Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Matt Staff
Dating back to the 1950s, “greasers” emerged as an unrivaled, defining symbol of youth rebellion and cool. With their slicked-back hair, leather jackets, and a constant swagger that they made all of their own, the were icons of a post-war generation that pushed back against rigid conformity.
This collection of 1950s greaser photos portrays the varying elements and characters that went into defining the greasers. So, take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the 1950s world of the greasers.
1. A couple of greasers are the epitome of unbothered cool in 1956.
So, I need that jacket as soon as possible.
2. Greasers knew how to get to work when they needed to.
There was no hesitation about it.
3. A greaser family with all the hooligans accounted for, strike their pose.
Nothing cooler than a greaser family.
4. Outside Mel’s Bar, Minneapolis, MN 1954
Mel’s Bar certainly was host to some rowdy greaser-fueled times.
5. A couple of Greasers and their hot rod make for a standout of the 1950s greaser photos
The hot rods were a staple of the greasers community.
6. These lads were always getting into trouble
The rebellious, troublemaking spirit shines through in these photos of some greasers,
7. Well, this greaser’s certainly about to say something
She doesn’t seem particularly thrilled about where she’s stuck sitting.
8. It was always about the jackets
If you didn’t have the cool jacket it was hard to gain the group’s approval.
9. Greasers started up at a young age
It was the cool thing to do as a kid.
10. This guy’s eyes have seen far too many troubles
Talk about a smoldering gaze.
11. Greasers meeting at Scrivner’s Drive-in, Los Angeles, California (1950)
I mean, check out that car that one of the greasers decided to break out for the evening.
12. In 1959, a greaser works on his car in Brooklyn
He’s not trying to look old-school cool, but that’s exactly where we showed up.
13. A striking portrait of a young greaser back in the fifties
I do wonder how long it took to get that hair set up perfectly.
14. A young greaser shows off his tattoo
The fifties were a time when “flash tattoos” weren’t a social media-driven spectacle like they are nowadays.
15. Someone’s grandpa holding it down as a greaser back in the fifties
He was on his way to turning out to be a very cool grandpa, indeed.
16. Get a load of this 1957 Canadian greaser
I wonder what the vibes were like amongst Canadian greasers.
17. These guys had an epic friendship, clearly
Having your friends in your crew as a greaser was essential.
18. You can already tell that this ride knew how to rip around.
You didn’t want to find yourself in the way of this ride.
19. The greaser curling his fists makes the whole look extra tough.
This greaser doesn’t look too pleased.
20. Someone’s dad on his motorcycle back in the early ’50s
I could see this look making a comeback, certainly out in New York City.
21. The teen greasers were especially into troublemaking.
Nobody’s fit is out of place here.