ZOOT SUITS

ABOVE: TODD LYNN-SP 2009-ZOOT SUIT INSPIRED LOOK ON FAR LEFT


ABOVE: stefano-pilati-for-ysl


ABOVE: zoot suits From the set of "Malcolm X" 1992


Were characteristically worn and popularized by African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Italian Americans, and Filipino Americans during the late 1930s and 1940s. Very similar to the Edwardian and Teddy Boy looks, Zoot suits were brightly colored and very roomy in fit. The suit trousers were high waisted with pleated fronts and pegged legs. The jacket was a long coat with wide lapels, and wide, largely padded shoulders. Most of the time, the zoot suit was worn with a felted fedora with a feather. They also wore pointy French style shoes with a watch chain hanging from the pocket on the side of the suit, very similar to the chain wallets seen most often in Punk attire.