Almost all generations have had a fashion that makes a bold statement, and the zoot suit made its mark in the 1930s and 1940s. The snazzy zoot suit molded American history by transcending regular fashion and initiating controversy. Although this style went out of fashion during World War 2, it has recently made a fashionable comeback. Keep reading for our top 20 zoot suit wedding attire ideas.
What Is a Zoot Suit?
A “zoot suit” or “zuit suit” is a clothing style for men. It comprises a high-waisted, tight-cuffed, wide-legged, and tapered trousered suit, with a long coat with wide lapels and super-sized shoulder pads. The style certainly became popular in several American communities during 1940.
However, a fabric shortage during World War 2 put an end to this snazzy fashion trend. Due to the large amounts of fabric required to make a zoot suit, regulations were established to stop manufacturing. But bootleg tailors continued to manufacture them, and the people continued to wear them.
A five-day riot ensued in Los Angeles in 1943, as anyone wearing a zoot suit was deemed unpatriotic and attacked. Several years later, the zoot suit had a reboot.
When to Wear a Zoot Suit to a Wedding
The best time to wear a zoot suit to a wedding is in cooler weather. Zoot suits are typically wool, so you may feel too warm wearing one in the summer. Most suits are breathable and well-ventilated, yet they may still become uncomfortable if it’s a hot day.
A 1940s-themed wedding is also another ideal time for a zoot suit.
Top 20 Zoot Suits for Weddings
1. Liquid Jet Black Italian Suit
This premium quality jet-black Italian zoot suit oozes sophistication in a classic cut look. It includes the standard three-piece suit: long-length jacket, vest, and trousers. The fully lined single-breasted jacket features an eyeglass and writing pen pocket and underarm sweat guards. The trousers feature one front pleat and a “French fly” tab closure for the best fit.
This Italian suit offers high-quality stitching and overall reflects the zoot style charmingly. A white collared shirt, light-colored tie, and pocket square would certainly complete this fine-looking suit.
2. Navy Blue Denim Suit
A navy blue denim zoot suit is a great idea for wedding attire. This rugged yet smart suit is a poly rayon blend, so it should last a while. The jacket looks dapper with a black peaked lapel and black flap pocket finish, and its beauty is enhanced with decorative cuff buttons.
This is a traditional zoot suit with a modern twist and a great option if you want to make a low-key statement.
3. Classic Zoot Suit
This suit has it all for a traditional zoot suit, from the extended-length tailored jacket to the high-waisted and wide-legged trousers. Our top 20 zoot suit wedding outfits list simply would be incomplete without it. This option includes a wide-brimmed hat, tie, and long watch chain for a complete visual treat from the 1940s.
4. White Modern Fashion Suit
All-white attire is bold yet refreshing and just as grand as the zoot suit. The jacket of this three-piece has a smart notched lapel collar with well-cut shoulders. It has four interior pockets and is double-vented with underarm sweat guards.
Keeping a white suit looking white throughout the day can certainly be challenging. However, these Italian designers have considered this. We can thank the high-quality Italian fabric for this suit’s wrinkle and stain-resistant qualities.
5. Wine Color Zoot Suit
A burgundy-colored suit offers something a little different. It combines style and formality and is easy to wear. Thanks to the super 150 wool, poly rayon microfiber, and 100% worsted merino wool, this head-turning zoot suit is as comfortable as can be. The single-breasted jacket is 38 inches long with five buttons. It drapes well with standard notch lapels and padded shoulders. The pants include slanted side pockets and fully lined, buttoned back pockets.
This cut is available in different colors, including deep red and royal purple.
6. Black Zoot Suit With Accessories
For the complete dapper look, some zoot suits include finishing touches like this example which consists of a hat, shirt, and tie. This suit is comfortable to wear in most climates due to its premium Italian fabric. The single-breasted and traditionally long-length jacket has well-tailored shoulders. The buttons are of the same material as the suit.
The trousers are unhemmed, which is the case for all zoot suits unless requested otherwise. This is to allow for a perfect fit with alterations.
7. Shadow Pinstripe Suit
Now, this style is “gangster,” so a suit like this could work if you’re going for the “untouchable” look at a themed wedding. This black suit has wide and shiny tone-on-tone pinstripes. Pinstripes symbolize power dressing, and many gangsters preferred the pinstripe style during the zoot suit heyday.
The jacket is the standard single-breast with five buttons. The trousers feature fine pleats and French fly loops, including a customizable waistband for your desired fit.
8. Red Pinstripe Suit
Consider a black and red suit for a style with pronounced pinstripes. This option has red stripes against a liquid jet black. The standard 38-inch-long jacket has a notch collar, and the trousers feature two pleats with knee-length lining.
This suit is sizzling, and you’ll likely attract admirers at the wedding. You could enhance the style with a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored shirt, and tie.
9. Fashionable Gold Suit
Another traditional zoot suit characteristic is bright colors. Historically suits were often made in brightly colored materials like yellow, green, purple, and bright blue.
This eye-catching royal gold zoot suit is flamboyant yet tasteful. The two-buttoned jacket has a stylish peaked lapel and three exterior pockets, and the gold trim makes the whole suit pop. A suit like this would last a while as it’s made from rigid materials like high-quality poly rayon.
10. Navy Blue Pinstripe Suit
This pinstripe style is suave and sexy. This artfully designed navy blue pinstriped suit features black stripes with short, spaced horizontal lines. The pattern looks like the horizontal lines are unfinished; however, it works. The chest pocket, two external flap pockets on the jacket and peak collar are trimmed in black, which enhances the suit’s impeccable tailoring. Its slightly slimmer fit doesn’t detract from the zoot suit traditional style.
11. Stylish Grey Extra Long Jacket Suit
All shades of grey work well at weddings. Grey is romantic and compliments so many colors. If you are the groom, then it will complement the bride, otherwise, you will look refined as a guest. This grey zoot suit features a four-buttoned, single-breasted jacket. The notch lapel is accented with silver-colored embellishments. The jacket is teamed with trousers without pleats. The two-piece suit makes a statement with a grey-toned velvet look.
12. Powder Sky Blue Pinstripe Suit
Sky blue is another color that works well at a wedding. This powder blue three-piece suit is made from premium quality wool. It features a tone-on-tone shadow pinstripe print for a traditional look. The jacket’s peaked lapel design allows the shiny vest to show. The jacket is single-breasted with a chest pocket and three interior pockets. This suit is easy on the eye with a timeless zoot suit style. It would make a perfect suit for a wedding.
13. Pinstripe White Suit
You’re unlikely to go wrong by wearing a white pinstripe zoot suit at a wedding. This one features a traditional tailored trim fit that looks drop-dead-cool. The white tone-on-tone shadow pinstripes are subtle but make the suit stand out. The suit is fully lined and made from premium quality poly rayon blend.
14. Luxurious Brown Suit
If you’re looking for a zoot suit that looks slightly different from the classic style, then this brown suit is one to consider. The jacket has a six-button front closure, a spread collar, and meticulously designed cuff buttons. It features shoulder pads and underarm sweat guards. The matching trousers include a single front pleat.
Brown isn’t generally a color associated with weddings. However, it can be a perfect choice for the groom’s attire.
15. Plain Navy Blue Suit
This modern zoot suit style is flattering with a crisp cut and minimalist design. If you’re looking for a zoot suit that is not as flamboyant, then this would be a great option. Plain navy blue is another excellent wedding color and works well with a solid white shirt and tie or bowtie.
The single-breast jacket looks razor sharp, with a diagonal-style peaked lapel and three front closure buttons. It’s made from high-quality material intended to feel great and wear well.
16. Olive Green Pinstripe Suit
A green pinstripe suit would look great at a wedding. This style features very faint, almost white pinstripes and a slightly fitted cut for a more modern style. Despite the tighter fit, the suit drapes like a traditional zoot suit.
This fine-looking suit comprises the standard three pieces. The jacket and vest are single-breasted with four buttons.
17. Brown Denim Suit
This brown denim suit is a knockout, as the brown denim fabric gives it an almost tweed look. The style here is sophisticated, with a single-breasted and three-button closure design. The buttons are also covered in brown for a complementary touch. The trousers are flat-fronted and without pleats. The bottom is traditionally unhemmed to allow for alterations for a perfect fit.
A brown suit like this is a guaranteed head-turner. You’ll likely receive several compliments for such a flattering style.
18. Dark Purple Suit
A top 20 zoot suit wedding outfits list would be incomplete without a dark purple suit. Purple zoot suits were highly fashionable, so if you want a suit that sticks to tradition as much as possible, this style is worth considering. This Armani-style suit comprises a long, single-breasted jacket with five buttons. The buttons are discreetly covered in the same material as the suit. The trousers are double-pleated and include a split waistband.
Although some may consider this color extravagant, purple suits also work well at weddings.
19. Blue and Bold White Pinstripe Suit
This blue suit with pronounced white pinstripes is “smokin'” and is another example of a vintage zoot suit. It’s a two-piece suit with a single-breasted jacket and high-waisted, wide-legged, and pegged trousers.
This style fits in perfectly at weddings and will look even more dapper, teamed with a white shirt, a light-colored tie, and a matching pocket square. A classical wide-brimmed hat would also complete this look nicely.
20. Tuxedo Style Suit
A black tuxedo-style zoot suit is another suitable option for a wedding. Like blue or grey, black is a formal suit color.
The jacket of this two-piece suit comprises a small notched lapel collar and flap pockets with shiny black trim. It is impeccably tailored for defined shoulders and a semi-fitted cut, and it’s made from top-quality Italian fabric.
Tips and Tricks to Consider When Shopping for a Wedding Zoot Suit
When looking for places to buy your zoot suit wedding attire, you may have access to a wider variety of styles online. Consider these seven tips and tricks when finding a zoot suit fit for a wedding.
- Set a budget. It’s likely that the zoot suit will not be ready-to-wear and will require some alterations to fit you well, which may increase the price.
- Start looking at suits early. Allow plenty of time to send it back and receive another suit if necessary. Perhaps order more than one at a time.
- When trying on suits, ask the opinion of someone you trust. If you’re uncertain, then they’ll let you know whether or not the suit fits you well.
- Order from a reputable company. Reputable companies usually have reviews available or a physical address and phone number on their website.
- If you’re the groom, consider sticking to a neutral-colored suit with a colorful tie unless your wedding is themed.
- Most zoot suits are made from comfortable-wearing materials and include sweat guards, but check that your suit includes the same.
- Consider the other details to complete the look—for example, the wide-brimmed hat and extra long watch chain. If you want to include the necessary trimmings to complete your look, search online for the best place to find quality accessories.
