Elvis Presley: The Hair & Style Icon Revisited

The Fashionisto

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Published July 5, 2022

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Updated September 20, 2024

Elvis Presley White Jumpsuit Red Flower LeiPin
Elvis Presley wears one of his iconic white jumpsuits with a red flower lei to perform in 1973. Photo: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

With a fresh new Elvis biopic out, people are falling in love with Elvis Presley all over again. After all, Elvis is one of the most recognizable faces in the world, having shot to fame in the middle of the 1950s thanks to his Hollywood good looks and his seamless blend of rockabilly and blues-rock.

Furthermore, Elvis Presley is known as the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Famously, Elvis earned a reputation for his stage gyrations and the nickname Elvis the Pelvis due to his fearless challenge to accept social norms. It’s funny to think back on it now, but early Elvis appearances on television were frequently cut off below the waist.

Elvis Presley Jailhouse Rock Style 1957 Striped ShirtPin
Elvis Presley turns heads in a colorized photo from his 1957 musical “Jailhouse Rock.” A moment ingrained in pop culture history, Elvis wore a striped shirt with a workwear-inspired jacket and pants. Photo: JJs / Alamy Stock Photo

Elvis Presley is revered as an icon not only in the world of music with songs like Unchained Melody, Always on My Mind, Suspicious Minds, and Can’t Help Falling in Love, but also in the world of film. Among Elvis’ most celebrated movies are King Creole (1958), Viva Las Vegas (1964), Jailhouse Rock (1957), Blue Hawaii (1961), and Flaming Star (1960).

Elvis Presley’s choice of hairstyles and grooming are as legendary as his acting and singing, from the stylish pompadour and jet-black hair to the rebellious sideburns he sported. After all, compared to their female contemporaries like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, there aren’t nearly as many men who have maintained the same fame over the years for their recognizable appearances.

Elvis Presley Cable-knit SweaterPin
Pictured around 1956, Elvis Presley makes a preppy staple like the cable-knit sweater effortlessly cool. Photo: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

When many picture Elvis Presley, they think of his ducktail hairstyle, which was popular during the 1950s. This trendy haircut was just one of the ways Elvis decided to stand out from his peers. By maintaining his hair longer than most stars, Elvis presented a more daring look.

Elvis’ particularly long hair supported his rebellious persona. Additionally, because of his outrageously long forelock, Elvis drew the admiration and attention of youth. Just as there is a lot of parental criticism of certain hairstyles now, there was a lot of parental disapproval of the Elvis look back then.

Elvis Presley Leather Pants Leather Jacket 1968 NBC Comeback ShowPin
Not afraid to make a style statement, Elvis Presley doubled down on leather for his 1968 NBC Comeback show. Elvis wore leather pants with a matching leather jacket. Photo: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

From the stage to the big screen and in his personal life, Elvis Presley is also known for leaving behind a plethora of iconic fashion choices. Elvis is unquestionably a fashion icon, regardless of whether he is depicted wearing a striped t-shirt or an embellished white jumpsuit.

The fashion icon knew how to balance outrageousness and ordinaryness, which continues to inspire us today.

Elvis Presley Style Inspiration (Pictures)

Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii Style Hawaiian Shirt 1961Pin
The king of the short-sleeve shirt, Elvis Presley wears a Hawaiian shirt with a lei in the 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii.” It’s not difficult to imagine someone wearing this look today. Photo: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo
Elvis Presley Western Shirt Belt Buckle 1968 Stay Away JoePin
Elvis Presley channels his inner cowboy in a western shirt with jeans and a leather belt with a western buckle for the 1968 film “Stay Away Joe.” Here, Elvis achieves a winning look in his easy denim jeans and western shirt. Photo: Album / Alamy Stock Photo
Elvis Presley Black Clothes Black Shirt Black Pants Style Girls Girls Girls 1962Pin
Elvis Presley makes a case for black on black as he dons a monochrome ensemble to perform in the 1962 film “Girls! Girls! Girls!” Photo: Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo
Elvis Presley Oversized Boxy Suit Jacket Black Pants Performing Suit 1956Pin
Elvis Presley performs in 1956, wearing an oversized, boxy checked jacket with black pants. Photo: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo