Greaser Guide

Tony the Greaser’s

GREASER

STYLE GUIDE

LOOK SHARP. STAY DISCIPLINED. SPEND LESS.

A Greaseball's guide to old-school style, grooming, and self-respect.

THE CODE

This guide isn't about chasing trends. It's about a set of standards that built generations of men who looked sharp, worked hard, and didn't apologize.

The 1950s greaser wasn't rich. He was disciplined and put himself first. Don’t bother with the worlds opinions and stand out with style and unwavering confidence.

This guide gives you the style, the grooming, the attitude, and the habits to build that same standard for yourself.

The Rules

  • Look sharp, not flashy - wasting money on designer clothing is for squares

  • Confidence is your greatest asset. Remind yourself every day until it becomes habit.

  • Remember that no one actually cares - don't worry about what anyone “may” think

  • Act smart - don’t make dumb decisions for no reason

  • Carry yourself like you mean it - Own who you are. Show the world you are not afraid.

  • Take care of what you own - don’t take anything for granted. Put in the work to maintain what you own.

THE CORE WARDROBE

There is no TRUE greaser outfit. This is not a reenactment or fashion contest. I would be a square to say otherwise. That being said. Here are 10 core elements of dressing like a greaser that I follow. Add your own style and flavor to everything you do. Not just your wardrobe.

Always remember. Your clothing is only a part of who you are. Your attitude and actions are what count!

Stay Greasy!

1. White Crewneck tee

The foundation. Heavyweight cotton is my preference. Find these at any store for a few dollars each.

2. Denim & Leather Jacket

The signature piece. There are TONS of places to get new and used. Work with your budget and don't get hung up on what other people have. Look for sturdy stitching and real metal buttons for denim. Look for quality leather and craftsmanship for leather.

3. Straight Cut Jeans

Vintage wash, cuffed at the ankle. I highly suggest “High Rise” style jeans. They frame your body (and the rest of the outfit) way better. This is the workhorse of the wardrobe. Remember “high rise” trousers where the standard for men up until very recently.

4. Boots - High Tops - Dress Shoes

Plain leather Engineer boots were the STANDARD back in the day. Make sure you take care of them. If you don't wanna spend a fortune, a pair of high-top sneakers like converse or PF Flyers are a cheap alternative for every day. Cats wore what they had. Certain dress shoes and loafers absolutely look slick as well. You can’t go wrong with a pair of cap toe oxfords or classic two-tone shoes!

5.Button Up shirt & Knit Wear

It's not just about white t’s. Cats wore all kinds of old school button ups and knitwear on dates and special occasions. You can still be greasy while looking polished. Pair these with your jeans or a pair of black slacks.

6.Black Slacks & Work Pants

Plain black slacks are also a staple. Original Dickies are cheap and work perfectly. You can also go a little more “Hepcat” and get a pair of loose dress pants from the era. Again, I highly suggest “High Waisted” styles when I look for slacks. Pair these with a plain white T, knitwear or a button up.

7. Flannel

Layer over the white tee. Roll the sleeves.

8. Caps

You don’t need to do your hair every day. There are a wide variety of caps you can wear to still look and feel greasy. Basic newsboy and engineer caps are by far my two favorites. A good engineer cap can be folded and tucked into your back pocket just in case. Marlon Brando made the Motorcycle cap famous, you can too.

9. Belt

Match it to your boots if ya want. One good belt does more for an outfit than people realize. Buckle should always be on the side (it looks cool).

10. Symbolic Jewelry

Doesn't need to be expensive. Maybe a family heirloom or a thrifted charm on a string. Something that means something to you and tells a story. Don’t be a copy. Be unique. You’d be surprised how many things you can turn into jewelry.

Links to all items listed below!

GEAR I USE

These are the products I personally use and stand by. Some brands have codes for discounts. Use what you like and remember there is no “right way” and do what you want. These are just my recommendations.

Pomade

Oil Based:

Old School Formulas:

Water Based:

Leather Jacket

Top Tier

Budget

Used:

There are always great and affordable options at your local thrift/ vintage store. Check eBay for online

options. With leather jackets I always prefer to try it on first.
Engineer Boots

Top Tier

Budget

Engineer boots under $100 exist but they are tough to find. Check amazon and eBay. I have even seen a

decent pair at Walmart during the Fall.
High Tops & Dress Shoes

High Top Sneakers

Dress Shoes

Two Tone Dress Shoes - Budget option

Loafers
Denim & Slacks

Top Tier

Budget

Slacks
Shirts

I wear Stafford white T’s but any other option will do well

Oxknit - Hepcap wear - Use Code TONY15
Hats

Garrahan Hat Co. - The ONLY place I get my caps from.

Engineer cap - Stitched up hats
Leather Conditioner
Grooming Comb / Fragrance

Fragrance

GROOMING & HAIR

Like everything else, it’s not just about your hair. It’s how you take care of it. Find a good barber who cuts with scissors only for the best old school hair styles. If your noticing your hair is in bad shape, change your habits. Being greasy doesn't mean being a slob.

The 3-Step Routine

  • Wash with a degreasing routine 2-3x a week.

  • Apply oil-based pomade to damp hair, comb into your chosen style (classic pompadour or slick-back).

  • Touch up through the day with a comb

Pomade Basics

Oil based is the way to go. It's what old school cats used, and you can play and restyle it throughout the day. It also looks slicker and the oils protect your hair and scalp (product dependent). You can degrease or sleep with the pomade in and restyle the next day. The smell of oil lasts all day and there's nothing like a chick noticing after getting a Wiff.

If you don’t want to commit to oil based, water based is perfect to get started. It’s easy to wash out and holds all day.

Degreasing

This should be done a few times a week at minimum. You don’t want it to build up on your scalp. Get a good conditioner, preferably with oil in it. Wash your hair completely with shampoo and rinse out. Then slather the conditioner on your head and wait a few minutes for it to soak in. Use your hands to squeegee the wax and grease out gently. Rinse and repeat. Even when done correctly, your hair may still feel like it has product in it. This is normal and totally fine.

Beyond the Hair

  • Keep facial hair clean-edged, even if you're growing it out.

  • Trim nails weekly. small detail, big impression.

  • A basic moisturizer after shaving keeps your skin from looking rough.

  • Good Cologne goes a long way with the chicks

POSTURE & PRESENCE

Clothes only do half the work. How you carry yourself does the rest, and it costs nothing.

The Checklist

  • Shoulders back, chin level. Keeping your head down or on your phone makes you look and feel anxious.

  • Walk with purpose, not rushed, not slouched.

  • Make eye contact when you speak to people. It projects confidence and shows respect.

  • Speak slower than you think you need to. Confidence isn't loud.

  • Ask people how their day is and mean it. Back in the day this was nothing. Now it’s so rare that it will set you apart from the rest.

  • DON’T GIVE ANY THOUGHT INTO WHAT OTHER PEOPLE MAY THINK OR SAY!

None of this is about ego. It's about respect, for yourself and for the people around you.

MAINTENANCE ON A BUDGET

If you own something, take care of it. Maintaining the things you own, cheap or expensive, set you apart from the rest. Rips and tears are earned. Don’t fake them. Be authentic.

Leather (Jackets & Boots)

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth after wear to remove dust and dirt.

  • Condition every 1-2 months with a basic leather conditioner. keeps it from cracking.

  • Polish boots a few times a year if worn daily. Five minutes, makes a real difference.

  • Break in your jacket as often as possible (sleep in it, wear it around the house, heck... work out in it)

Denim

  • Wash inside-out, cold water, as infrequently as you can stand. This preserves the fade and the fabric.

  • Hang dry. Heat from dryers breaks down denim and shrinks the fit.

Cotton Tees & Flannels

  • Cold wash, hang dry, when possible, to avoid shrinkage.

  • Iron flannels and shirts — a wrinkle-free shirt reads as twice as expensive as it was.

  • starch your shirts. It helps with your sleeves.

Cars

  • Clean inside and outside your girl once a week, you never know who needs a ride.

  • Read the manual to your car. Learn and love it inside and out. Follow the best maintenance routines yourself to keep maintenance costs low and ya don't gotta worry about expensive fixes.

THAT'S THE Guide.

Now go live it.

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Follow along for more greaser tips!

@tonythegreaser

(everywhere)

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