The classic short-back-and-sides that never goes out of fashion
The crew cut is one of the oldest and most reliable men's haircuts. The hair on top is kept short — usually one to two inches — and gradually tapers down the sides and back. It originated as a military style but has long since crossed over into everyday fashion. It's clean, practical and looks good on virtually everyone.
What separates a good crew cut from a mediocre one is the taper. The transition from the longer top to the shorter sides should be smooth and even, not stepped. At BB's Barbers, we use a combination of clipper guards and scissor-over-comb to build that gradient properly.
People often confuse the two, but they're quite different. A buzz cut is the same length all over, typically done with a single clipper guard. It's the ultimate low-maintenance option. A crew cut keeps more length on top and graduates the sides, giving the hair actual shape and structure.
If you want something with a bit more personality than a buzz cut but don't want the maintenance of a longer style, the crew cut is the sweet spot. It works well in professional settings and grows out neatly between appointments.
The crew cut suits most face shapes. For men with rounder faces, keeping the top slightly longer creates the illusion of length. For angular faces, a shorter version keeps things balanced. It works with straight, wavy and even curly hair, though the texture on top will vary with your natural hair type.
It's particularly popular with men who want a smart, clean look without spending any time on styling. After a crew cut, you can towel-dry and walk out the door. No product required, though a touch of pomade can add definition if you prefer a polished finish.
A crew cut is a classic short haircut where the hair on top is slightly longer than the sides and back. It's tapered down from the crown, with the sides clipped short. Clean, practical and suits almost everyone.
A buzz cut is the same length all over, cut with one clipper guard. A crew cut keeps the top slightly longer with graduated sides, giving more shape and structure to the overall look.
Every three to four weeks keeps a crew cut looking sharp. It grows out quite neatly, so it's lower maintenance than a fade.
Looking for something shorter? Try a buzz cut. Want more texture? Consider a textured crop or French crop. Read our guide to the best men's haircuts for 2026.