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21 Vintage Photos of 1950s Greasers

History Vintage Photos May 5, 2025

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.

Two young men in 1950s attire pose by a classic car; one stands in a leather jacket, the other sits on a motorcycle wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. A large building and parked cars are visible in the background.
deleted

So, I need that jacket as soon as possible.

2. Greasers knew how to get to work when they needed to.

Two men work on a vintage car in a garage; one repairs the rear fender while the other works under the open hood. Tools and car parts are scattered on the floor around them.
anonymous

There was no hesitation about it.

3. A greaser family with all the hooligans accounted for, strike their pose.

A black and white photo shows six young men and two young women posing on a porch; a small girl stands to the side covering her face. The group wears 1950s-style clothing, with most smiling or looking at the camera.
pawned79

Nothing cooler than a greaser family.

4. Outside Mel’s Bar, Minneapolis, MN 1954

Four young adults stand outside a bar called Mel's. Two women in long coats chat with two men, one wearing a leather jacket, on a city sidewalk. Vintage storefront signs and snow are visible.
doitmyway79

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

Two young men in vintage clothing lean against a classic white car parked in front of a house, smiling and relaxed, in a black-and-white photo likely from the 1950s.
5frogmargin

The hot rods were a staple of the greasers community.

6. These lads were always getting into trouble

Four young men lean out of a car window, eagerly looking at a woman walking by with her back to the camera. The image appears to be from a past era, possibly the 1950s or 1960s.
geminii2398

The rebellious, troublemaking spirit shines through in these photos of some greasers,

7. Well, this greaser’s certainly about to say something

Black-and-white photo of young men and a woman in leather jackets, sitting and standing together indoors by brick and glass walls. The group appears to be deep in thought or conversation.
heavymargin293

She doesn’t seem particularly thrilled about where she’s stuck sitting.

8. It was always about the jackets

Four people stand outdoors with their backs to the camera, wearing decorated jackets with bold text and images, including the words “JAGUAR,” “BASEL,” and various animal illustrations. Trees and foliage fill the background.
tightmargins2981

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

Four young men in leather jackets pose with vintage motorcycles on a city street, with a classic car and brick buildings in the background. The image is black and white, evoking a retro, rebellious vibe.
ringaling1939

It was the cool thing to do as a kid.

10. This guy’s eyes have seen far too many troubles

A young man in a casual jacket and trousers leans back on a barstool at a diner counter, holding a drink and looking relaxed while talking with two others. The scene is in black and white.
ringaling1938

Talk about a smoldering gaze.

11. Greasers meeting at Scrivner’s Drive-in, Los Angeles, California (1950)

A group of young men in leather jackets gather around hot rods in front of Scrivner’s Coffee Shop at night, with neon signs glowing and vintage cars parked nearby.
baronvonbroccolli

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

A shirtless, grease-stained man lights a cigarette while leaning against an old car with its hood open, parked on a city street in front of brick buildings.
pharaoahbarber1313

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

A young man with dark hair leans against a wall, wearing a denim jacket, striped shirt, and jeans. He has a cigarette in his mouth and stands in front of a wooden trailer or caravan. The photo is black and white.
till80

I do wonder how long it took to get that hair set up perfectly.

14. A young greaser shows off his tattoo

A young man with tousled hair and a white t-shirt shows off a tattoo on his upper arm while leaning against a classic car, with another vintage car visible in the background.
till80

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

A young man wearing a leather jacket and trousers stands with his hands in his pockets, looking at the camera in a black-and-white photo. A sign in the background reads "GO AWAY MR.
ozzyhreds

He was on his way to turning out to be a very cool grandpa, indeed.

16. Get a load of this 1957 Canadian greaser

A young man in a leather jacket sits on outdoor steps, gently holding a baby in his arms. The photo is black and white, with a brick wall and railing visible in the background.
anonymous

I wonder what the vibes were like amongst Canadian greasers.

17. These guys had an epic friendship, clearly

Three young men wearing leather jackets stand close together in front of store shelves filled with various products. Each has a cigarette in their mouth and a confident expression, posing casually for the camera.
scarletletters

Having your friends in your crew as a greaser was essential.

18. You can already tell that this ride knew how to rip around.

Young man in a leather jacket and jeans sits on a vintage motorcycle, posing for a black-and-white photo on a cobblestone street with a textured wall in the background.
anonymous

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.

A man in a leather jacket and sunglasses stands with clenched fists in front of a graffiti-covered staircase. Another person’s feet are visible above him on the stairs. The scene is urban and black and white.
deleted

This greaser doesn’t look too pleased.

20. Someone’s dad on his motorcycle back in the early ’50s

A young man wearing a white T-shirt and pants sits on a vintage motorcycle in a dirt yard, with houses and a wooden shed in the background. The photo appears to be old and in black and white.
873pl

I could see this look making a comeback, certainly out in New York City.

21. The teen greasers were especially into troublemaking.

Four young men pose casually against a brick wall, three wearing leather jackets and rolled-up jeans, and one in a dark suit. They stand close together, casting shadows on the sidewalk.
deleted

Nobody’s fit is out of place here.

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