What Zohran Mamdani’s suit tells us about the man and the way society is changing
The Guardian••nation
Key Points:
- The suit, once a symbol of seriousness, power, and masculinity, has declined in everyday use since the mid-20th century, now primarily reserved for formal occasions and political appearances.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani frequently wears a mid-market, loosely tailored suit, reflecting his millennial, middle-class background and aligning with his political message focused on affordability and social equity.
- The suit remains a political tool to convey authority and trustworthiness, but politicians like Mamdani use it to balance respectability with relatability, avoiding elitism while signaling legitimacy.
- The suit carries historical and cultural weight, linked to military and colonial origins, and serves as a form of "protective armour" for minority politicians navigating predominantly white
