24 Iconic Crew Cuts For Men: Style Inspiration For Your Next Look

If you’re experimenting with short hair for the first time or transitioning from longer hair, a crew cut can be a great way to ease into shorter styles.

A crew cut is characterized by short, even-length hair on top that is typically tapered on the back and sides.

This popular men’s haircut delivers a clean and polished appearance, often chosen for its distinct yet professional look.

Crew cuts are versatile and low-maintenance, encompassing a wide range of styles. The classic crew never goes out of style and allows for shorter or slightly longer versions. Crew cuts with fades are always trendy and can be customized to different lengths and levels of tapering. Variations like the combover, brushed-up, and side-parted crew add texture and shape, while special features like a line-up or surgical line create sharp, defined looks. ​​

Keep reading for our curated list of 24 crew cuts for men that can be easily adapted to your preferences and style.

24 Crew Cut Hairstyles For Men

1. Classic Crew

The classic crew cut is a timeless hairstyle that has been popular since the 1930s.

It features even-length hair on top, typically ranging from 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) to 2 inches (5.08 cm), with a shorter back and sides.

This style offers a balanced and straightforward look that requires minimal maintenance, making it a simple yet stylish look for men of all ages.

2. Drop Fade Crew Cut

Adding a drop fade to your crew cut brings a contemporary aesthetic to a classic style.

It features a gradual fade that curves around the ears and drops down towards the nape of the neck.

The result is a clean and modern style that can be adapted to your hair type and preferences. 

3. Short Crew Cut

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle that’s both stylish and practical, the short crew cut might be the answer.

This classic haircut features tapered sides and a short length on top, creating a neat and polished look without a lot of extra effort.

It works well with all hair types and face shapes and can be styled in various ways to suit your personal taste. 

4. Low Fade Crew Cut

A low fade adds structure and shape to the traditional crew cut, making it a versatile look that’s easy to maintain.

This style works well with various hair types, from thick and curly to straight and fine.

With its subtle fade on the back and sides, this variation brings a touch of modernity while maintaining the crew’s timeless appeal.

5. Combover Crew

The combover crew cut features a hard side part, creating a sharp, tidy look.

The hair on top is left longer and combed over to the side, while the sides and back are tapered with a fade.

This style requires slightly more effort, and you’ll need a high-quality styling product to keep your hair in place and maintain the side-swept style throughout the day.

6. Taper Fade Crew Cut

A taper fade offers a gradual yet more pronounced transition from longer top hair to shorter sides and back.

You can customize the tapering to achieve a specific look, from a subtle and minimal low taper fade to a bolder and more noticeable high one.

This variation elevates the classic crew, creating a sleek, contemporary finish that easily transitions from day to night.

7. Textured Crew Cut

If you’re looking for a short haircut with a bit of personality, a textured crew will deliver the goods.

This variation adds texture to the longer hair on top, giving it a more laid-back and carefree appearance.

To achieve this style, your barber or stylist typically uses texturizing shears or a razor to create a more natural, messy finish.  

8. Crew Cut Line Up

A line up is an excellent way to bring a crisp, defined look to your crew cut.

To achieve this clean, precise style, you’ll need a skilled barber or hairstylist to use clippers or a razor to create a straight, even strip along your hairline and temples.

A line up works best with a short crew style and can be complemented further with a high taper or skin fade. 

9. Mid Fade Crew

The mid-fade crew cut gradually fades from the middle of your head to your neckline.

This style delivers a polished but low-maintenance look that still has some edge.

It’s a distinct and practical choice that works well with various hair types and face shapes, making it a versatile option with minimal styling and upkeep.

10. Disconnected Crew Cut

The disconnected crew cut is a modern variation that creates a pronounced contrast between the longer hair on top and the shaved sides and back.

This style is similar to an undercut but with a more defined disconnect between the sections of hair.

For added effect, consider adding a surgical line or other hair designs to really emphasize the disconnected look and showcase your original style.

11. Long Crew Cut

This crew cut is still short and easy to maintain but offers a bit more length on top.

The longer length allows for more styling options, so you can experiment with different looks and find the perfect one.

You can keep the sides and back short or add a fade or taper for a more modern look.

12. Military Crew Cut

Military crew cut is a popular hairstyle commonly seen among soldiers and law enforcement officers.

Little to no styling is required, and it doesn’t take much effort to keep it looking sharp.

This practical crew style is functional and easy to maintain while projecting a distinct, professional image that’s stood the test of time.

13. Afro-Textured Crew Cut

This haircut combines the clean, structured aspects of the traditional crew cut with the natural curl pattern and volume of Afro-textured hair.

The hair on top is typically kept shorter to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance, while the sides and back are tapered or faded to create a balanced and put-together look.

14. High Fade Crew Cut

This crew cut is characterized by a high fade on the back and sides.

The fade starts around the temples and gradually tapers down to the skin.

This versatile look can be styled in different ways – you can add texture to the top with a matte finish pomade or style it with a slick back for a more formal look. 

15. Flat Top Crew Cut

The flat-top is a variation of the traditional crew cut, where your hair is cut flat and perpendicular to the sides.

This technique creates a boxy and angular shape that is both stylish and masculine.

The sides and back are tapered or faded, creating contrast and definition.

This classic look works best with straight hair but can be adapted to most hair types.

16. Crew Cut With Surgical Line

This edgy, modern variation of the crew cut incorporates a precise and defined line added by a barber or hairstylist.

This distinctive line is created by shaving or clipping a straight or curved design into the hair, typically along the parting line or other strategic locations on the scalp.

This style offers a bold, eye-catching element that can be customized in terms of its shape, placement, and complexity.

17. Curly Crew Cut

You might think a crew cut is not a flattering option if you have curly hair.

However, a curly crew cut can show off your natural texture while maintaining a neat and polished look.  You can also add a fade to create a more defined finish.

The result is a sharp and stylish appearance that complements the unique aspects of curly hair.

18. Skin Fade Crew Cut

The most notable feature of the skin fade crew cut is the seamless blend from the longer top hair into a near-bald or completely shaved area on the back and sides.

This high-contrast fade creates a stark, eye-catching effect, often drawing attention to the well-defined lines of the haircut.

It’s ideal for confident men seeking a high-impact yet meticulously groomed appearance.

19. Medium-Length Crew

A medium-length style is the Goldilocks of crew cuts – it’s not too short and not too long; it’s just right.

It keeps some length on top while still maintaining a neat and professional look.

Mid-length crews are typically about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) long on top, offering more volume and texture than the classic style. 

20. Side-Parted Crew Cut

Incorporating a side part into your crew cut brings a fresh element to this typically uniform style.

You can use styling products to create a hard, defined part or work with your natural part pattern for a softer, more natural finish.

This modern crew cut exudes a timeless charm that adapts well to various hair types and face shapes.

21. Brushed Up Crew

A brushed-up crew is a popular variation that adds texture and dimension to your hair.

This trendy, modern look delivers a low-maintenance style that’s versatile and easy to do.

Simply apply a small amount of pomade or wax to your hair and style it up and back using your fingers, a brush, or a comb. 

22. High and Tight Crew Cut

The high and tight crew cut is similar to a regular crew but with a more dramatic contrast between the length of the hair on top and the sides.

One of the benefits of the high and tight is its versatility.

It can be worn for sports, professional settings, or a night out with friends.

23. Burst Fade Crew Cut

Whether you prefer a clean and polished look or a more edgy and textured style, a burst fade brings a new dimension to the classic crew cut.

This fade type is known for its bold, modern aesthetic, exuding confidence and individuality.

As the fade drops down in a semi-circle shape behind the ear, it ends on the side of the neck and does not continue along the nape at the back of the head. 

24. Crew Cut With Beard

If you’re looking for a stylish and masculine look, consider pairing a crew cut with a beard.

This combination gives you a rugged yet polished appearance, perfect for any occasion.

A beard fade can help blend the two looks together and be a great way to show off your style and personality.