flexibility lets you brush your hair to the side or forward, depending on your wish. The side swept crew cut combines the classic elements of a crew cut with a modern, stylish twist.

15. Taper Fade Crew Cut

The taper fade crew cut refines the original style with a more dynamic touch. It graduates quickly to reveal skin around the ears, offering a less extreme version of a skin fade. The sides get progressively shorter towards the base of the head, typically achieved with clippers set at different grades for a precise fade.

This haircut allows your stylist to tailor the fade’s starting point to complement your face shape and facial hair, ensuring you get the best haircut for your individual features. The taper fade crew cut is a modern interpretation of the classic, providing a sleek and stylish look.

16. IVY League Crew Cut

The Ivy League crew cut originated in the 1930s at top-ranking universities like Harvard and Princeton. It has remained popular due to its refined appearance, being slightly longer than the regular crew cut. This style typically incorporates a side part and is combed over for a stylish and professional look.

The sides are neatly scissor-tapered, contributing to its polished aesthetic. Ideal for men with thick, straight hair, the Ivy League crew cut offers a smart, sophisticated haircut option that resonates with a sense of academic and professional tradition.

17. Crew Cut & Beard

Pairing a crew cut and beard creates a rugged, masculine look. For those with longer, tousled crops, balancing it out with full beard styles works wonders. Alternatively, for more angular crew cuts, they go well with shorter beards or neatly sculpted chin straps.

It’s important to remember to have your sideburns blended into the sides of the haircut, whether you opt for a fade or a tapered cut. This cohesion between hair and beard ensures a seamless and stylish overall appearance. The crew cut and beard combination offers a versatile look that can be tailored to individual preferences and facial features.

18. Crew Cut Mohawk

The crew cut mohawk is a non-conformist style for those trying something bold. It’s a longer cut on the top with ultra-short, high fade sides, resembling a faux-hawk. Technically, it doesn’t feature the traditional spikes down the back of a classic mohawk, but it still allows you to channel your inner rocker.

You can brush up the strands to create a semi-triangular ridge along the top and secure it with strong-hold spray. This style particularly works well with curly hair, adding an extra dimension to the texture. The crew cut mohawk is a daring yet stylish choice, blending edginess with a touch of sophistication.

19. Crew Cut Blonde

The crew cut blonde offers an edgy alternative to the popular blonde buzz cuts that have been all the rage. It offers a slightly softer look, with more hair on top compared to the buzz cut. Platinum blonde shades make the crew cut particularly modern and sleek. It can be styled into short, feathery spikes for added texture and a distinctive look.

Alternatively, adding caramel highlights to messy, brown crops can create a sun-kissed, surfer look. The crew cut blonde is versatile and stylish, making it a trendy choice for those looking to combine a classic haircut with a contemporary color twist.

20. Crew Cut with Receding Hairline

For those with a receding hairline, the crew cut offers two main options that work well. A mid-length, textured crew cut is ideal for disguising thin spots around the forehead. This style has no harsh endpoint, and the strands can be brushed forward as needed to cover up the receding areas subtly.

Meanwhile, opting for a short crew cut with faded sides can minimize the contrast between the temples and the sides of the head, making the receding section less obvious. Both styles provide a smart solution to address receding hairlines while maintaining a stylish and modern appearance.

21. Crew Cut with Curly Hair

For those with curly hair who struggle to keep their wayward locks in check, the crew cut is a perfect solution. The top part of this cut is kept around 1-2 inches long to show off your natural curls, while the sides are tapered to reduce volume for a neat finish.

Pairing this haircut with a beard can look great on men’s faces, helping to balance out the textured top. This style harnesses the natural beauty of curls, giving a controlled yet lively appearance. The crew cut for curly hair is an excellent choice for those seeking a manageable yet stylish look.

22. Flat Top Crew Cut

The flat top crew cut is a variation of the classic crew cut where the front section is slightly longer than the crown, and a flat line is maintained across the top. This style requires precision to create a distinctive boxy shape. To achieve this look, the hair needs to be combed up and set in place with a strong hold product, like hair clay.

Pairing this with short, faded sides results in a sharp finish. The flat top crew cut is a standout choice for those seeking a clean-cut yet bold hairstyle.

23. Widows Peak Crew Cut

The widows peak crew cut is tailored for those with a distinctive V-shaped hairline at the front. A medium-length cut is a great way to disguise the widow’s peak. By brushing the strands up and toward the front into fluffy spikes, you can effectively cover both the start and end of the widow’s peak.

For the sides, you can opt for soft, scissor tapering that blends naturally into the longer top. This is particularly effective for individuals with light-colored hair. Alternatively, a short widows peak crew cut with a fade that discreetly blends down to the skin can also be a stylish option, offering a clean and refined look.

24. Crew Cut & Comb Over

The crew cut comb over offers a nod to the retro Ivy League style. It typically features crops with a side part or, in some versions, a shorter haircut with a small quiff at the front. This style comes in a range of styles to suit various personalities.

You can choose to slick it back rather than to the side, and even incorporate a high fade for a chic, contemporary look. However, it’s important to avoid going too long on the top to ensure it still resembles a crew cut. The crew cut comb over blends traditional elegance with modern flair, making it a versatile and stylish choice.

25. Crew Cut for Thin Hair

For those with thin hair or receding hairlines, the crew cut is a great choice. Opting for a short version of this style helps to reduce the visible difference between thicker and thinner strands, making it effective in disguising a balding crown.

A medium-length, tousled cut can also be quite effective. The crossing strands in this longer style help to hide thin patches, providing a fuller appearance. The crew cut’s adaptability makes it a practical and stylish option for managing and concealing thin hair.

FAQs

What Led to the Popularity of the Crew Cut?

The crew cut became popular as a convenient and practical choice among men. Its heroic appeal and figurative roots can be traced back to the US Ivy League university rowing teams at the turn of the last century. According to Callum McDonald, the term “crew cut” was coined to describe the hairstyles of these team members.

Its fuss-free finish made it favored for activities like rowing, where short, tidy hair was ideal for keeping hair from being blown into the face of the rower. Additionally, army recruits also enlisted this style, and its popularity grew massively when it was adopted by the US Army in the 1930s. It was prized for its ease of maintenance, becoming a practical choice that wins the popular vote.

The crew cut’s length is versatile enough to apply to all hair types, leveling the playing field between those with shiny, lustrous locks, unmanageable curls, and fine, thread-like strands. This adaptability and ease have kept it in vogue through the decades.

Distinguishing Between Crew Cut and Buzz Cut: What Are the Differences?

The main difference between a crew cut and a buzz cut lies in the style and length of the hair. A buzz cut involves trimming the hair uniformly short all over the head, while a crew cut retains visible length on top. In a crew cut, the length of the hair can vary, with the sides being closely shorn or cropped shorter, but still maintaining some length on top.

This distinction creates different looks, with the buzz cut offering a more uniform, ultra-short appearance, and the crew cut providing a bit more styling flexibility due to the longer hair on top.

How Should You Request a Crew Cut at the Barber?

When asking for a crew cut, specify the style you prefer. Request a short trim on the top, usually between ½ an inch to 2 inches long, depending on your preference. For the sides, ask for them to be tapered.

Alternatively, you can request a low, mid, or high fade to accompany the longer length on top. This will give you a more tailored look that fits your personal style and the shape of your face.

What Are Some Ways to Style a Crew Cut?

To style a crew cut, you have a variety of different ways to choose from, depending on the length and your personal preference. You can spike up the hair for a bold look, or comb it over for a more refined appearance. For a casual and textured look, tousle the hair to add texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create a faux mohawk.

You can opt for a classic look with scissor-trimmed sides, or go for a more contemporary style with a fade. The way you style your crew cut is entirely up to you and can be varied to suit different occasions and moods.