crew cut · men
Crew Cut vs. Ivy League: What'sthe Difference?
Crew cut vs. Ivy League compared, including length on top, how to style each, which suits your job and hair type, and how to ask your barber for the right one.
Hairover Team
An Ivy League is a crew cut with extra length on top, enough to part and comb to one side. The crew cut is shorter and is usually pushed up or forward with little fuss. If you want the lowest effort, get the crew. If you want a cleaner, more polished look for work and do not mind a minute with a comb, get the Ivy League.
How they compare
| Crew cut | Ivy League | |
|---|---|---|
| Top length | 1/2 to 1.5 inches | 1 to 2 inches |
| Sides | Short, tapered | Short, tapered |
| Part | Not usually | Yes, a soft side part |
| Styling time | Under a minute | One to two minutes |
| Product | Optional | Light cream or matte paste |
| Feel | Sporty, simple | Polished, traditional |
Why choose the crew
The crew asks almost nothing of you. Wash it, dry it, and go. It holds its shape for two to four weeks, and it does not get messy in a hat or a helmet. If you are comparing it with something shorter, see buzz cut vs. crew cut.
Why choose the Ivy League
The side part gives you a look that fits suits and interviews, without the shine of a heavy slick back. It also suits older men well, and it is a helpful option if you want to look more formal but are not ready for a longer cut.
It does need straight or gently wavy hair to work best. Tight curls will not lie in a part, so a short tapered curly top is usually the better path. Our guide to side part vs. comb over covers longer versions of this look.
Which suits your face
Both suit oval and square faces easily. Round faces can do well with either, as long as the top keeps some height. On long faces, avoid too much height on top and keep the sides a little fuller. To check your outline, try our free face shape detector.
How to ask for each one
Crew: “Clippers on the sides, a number 2 fading up, and an inch on top, a bit longer at the front.”
Ivy League: “Tapered sides, with scissors on top. Keep about two inches at the front, shortening toward the crown, and long enough for a soft side part.”
How to style an Ivy League
Towel-dry your hair, then comb in a small amount of light cream. Find your natural part, comb the front across and slightly upward, and leave the rest a little loose. A soft finish looks modern, while a sharply combed one reads as vintage.
Related guides
Picture the part on your own head
Length on top changes how formal the cut feels. With Hairover you can upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, then bring the look you prefer to your barber.
FAQ
Is an Ivy League a type of crew cut?
Yes, in effect. It is a longer crew cut, sometimes called a Princeton, with enough length at the front to part and comb to the side.
How long does hair need to be for an Ivy League?
Around one to two inches on top is typical, with the longest part at the front. If you are growing out a crew, that usually takes a month or two.
Which is better for thin hair?
Often the crew, since the shorter top does not separate and show scalp. An Ivy League works if your front is still fairly dense, because the side part puts attention there.
