 In 1943, there were a series of conflicts in Los Angeles called the Zoot Suit
Riots. They were essentially ethnic-based altercations between white servicemen
and Mexican American youth labeled as “zoots” for their habit of wearing a zoot
suit. As each day passed with a new riot somewhere in town, tempers flared and over
5,000 servicemen from all over Southern California converged on downtown Los Angeles.
The situation was brought under control when the military declared Los Angeles off-limits
to all military personnel, and the Los Angeles City Council banned zoot suits in
public places.
Swing Era Clothing Today
 Some swing dancers love to wear vintage zoot suits and clothing from that era,
but most opt for more modern clothing. Most beginners worry about whether they have
the right clothes to learn to dance, but in reality you can learn to dance in anything
that is comfortable. The most practical swing dancing clothing is loose fitting
(to allow freedom of movement), machine washable (because you can really work up
a sweat while dancing), and accompanied by comfortable shoes (to help prevent sore
feet).
Swing dancing clothing is available in most dance shops and dance studios, but
the widest selection of clothing can be found online. The internet has made it easier
than ever for swing dancers to access specialty clothing at reasonable prices, even
if they live in a city or town that does not have a dedicated dance shop.
Swing Shoes
The best shoes for swing dancing are made of soft leather. They are flexible
enough to allow you the freedom to move easily, but still offer enough support to
treat your feet right. The soles are generally made of a special material that lets
you spin, twist and slide while dancing, but still has enough grip to let you stop
quickly without slipping.
Dance Shirts and Pants for a Man
For men there is quite an assortment of pants and shirts designed for swing dancing.
The most common style of dress is loose fitting pants, comfortable shirt and a skinny
tie. Wide leg trousers are common, in fabrics that range in color, texture and pattern.
The traditional shirt and tie is more and more often being replaced by a loose fitting
casual shirt that allows maximum range of motion and freedom.
Dance Skirts, Pants and Blouses for a Woman
For women some of the most popular styles are twirly skirts that really move
while dancing or wide leg pants that also move with the body. Blouses are designed
to be pretty and feminine while allowing a great deal of movement and freedom to
bend, stretch and otherwise dance with enthusiasm and flair. |
