TeachRock

This coming Halloween, many students (and perhaps some teachers too!) might choose to don the zoot suit – that bright, oversized outfit synonymous with 1940s Big Band music and swing dancing.

But in its time, the zoot suit held more social significance than its flashy appearance might lead on. It was a symbol of pride, accomplishment, and to some, rebellion.

Below is an excerpt from our lesson “The Zoot Suit: Style and Swing in the Wartime Economy” from our recently published unit plan Latin Music and Culture in U.S. History. In the lesson, students discuss how fashion, music, and social norms often intertwine.