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Teddy Boys’s style was a reaction against the austerity of the post-war years. A new generation attempted to scandalise their parents with wasteful fashions that were far too camp for working class sensibilities. Velvet collars on long jackets harked back to Edwardian style (which was only 40 years previous). Edward was shortened to Ted – hence Teddy Boy. Big quiffs and bright colours as typified by Showaddywaddy would come later – in the 1970′s. The jackets were in grey or blue, usually in plain material.

Teds wore high-waisted drainpipe trousers with brightly coloured socks, narrow ties with horizontal stripes or American style bootlace ties. Loose drape jackets and cutaway collar shirts. Gibson Brothel Creepers were favoured by Teddy Boys, with a thick crepe-sole and suede finish or chunky brogues sufficed. Expensive brocade waistcoats were much coveted.

Teddy Boy suits were not readily available and were also prohibitively expensive. Kenny’s in Leamington Spa and Chetwyns in Birmingham were some of the few suppliers.

Teds wore hair long, for the era. They used plenty of hair cream to get a quiff at the front and a Duck’s Arse at the back. A variation at the front was the Elephant’s Trunk: the hair was shaped in to a sausage which sat on the top of the head.

Teds in the fifties had a reputation for violence. They clashed with immigrants newly arriving in 50′s Britain. Rival Ted gangs often c

lashed at the annual Leamington Spa “Lights” and were responsible for much of the white racist violence at the Notting Hill riot of 1958 . Rock ‘n’ Roll was adopted by Teds after the film, Blackboard Jungle (1955), was first shown in cinemas in the UK. They ripped up seats and danced to Bill Haley’s music, which was played at the end of the film. Razor attacks and fights at Rock ‘n’ Roll clubs led to the closure of many venues.