An introduction to Zoot suits

Zoot suit became famous in urban areas. Design ranged from moderate to extreme. Features of this suit were short coat or drapes and wide ankle cuffs. The extreme version came with a long coat and narrow cuffs. After zoot suit riots in 1942, public started avoiding this suit.

The origin of zoot suit is unknown, but design was conceived by urban black youths during great depression. It gained popularity within the jazz community of Harlem in mid 1930’s. This style of clothing became famous by African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Italian Americans and Filipino Americans during late 1930s and 1940s.

Zoot suits became popular during mid 1930’s and 1940’s. From its inception, it has become popular among lower class Americans, Africans and Chicanos. It also became popular among youth culture and people associated with jazz music. Zoot Suit is an oversized suit with wide legs pants which are gathered at the ankles or tramas. It also has long jacket known as carlango. It can be worn in formal occasions. This type of suit can be accessorized with long watch across the pants, pointed shoes and a hat with feather.

What makes a complete Zoot suit? How is it different from a plain suit? The components of Zoot suit are Blazer, slacks and Accessories. A blazer should have wide, padded shoulders, wide lapels and long tail. Jacket length should be longer than regular man’s blazer. The fit is considered loose. Slacks should taper down to tight-fitting cuffs. Waist should be high. Accessories for this suit are hats with long feathers, long watch chains. This type of suit were not worn everyday but during birthday parties or dances.

Instead of the basic colors like navy blue, grey and brown, you can also choose aqua, pink, purple, red, white and yellow color. Some females used to wear this type of suit but nowadays they are rarely worn. These suits consist of knee length skirts instead of the trousers.

In June 1942, riots arose between servicemen of Pacific coast in California and groups of men wearing zoot suits. Conflict spread in other areas like Los Angeles, Arizona and Texas. Unflattering stories of zoot suited youths shared news space with articles about American and the allies’ participation in the war effort. This coverage occurred at the same time that chaos and violence boiled over in the streets in violent acts referred to as "The Zoot suit Riots".

During 1942, War production Board of United States put a restriction on certain types and quantities of fabrics that were used to make specific goods, particularly zoot suits. To cut back 26 percent in the use of materials, war production board instituted rules for the manufacture of zoot suits.