FAQ About The Role of Fashion in Social Movements

The zoot suit became a symbol of cultural identity and resistance among young Mexican American and African American men in the 1940s. Characterized by its exaggerated, flamboyant style, the zoot suit challenged the wartime austerity measures in the United States and became associated with defiance against racial discrimination. The Zoot Suit Riots in 1943, where tensions between these communities and servicemen in Los Angeles erupted into violence, underscored how clothing could embody deeper social conflicts and racial tensions.