Pinstripe Suit

PINSTRIPE SUITS

Wesley Weaks

1

2

3

The stripes of the pinstripe suit are the focal point of the suit, which separates its appearance from many other suits in its time. The stripes are very out there, which corresponds to the 1920s since it was a time of striking fashion and noticeable detail. The suit represented wealth, power, intellect, and influence which were all very strong characteristics. During the 1920s when influence and power were the primary motivation, it became very popular with film stars, jazz musicians, and even famous gangsters such as Al Capone. The suit has successful connotations, making it both practical and advantageous to wear one in the business setting, specifically in the economic powerhouse of 1920s New York.

The Pinstripe Suit is believed to have come from England, though there is some debate regarding the exact origin. Some believe that the pinstripes distinguished employees of different banking institutions while others believe that it evolved out of the striped uniforms worn by men who enjoyed boating. Either is likely probable, but its popularity in the United States began in the '20s and carried on to the present day. The origins of the suit correlate to the status they represented in the '20s, and, while suits were present in the United States since the 18th century, the pinstripe suit was not worn until the 1920s in American society. The suit was a quick hit among men, and the suit was so popular, in fact, that it became the "unofficial uniform of the Prohibition era", and was beloved by the "ultra-stylish" and those who wanted to stand out in a crowd. Barrows, Adrian. “A Brief History of the Pinstripe Suit.” The Bespoke Tailor, 15 Mar. 2022, https://www.thebespoketailor.co.uk/history-pinstripe-suit/.

The pinstripe suit was a staple of the 1920s and encaptures the essence of the era. It reflected the people's values of boldness, wealth, and making a statement. The pinstripe suit is comparable to the change of attire worn by women, as both were much more flashy and attention-grabbing. The suit's influence was very clear in the '20s, and it is still influential today. Though not as extensive, pinstripe suits and attire are still in full swing in the modern day, as the pinstripe suit has even crossed the gender divide and become an element present in both men's and women's clothing. Baseball players such as myself wear pinstripe uniforms during games, which can be attested to the popularity of baseball in the 1920s, and the tradition that passed down over time.