The leisure suit, defined as a casual suit with a shirt-like
jacket and matching pants, was developed as casual wear for men. Around
the time of World War II, casual suits became more popular. The
casual suit--of cheaper cottons or synthetics, less formal, easier
to clean--was the forerunner of the leisure suit. Then, about 1974,
the leisure suit burst on the scene with lapels open and chains dangling.
Soon, not only were men wearing leisure suits, but teenagers,
young
boys, and toddlers
were being outfitted to look just like dad in leisure suits of their
own.
In September 1974, fashion writer Nina S. Hyde of The Washington
Post proclaimed that the leisure suit was “the menswear industry’s
most innovative suit.” Her article, entitled “At Your Leisure,”
described the leisure suit as “comfortable, practical and a lot
less expensive” than most men’s suits. Ms. Hyde observed
that the leisure suit was the first choice of young, sports-minded men
who preferred the casual and comfortable. She also noted that the suit
could be worn with the jacket open or closed, and the shirt (often bright
and patterned) open (perfect for peace symbols and revealing hairy chests).
Ms. Hyde finished with a prediction: “Look for [the leisure suit]
to score its biggest success this fall as a weekend or after-work suit,
although the comfort of the leisure suit will no doubt encourage some
more men to try it for work, too.”
Author John T. Molloy, who wrote Dress for Success in 1978,
was likely horrified by Ms. Hyde's suggestion that the leisure suit
might be appropriate for the workplace. He thought that bright colors
and informality were wholly inappropriate for the office. “Fads
are for fools,” proclaimed the author in a 1977 article, likely
addressing those gaudy leisure suits. Others thought leisure suits were
in bad taste as well. Lutece, the famous four-star French restaurant
in New York City, warned in a posted sign near their front door: “Please!
No leisure suits!”
No respect at all.
Nancy E.V. Bryk, Curator of Domestic Life
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