How to Draw a Zoot Suit

Step 1: The neck opening

Near the top draw a small rainbow. From each end draw a long line down to meet in a V.

Tip Leave lots of room below: this suit is very long.

Step 2: Wide shoulders

From each rainbow end go far out, round a big shoulder, down a long sleeve and up to the armpit.

Tip Zoot suit shoulders are extra wide and a bit square.

Step 3: The long jacket

Start at each armpit. Draw a long side down, round the corner, and stop at the middle of the hem.

Tip The jacket hangs right down to the knees.

Step 4: The front edge

Start at the point of the V. Draw one straight line down to the hem.

Step 5: Wide lapels

Start on each shoulder beside the rainbow. Draw down, cut a notch, slant in and stop at the V's point.

Tip The notch is a little sideways V, like a bite out of the edge.

Step 6: Three buttons

Draw 3 round buttons on the front line, one under the other.

Step 7: Flap pockets

Low on each side of the jacket draw a pocket flap: a flat box with round bottom corners.

Step 8: Baggy trousers

Under the hem draw 2 legs. Each starts wide and baggy, then slants in to a thin ankle.

Tip Wide at the knee and tight at the ankle: that is the zoot suit shape.

Step 9: Ankle cuffs

Under each leg draw a small flat band with round bottom corners, a little wider than the ankle.

Step 10: The long chain

Start under the hem on one leg. Draw a thin band looping down past the knee and back up.

Tip This is a watch chain. Make it a long skinny U.

Step 11: Hanger and rail

From the rainbow's top draw a short line up to a hook. Draw a long rail through the hook.

Step 12: Yellow and light blue

Colour the 3 buttons and the chain yellow. Colour the inside of the neck light blue.

Step 13: Purple suit

Colour the jacket, trousers and cuffs purple, going around the buttons and chain. Go over your lines.