Men’s Rockabilly Style

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The Return Of The Rockabilly

 

There’s something about the rockabilly look that just oozes cool. Perhaps it’s because of all the iconic imagery left behind of musicians who have channelled the style throughout time. Or perhaps it’s due to the edgier modern update we see today, tattoos and all. Either way, the spirit of the rockabilly is hard to match.

With rockabilly-inspired style resurfacing across the runway and high street in recent times, we’re set to show you how to get the look.

Of course, for true rockabillies – those men (and women) who live and breathe the culture – it’s much more than just a ‘trend’, it’s a way of life. With that in mind, we’re simply exploring how key elements of the aesthetic can be incorporated into a contemporary wardrobe.

But first, let’s take a brief look at the origins of rockabilly style and how it has evolved over time…

Rockabilly Style: Then And Now

Rockabilly is considered one of the earliest forms of rock ‘n’ roll, which dates back to the 1950s. The term ‘rockabilly’ is actually an amalgamation of the words ‘rock’ and ‘hillbilly’ – referencing the cross between rock ‘n’ roll and country music that influenced its development into its own sub-genre.

First made popular by legendary artists such as Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, the influence of the rockabilly movement dipped in the 1960s, before seeing a revival in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since then, the genre of music and image that comes with it has continued to exist as a subculture, producing several sub-styles in both music and fashion.

Traditionally, the rockabilly look for guys comprised leather biker and denim jackets, plaid and bowling shirts, jet black jeans, and two-tone brogues or chunky boots. And we can’t forget the quiff, of course.

Today’s rockabilly aesthetic borrows much of these signature pieces, celebrating the vintage aspects of the style. However, there is an edgier undertone in contemporary rockabillies, who adapt elements of punk rock and indie looks, such as full sleeve tattoos. It’s all about a cool, carefree attitude that only a true rockabilly would be able to pull off authentically.

Get The Look

A rockabilly’s wardrobe all begins with the right jacket. Whether you opt for a beaten-up leather biker or faded denim version, this is the piece that will finish off your confident, carefree look – so wear it with pride.

Opt for a style with additional detailing such as exposed zipped pockets and hidden compartments for both aesthetic and practical purposes. After all, where else will you keep your comb to ensure your quiff is in check?

When it comes to fabric choice, you don’t want your jacket to look too new. Ideally you would spend hours scouring vintage stores or eBay for a truly one of a kind piece, but if you are time-poor, another option is to try and achieve the lived in look yourself.

A little trick is to grab a cheese grater and dig in – your denim will be distressed in no time. For leather, kneading alcohol into it should do the trick. So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a bottle of bourbon and after pouring yourself a tipple, tip some over your leather jacket and massage away.

Note: FashionBeans takes no responsibility for damaged clothing, so use common sense – test the above techniques on old garments that you no longer intend to wear first, before trying it on your new purchases.

Men's Leather Biker Jackets & Denim Jackets - Modern Rockabilly-Inspired Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

he by mango blacksmith 2014 zara man aw12 eleven paris ss14 allsaints ss13 bershka december 2013 the idle man aw14 the kooples ss14 Strellson sportswear aw14 zara young 2011 tiger of sweden aw14 drykorn ss14 allsaints 2014

Next up, you’ll want to invest in an array of retro shirts to alternate throughout the season. Ideal for layering underneath your leather biker, every rockabilly needs a variety of check/plaid designs in his wardrobe.

Whether you go for a classic blue and white gingham version crafted from pure lightweight cotton or a thicker red and black tartan overshirt, your selection of casual shirts will not only be practical enough to layer in the colder months, but effortlessly stylish too.

If you’re slightly more daring, you’ll also want to consider purchasing a couple of bowling shirts, to really nail the 1950s rockabilly look. Similar to a Hawaiian shirt in shape, a bowling shirt is typically more conservative as it doesn’t feature the tropical prints of its warm-weather cousin.

Men's Check Shirts - Modern Rockabilly-Inspired Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

asos 2014 allsaints aw12 asos 2014 ami aw13 David Naman aw14 h&m aw13 new look aw14 boohoo man aw14

Before we discuss footwear and finishing touches, we need to consider legwear. Traditionally, rockabillies were known for wearing dark or black denim jeans – a custom that remains the same today.

Although skinny and slim fits are the go-to for any rock or indie look these days, there are no set rules when it comes to your jeans. If you’re more comfortable in straight cuts or simply aren’t a fan of skinnies, there’s no reason why you can’t try pairing your plaid shirt and denim jacket with straight-legged styles this winter.

Only you know the type of jeans you feel most comfortable in and that suit you the best – remember, confidence and a carefree attitude play a huge part in truly pulling off this aesthetic.

Men's Black Skinny and Slim Jeans - Modern Rockabilly-Inspired Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

the kooples aw13 the kooples aw12 bershka december 2014 minimum aw14 topman topman ss14 allsaints aw12 allsaints aw14 the kooples aw13
Key Pieces
  • The Jacket Maker Allaric Alley Distressed Leather Biker JacketTJM Allaric Alley Distressed Black Leather Biker Jacket
  • Schott Perfecto x Lightning Limited Edition Leather JacketSchott Perfecto x Lightning Limited Edition Leather Jacket Black
  • Golden Goose Biker-inspired Brown Nappa Leather JacketGolden Goose Ilario colour-block leather biker jacket
  • Harley Davidson Bar & Shield Logo Denim JacketHarley Davidson Bar & Shield Logo Denim Jacket
  • Nova Industries Washed Denim Stretch JacketNova Industries Washed Denim Stretch Jacket
  • Frame Vintage Lined JacketFrame Vintage Lined Jacket in Mar Azul Destruct
  • Form and Thread Sapporo Check Atelier OvershirtForm and Thread Sapporo Check Atelier Overshirt
  • Filson Vintage Flannel Work ShirtFilson Field Flannel Shirt
  • Isto Check Flannel ShirtIsto Check Flannel Shirt
  • Woolrich Wool Blend Trout Run Plaid Flannel ShirtWoolrich Wool Blend Trout Run Plaid Flannel Shirt
  • Uniqlo Flannel Checked Long-Sleeve ShirtUniqlo Flannel Checked Long-Sleeve Shirt
  • Closed Denim Style Springdale RelaxedClosed Denim Style Springdale Relaxed
  • Nudie Jeans Skinny Lin Worn BlackNudie Jeans Skinny Lin Worn Black
  • Hudson Jeans Zack Skinny JeanHudson Jeans Zack Skinny Jean
  • Lucky Brand 411 Athletic Taper Advanced Stretch JeanLucky Brand 411 Athletic Taper Advanced Stretch Jean
Best Foot Forward

So you’ve got the jacket, shirt, jeans and attitude – you’re definitely on your way to nailing the rockabilly look this winter. But whether you opt for chunky Dr. Martens or statement creepers, no rockabilly’s style is complete without the right footwear.

The original Dr. Martens 8-eyelet boots in black are a great choice as they’re strong, sturdy, go with anything and actually quite comfy once you’ve worn them in. If you want to bring the aesthetic bang up to date, it might even be worth trying out a pair of DMs in a bright hue such as red or blue to inject some colour into your winter wardrobe this year.

Then there’s creepers. Not everyone will be a fan of this style of footwear, but if you can look past their association with underground subcultures they’re actually a sturdy and stylish shoe that ooze individuality and will give any outfit an edge.

Finally, if you prefer to take a more polished approach to your everyday wear, why not consider a two-tone brogue? Coming in a wide array of colour combinations, these lace-ups will add a touch of retro panache to your tailoring collection or smart-casual getups:

Men's Heavy Duty Boots, Creepers & Two Tone Shoes - Modern Rockabilly-Inspired Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

the kooples aw14 the kooples aw14 asos scotch & soda AMSTERDAMS BLAUW FALL 2014 the kooples aw12 The Idle Man aw14 allsaints aw14 fashionbeans man september 2011 the kooples ss14
  • Dr. Martens 1460 Leather BootsDr. Martens 1460 lace-up leather boots
  • Dr. Martens Jadon Platform BootsDr. Martens chunky lace-up leather boots
  • Harley Davidson Boxbury Riding BootHarley Davidson Boxbury Riding Boot
  • ASOS DESIGN Chunky Sole CreeperASOS DESIGN chunky sole creeper
  • Burberry Nubuck Creeper ShoesBurberry Nubuck Creeper Shoes
  • David Stone DVS D-ring Creepers BlackDAVID STONE DVS D-ring Creepers Black
  • Dr. Martens 3989 Bex Brogue ShoesDr. Martens 3989 Bex Brogue Shoes
  • Cole Haan Originalgrand Longwing OxfordCole Haan Originalgrand Longwing Oxford
  • Grenson StanleyGrenson Stanley
Finishing Touches

Accessories should be used to cement the aesthetic and really give it an edge. Obviously the slick quiff/pompadour hairstyle and a penchant for colourful tattoos are two integral aspects of rockabilly style that will only be relevant if they appeal directly to your lifestyle and personality, yet there are a number of modern accessories that will also help you get the look.

Braces, reader style glasses/wayfarer sunglasses, masculine metal jewellery and wallet chains will help toughen up your appearance and exude the easy, effortless style rockabillies are renowned for.

Bear in mind, rockabilly fashion isn’t particularly complicated – many of the key pieces identified above are already wardrobe staples for the modern man – it’s the attitude, confidence and finishing touches that will set you apart.

  • Cuff Lennon BraceletCuff Lennon Bracelet
  • Bikerringshop 925 Sterling Silver Bandana Biker Skull RingBikerringshop 925 Sterling Silver Bandana Biker Skull Ring
  • Bikerringshop Jesus Skull Sterling Silver Gothic NecklaceBikerringshop Jesus Skull Sterling Silver Gothic Necklace
  • Ray-ban Original Wayfarer ClassicRay-ban ORIGINAL WAYFARER CLASSIC
  • Oscar Deen NelsonOscar Deen Nelson
  • Saint Laurent Chain Bi-Fold Pebbled Leather WalletSaint Laurent Chain Bi-Fold Pebbled Leather Wallet
  • Valentino Garavani Ruthenio Studs Leather Card CaseValentino Garavani Ruthenio studs leather card case
  • Dickies Work SuspendersDickies Work Suspenders
  • SupSuspen Y-Back SuspendersSupSuspen Y-Back Suspenders
The Hair

Hair is such a huge part of rockabilly style that we couldn’t possibly touch on the subject without mentioning it. The quiff and pompadour were the most prominent hairstyles sported by rockabillies, and these days there are so many ways you can take these iconic cuts and make them your own.

From disconnected/shaved sides to slick, high shine finishes, take a look through our excellent hairstyles articles for more inspiration on how to individualise your look:

Men's High Shine Rockabilly HairstyleMen's Modern Rockabilly-Inspired Hairstyles

  • Baxter Of California Hard Water PomadeBaxter Of California Soft Water Pomade
  • American Crew PomadeAmerican Crew Pomade 85gm
  • Uppercut Deluxe Hair PomadeUppercut Deluxe Hair Pomade
  • Fudge Matte Hed Gas Hair SprayFudge Matte Hed Gas Hair Spray
  • Kent FOT G Fine Tooth CombKent FOT G Fine Tooth Comb
  • Striking Viking Folding Wooden CombStriking Viking Folding Wooden Comb
Final Word

Whether you’re a fan of the rockabilly aesthetic or not, the confidence that exudes from the style is something we can all admire and learn from. You don’t have to be covered in tattoos or wear your hair in a slick quiff to be a fan of the rockabilly spirit, nor to be able to incorporate elements of the look into your wardrobe.

Like with most styles, self-assurance is the key to getting it right. Once you’ve got that covered, the rest comes naturally.

But now you’ve heard from us, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you a fan of the rockabilly look? And if so, will you be giving it a try this winter?

Let us know in the comments section below…

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