Low angle view of an unspecified man wearing a Zoot suit with a watch chain hanging from the waist, his hands in his pockets.

80 years ago, young men of color were attacked for their “unpatriotic” fashion choices, leading to the Zoot Suit Riots. The repercussions can still be felt today.

The zoot suit, with its relaxed, flowing lines, was a departure from structured menswear of the 1930s and 40s and became popular in the U.S. with jazz musicians and their young fans, who associated the suits with physical and societal freedom.

Photograph by Graphic House, Archive Photos/Getty Images

Published June 1, 2023

7 min read

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