If long, shaggy hairstyles aren’t your thing and close shorn buzz cuts seem a bit too extreme, then a crew cut is the great middle point on the hair spectrum.

These slick and practical crops have been around for decades and continue to be a feature in breakdowns of the best haircuts for men year after year. Plus, they’re generally pretty easy to style for guys who are short on time or love savoring the extra ten minutes in bed.

With that in mind, you really can’t go wrong with a crew cut haircut. Not sure which one is best for you? Read on as we explore 25 of the most popular crew cut hairstyles for men to help you pick a favorite. 

What Is A Crew Cut?

The terms “crew cut” and “buzz cut” are often used interchangeably, but anyone asking for the latter from their barber and expecting the former is in for a shock. “Unlike the buzz cut, the crew cut is tapered in the back and sides (sometimes with a fade) and there’s more length left on top.” says Callum McDonald, a barber at Ruffians.

Whereas the buzz cut most often requires clipping the hair to its shortest all over the head, crew cuts retain visible length on the top of the head and vary in length on the sides of the head.

To spell it out, the buzz cut is basically bald, whereas a crew cut is cropped but not so closely shorn.

Best Crew Cut Hairstyles 

1. Classic Crew Cut

Dating back to the 1920s, classic crew cuts are neat, low-maintenance haircuts that suit various face shapes. They can be identified by their tapered back and sides, which graduate into a cropped top around 1 inch in length, typically slightly longer at the front. Get this look with a tapered scissor cut or grade 3 trim on the sides that neatly blends into the top. 

2. Crew Cut Fade

The crew cut fade is a more contemporary take on the classic crew cut. While retaining the signature longer length on top, crew cut fades feature a shorter cut on the sides for a bolder contrast. Choose between low, mid, high and skin fades depending on the look you’re going for, and take advantage of the slimming effect that comes with shorter sides.