Classy dressing is one thing, but...

[Nathan Flowers]

Agreed. There are all sorts of styles that were popular in the Golden Era. Zoot is one of them, and I can dig the style that fellow up there has. While it's not necessarily for me, he pulls it off.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I haven't seen many original colour pics of zoot suits. The B&W images i have seen, and the pairs of orphaned trousers i have at home, would indicate that the suits were cut of normal suiting fabrics. The colours being used by the maker of the suit in the first post would indicate that they believe - or are trying to convince us - that Cab Calloway's wardrobe was a good representative of what urban latino (and, some time later, black) youth was wearing at the time.

Is the product that forms the heart of this thread any different to the modern-production absurd pastiche of the "oxford bags" which are routinely raved about on this website?

All in all: The colours used would appear to be historically inaccurate for anyone other than a Cab Calloway tribute band (if, God forbid!, such a monstrosity exists). But in terms of the general cut of the suit, it seems okay. The trousers are high enough waisted and pegged enough at the ankles, and the jacket has the length and drape required - though it could do with a bit more shoulder padding for that proper "zoot" look.

There is an original "zoot" hat for sale in a certain place on the internet. IIRC the brim is as wide as the one in the photo in the original post. It is black with a white band and wide white edge binding.

bk

 

[kampkatz]

The zoot suit look was meant to attract conversation. If the wearer likes the color that should be all that matters.

 

[reetpleat]

I haven't seen many original colour pics of zoot suits. The B&W images i have seen, and the pairs of orphaned trousers i have at home, would indicate that the suits were cut of normal suiting fabrics. The colours being used by the maker of the suit in the first post would indicate that they believe - or are trying to convince us - that Cab Calloway's wardrobe was a good representative of what urban latino (and, some time later, black) youth was wearing at the time.

Is the product that forms the heart of this thread any different to the modern-production absurd pastiche of the "oxford bags" which are routinely raved about on this website?

All in all: The colours used would appear to be historically inaccurate for anyone other than a Cab Calloway tribute band (if, God forbid!, such a monstrosity exists). But in terms of the general cut of the suit, it seems okay. The trousers are high enough waisted and pegged enough at the ankles, and the jacket has the length and drape required - though it could do with a bit more shoulder padding for that proper "zoot" look.

There is an original "zoot" hat for sale in a certain place on the internet. IIRC the brim is as wide as the one in the photo in the original post. It is black with a white band and wide white edge binding.

bk

Agreed. many Harlem zoot suits from pics are pinstripe or other suiting fabrics. ALthough I have hear reference of brighter gaberdines. I suspect the zoot suits in Malcolm X were somewhat accurate, but very flashy.

I beileve that the zoots worn by Latinos in thelate forties and early fifties leaned more towards gaberdines. I have aseen a few of the later ones, bun neverin brigh colors, although that was possible, but even then it might be maroon, deep red or silver greys.

In the prewar and mid war days, they often were just altered suits, or suit jackets with custom pants.

I am surprised this thread has not been shut down or a bartender has weighed in as this generally is not "what we are about here." Which is just as well because don't get me started on being critical. It is a bad habit I try to keep under wraps.

But from a purely discussional perpsective, i am a purist and do not think this siit would pass muster on my authenticometer.

ALso, on the recent zoot suit discussion I opined that I do not object to the zoot itself, but need to see the wearer "pull it off" to realy be appreciated by me.

Pull it off is subjective, but it has many factors. One being a reasonable resemblance to the type of person who would have worn one back in the day. (other than perhaps an older socialite wearing one as a joke) which might included ethnicity, age, and attitude.

I used to see them a lot in SF and in general, did not feel most wearers "pulled it off." Of course, I did (in my opinion) or I would not have worn it.