Zoot Suit

A man's suit popular during the early 1940s, characterized by full-legged, tight-cuffed trousers and a long coat with wide lapels and heavily padded, wide shoulders.

From Answers.com

I have another big paper coming up in my Black History and Culture class. The subject of this four-page essay is about the Zoot Suit and the political culture surrounding it.

Many whites saw this as a disruptive group of blacks and Mexicans that didn't care about the war effort. (World War II) And, there were Zoot riots between white military servicemen and Zoot-wearing African Americans and Mexicans.

Mixed with the growing Jazz Life, Italian Americans started to wear these outfits, especially many of the gangsters. In many ways, the Zoot Suit nature came back in the hip-hop culture with baggy shirts and saggy pants, and never really left.

I also noticed Tim Burton had the Joker in his Batman movie wearing a modified Zoot Suit. The Joker in the Batman Animated series also wore one too.

I've noticed you can still buy Zoot suits too!
Don't take my word for it, read the link...

I don't think this will be the look the Joker will have for the new Batman film, which is fine, there are different takes on the Joker out there.

Be cool, man.