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Zoot Suits  :: Introduction of zoot suits

Introduction of zoot suits

Popular in late 1930s and early 1940s, the zoot suits were in rage among young African American and Mexican American. The meaning of the word Zoot may be originated from the French word “zut” which means damn.

Zoot Suit Culture

Zoot suits were flashy with extreme cuts designed to be stylish and sleek with loose fitting trousers making it perfect for dancing. Zoot suits were worn for special occasions such as a dance party. The zoot suit was first popularized by young teenage "hepcats" and the "jitterbug" dancers. It became extremely popular when entertainers such as Frank Sinatra began wearing them. The white zoot suit with white shoes became a trademark for king of swing, Cab Calloway.

The zoot suit consists of baggy trousers cuffed at the ankles, wide lapel and padded shoulders, wide brimmed hat, long dangling chains and oversized jacket. The baggy trousers is high-waisted, i.e, the trousers are worn from waist higher than the normal trousers are worn.

Zazous

Like zoot suit, zazous was popular in France after World War II. Young people expressed their individuality by wearing these loose fitting clothes. Mostly they wore it during the dance parties. Under the German occupation, the young French expressed their resistance and showing their individuality.

Origin of Zoot Suit

There is no clear explanation when and where the mens zoot suit originated. It resembles the pegged trousers and long coat worn of 1900s. The zoot suits first gained popularity in Harlem jazz culture in 1930s.

According to yet another explanation the origin of zoot suits could be in 1941 when it was first designed by Chicago tailor and band leader Harold C. Zoot Suit Fox. These suits were designed as dancing suit. They were worn by African-American and young Latinos in Los Angeles Chicano community. The Mexican American youths who wore zoot suits called themselves Pachuos. The people of Los Angeles considered any one who wore zoot suit as gang member.                  

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