The 'varsity bob' may sound like a middle-aged male sports coach in an American teen movie (says the Gen Z Brit), but in the context of beauty, it's a rising hair trend! The bob brigade is ever-expanding...
Coined by hairstylist, trend forecaster and Cosmopolitan Contributing Expert, Tom Smith, the varsity bob is set to be a popular style for autumn 2025 – you heard it here first, folks, before it ends up all over your FYP! But what is it and who does it suit? Well, below, Tom shares everything there is to know about the cut, including six different style ideas to take to your next salon appointment. Snip snip!
What is the varsity bob?
Like the classic bob, this cut sits at chin length but stands out for its textured layers. "It's a choppy, chin-skimming bob with subtle layering and a centre parting. Polished but never prissy, it carries a cool collegiate energy, perfect for a post-summer update," Tom explains.
Continuing, he says, "It's youthful without being childish and preppy without being stiff." So, want to look 10 years younger? The varsity bob is for you!
Because of its undone bounce and layers, this style is pretty low-maintenance, and in other words, it styles itself. Bye-bye 6am wake-up calls, hello an extra 30 minutes in bed! "It's the perfect blend of discipline and ease and has a desirable, undone movement that feels cared for yet incidental," Tom says, before adding, "It suits anyone wanting structure with movement; especially flattering on oval or heart-shaped faces."
Noted.
Everyone's clicking on...
Finally, Tom advises asking your stylist for "invisible layering through the ends". This not only helps the hair move more naturally, especially at the ends, without looking choppy, but reduces bulk, which is particularly useful for thick or heavy hair as it removes weight without making it look thin or layered.
Now, to the appointment – because your local salon rang and the varsity bob is calling your name!
Varsity bob inspo
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
