zoot-suit

Pachuca/o was a subculture created by Mexican youth in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Pachucas were the female zoot-suiters (males zoot-suiters were called pachucos) who rebelled against social conventions. The origin of the term is unsure, one popular and well-known theory is the name originated from El Paso, Texas which was a popular town for migrant workers. Referred to as “Chuco Town,” the migrants that came from the town to Los Angeles were called pachucos.

Pachucos/os were a marginalized group in American society during the mid-20th century due to their youth and ethnicity, and by adopting the zoot-suit style, they adopted the statement of defiance and developed a style for their generation.

Lincoln Park, El Paso Texas. March 2018.