Terrace Styles: The early years

We at Modern Casuals will be chronicling the fashions and styles of the terraces as they have evolved over the decades. We start with "the early years", roughly 1969 to 1973, as skinhead evolved through suedehead and smoothie to bootboy. The original skinheads, not to be confused with the glue sniffing, green flight jacket wearing, variety that emerged during the second half of the 1970s. The original skinheads were in many respects similar to football casuals in that there was an attention to detail and an obsession with the sartorial side of things.

The Richard Allen books were essential reading for skins during the early years. Chronicling the life and times of Joe Hawkins and his skinhead mates, Billy and Hymie. Yes this fictional gang followed West Ham, but no one is perfect eh?

Suedeheads emerged during the very early 1970s. Very similar to the skins but more mod-like with a preference for tonic suits, sta prest trousers, loafers, brogues, and slightly longer hair. But just as violent as their predecessors.

Smoothies evolved from suedeheads, the hair got longer, and the shirt collars got wider. But dont be confused by this more flamboyant image, smoothies were never reluctant to get stuck in when the situation demanded.

Bootboys made an appearance around 1972. The hair was longer, and high leg Docs and Skinners became ubiquitous on the terraces. Alternatively, some dressed like Droogs from the movie A Clockwork Orange.