The Probert Encyclopaedia of Costume

CREW CUT

The crew cut is a short hairstyle. It originated in the German navy, and was adopted by the American navy, at first as a very short cut and then in 1948 changed to the following specification: 'hair neatly and closely trimmed. The hair may be clipped at the edges of the sides and back, but must be so trimmed as to present an evenly graduated appearance, and must not be over three inches in length. The back of the neck must not be shaved.'
Research Crew Cut