Ivy League Haircut: 21 Classy Styles For Modern Men
The ivy league haircut, a sophisticated version of the classic crew cut, is stylish, flattering, and surprisingly low‑maintenance—making it a timeless look for men wanting to exude class and style. Known among ivy league haircut men and others seeking clean, smart cuts, this hairstyle blends tradition with versatility.
Originally popular on elite college campuses in the United States, the ivy league cut fit the preppy, refined aesthetic of students at universities like Harvard and Princeton. Over time, it went mainstream and became a symbol of old‑school refinement.
The modern Ivy League hairstyle typically features a short taper fade undercut, slightly longer hair on top, and a lengthy fringe swept to the side—giving the signature, polished look. This attractive men’s haircut combines traditional sophistication with contemporary flair, making it suitable for anything from weddings to casual date nights.
Below, we’ll share some handsome mens undercut examples of Ivy League haircuts that will polish and elevate your look. You’ll also find clear barbershop visuals to help you picture the style, along with simple steps to achieve it.
Sophisticated Ivy League Hairstyle Variations
Classic Ivy League Haircut
A classic Ivy League haircut combines a traditional side‑part with an iconic crew cut, resulting in a chic, smart style ideal for virtually any event. Also known as the Princeton cut or Harvard clip, it features longer hair on top, a brushed‑up, side‑swept fringe, and short, tapered sides and back.
Modern Ivy League Haircut
This take on the Ivy League includes a clean mens undercut taper low fade haircut on the sides and back, with structured longer pieces up top and a brushed‑up, side‑swept fringe. Sweeping the hair forward from the crown and then over from a deep side part creates the iconic aesthetic. The sharp high or mid fade adds bold contrast.
Short Ivy League Haircut
Refined and polished, this version closely mirrors a traditional crew cut. The side‑swept front and scissor‑cut taper on the sides set it apart. It’s easy to maintain and offers versatile styling with minimal effort.
Textured Ivy League with Taper Fade
This textured Ivy League embraces natural movement with added body and charm. Ideal for thicker hair, it can be personalized with volume products. Pair it with a full beard for rugged masculinity, or go clean‑shaven for a more formal finish.
Ivy League Crew Cut
Short and sharp, the Ivy League crew cut suits most face shapes and hair types. What sets it apart is the deep side part and a textured front section. Bold highlights around the face can emphasize texture. Adding a thick, full beard enhances the look.
Professional Ivy League with Tapered Sides
A timeless, undercut professional style, this version blends sophistication and simplicity. With a soft taper at the sides, the finish is clean and polished. To style, apply wax or cream to damp or dry hair, create a side part, then comb back and away from the forehead.
Curly Ivy League
This curly Ivy League lets big, bouncy curls shine, with plenty of length on top and a scissor taper at the sides and back. Healthy curls are key, and curl cream or volumizing mousse helps with definition. A stubbly goatee balances the look beautifully.
Preppy Ivy League
Combining classic shape with a bit of shine, this preppy Ivy League is perfect for tux events. Slightly tousled and messy, it radiates confidence and sex appeal. It works on a range of hair types, from coarse to fine.
Ivy League Fade
Featuring long hair on top and shorter sides and back via a hard or shaved part, this style combines a quiff and a pompadour with combed texture. The hard part adds structure and interest. Add a short goatee or stubble for maturity.
Messy Ivy League
This version blends height and texture with vintage shine. It’s much longer up top for experimentation. The front is brushed up and curled back, while the sides are scissor-tapered for smooth transitions.
Long Ivy League
A distinguished look with longer hair in front than on the crown and sides. The hair flows from a deep side part, and a clean taper blends into a well‑trimmed beard.
Brushed Up Ivy League
Replacing formal comb texture with a spiky, matte finish, this version uses pomade for definition. Ideal for thick or coarse hair, it’s sleek and sexy.
Ivy League Comb Over
A stylish, longer version of the Princeton cut with tapered sides. Hair is combed over from a deep side part. Use wax or pomade on damp hair to lock in texture and hold.
Simple Short Ivy League with Texture
This version looks crew cut‑close but sweeps to the side instead of straight forward. It has a short, uniform top with a mid‑fade. Texture is easy with cream or wax and a comb.
Side Swept Ivy League with Low Taper Fade
With a low taper fade on the sides and back, the side‑swept top creates lift and balance. The result is a tidy retro look with modern flair and easy upkeep.
Hard Side Part
A bold hard side part adds structure and polish. A shaved line contrasts sharply with the rest of the style, ideal for formal and modern looks.
Ivy League with Low Fade
This brushed‑back version with a low fade shows confidence in work or play. A slicked back fringe with shine meets an abrupt faded side. A short, neat beard finishes the aesthetic.
Medium Length Ivy League
With more length comes versatility. A tousled, highlighted medium length cut looks playful and professional. Pair with a full beard for a rugged feel or go clean‑shaven for a metro look.
Low‑Maintenance Ivy League
This cut is easy thanks to its simplicity. A blended part and tapered sides keep flow, while sideburns match stubble. Apply matte pomade and comb over for easy styling.
Fresh Ivy League with Clean Tapered Sides
Adopting an edgy, stylish vibe, this version has piecey, messy front hair falling forward, with a soft taper on the sides. Matte pomade and fingertip styling give a natural finish.
Textured Ivy League Taper Fade with Stubble Beard
Merging a classic quiff’s flat edge with comb texture, this style has a crisp taper fade and transitions into a short scruffy beard. It’s bold, structured, and masculine.
What Is The Ivy League Haircut?
The ivy league haircut is a short, classic men’s hairstyle featuring a crew cut with a side‑swept fringe. Also called the Harvard Clip or Princeton cut, it includes a mens undercut or taper fade undercut on the sides and back, with longer, textured hair on top and noticeable volume on the part. Refined and easy to ask for, it pairs well with personal style and occasion.
How To Style An Ivy League
- Apply a small amount of matte pomade or clay to slightly damp hair and spread evenly to add texture, hold, and definition.
- Comb the hair forward and sweep the fringe to the side, using some volume for the classic effect.
- Modern takes can be spiky, combed over, or messy—just don’t lose the angular finish in front.
- Add a hard side part for a traditional, polished gentleman’s look, then sweep hair to the side.
- For a professional and simple vibe, keep it neat and structured. For casual events, choose a tousled or spiked‑up finish.
