In the 1950s, fashion moved away from the austerity of the 1940s, and towards the prosperity of the 1960s. After the war, mass produced ready-made clothes were far removed from the poor quality of pre-war clothes and manufacturers and chain stores began to produce clothes to high specification in easy wash fabrics at affordable prices, making the latest fashions more accessible to all. Teenagers also appeared on the fashion radar, bringing a new youthfulness and vitality to clothes. American influence on European teenagers was huge. Rock and Roll idols included Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and film stars such as James Dean and Marlon Brando.
From the mid fifties, a popular style was the tight knitted sweater worn with a cardigan and the full skirt originally made popular by Dior in the late 1940s. The full skirts needed support to look good and nylon was used extensively to create bouffant net petticoats or paper nylon petticoats. Several petticoats often of varying styles were worn to get just the right look. Fashionable hairstyles included the ponytail and the French pleat.
In contrast to this full-volume effect, Coco Chanel began to produce boxy classic Chanel suits and slim skirts in braided trimmed highly textured tweeds. The look was easy to copy and very wearable, and consequently the Chanel style also became very popular.
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