Wondering what a zoot suit is? Many people are not completely familiar with zoot suits like the other types of suits. It was so much associated with the jazz music that most people think about jazz and swing culture when they hear the word ‘zoot suit’. Even though it has been around the corner since 1930s and 40s, the suits were particularly worn by certain minority groups in the United States like Chicanos and African-Americans. Moreover, they were always linked with popular culture of youth gangs and jazz music.

Basically the zoot suits are over sized suits with wide legged pants which would be gathered at the ankles called as the tramas. It is usually accompanied with a long jacket with huge shoulder pads known as the carlango. The suit need excess amounts of fabric to mark the style and this makes it look flamboyant. These suits are perfect for formal occasions and are generally accessorized with long watch chain on the pants, pointed shoes and a large pompous hat with a feather on it.

The zoot suits were introduced by the African American jazz culture in areas like Harlem, New York and later it became popular in other American cities like Los Angeles as the minority communities soon adopted it. The suit has got its name from the Mexican American slang pronunciation of ‘suit’. Earlier the female version of zoot suits were also popular but became extinct over the course of time. However, the women zoot suits are also rarely found today with knee length skirts instead of tramas.

The zoot suits have had a tough time in their existence during 1942 as they were banned by the Federal War Production Board. They ban was initiated since they thought the suits were wasteful of fabric. Following this, in 1943 the zoot suit riot erupted in Los Angeles and this made the style very popular among Mexican- American youths. But they received harsh reaction. The soldiers and sailors started beating up people wearing the suits in areas of East Los Angeles, which was the heart of the Latino community. Even the African-Americans and Filipino Americans were also not spared. The soldiers destroyed as many suits as possible by ripping them off from the wearers and burning them in public. The riots were followed by rude violence and many wearers were arrested. Needless to say, the suits became the symbol of cultural pride and a firm action against racism.

Due to their glorious history and large amount of fabric needs, the suits are a bit expensive than the rest. They are available in a variety of colors, models and sizes. It is really important to maintain the suits for the long life and they should also be properly kept in the wardrobe. The variety of the suits includes red zoot suit, Zoot suit Tuxedo, Zoot suit Overcoat and many other models. These models should be properly taken care after wearing it for any occasion since they are prone to damages. Also it asks for good care so that it would last long. It is better suggested to use fine quality clothes brush, coat hangers, steam iron and clothes steamer for maintaining zoot suits.