Dancers who want an authentic look will find a world of vintage shops in the area that specialize in clothes from the swing era. For women, the choices can be vast; for men, though, it’s much more of a challenge � but not impossible. “Original zoot suits and pants don’t exist,” says Ellen Werther, the owner of Heart’s Desire, a Springfield vintage shop. “It’s not a conspiracy.”
For Guys
Those who want an authentic ’40s look can always visit a tailor, although that can be pricey. Steve Cowles, the Open Jitterbug champion at the recent Virginia State Open, paid $135 for his custom-made zoot pants at El Pachuco, a zoot suit store in Fullerton, Ca. “You have to have them made,” he says. “That’s the only way to get them.” Depending on the tailor and fabric, a wool suit can range from $480 to$600.
