Why Elvis wore jumpsuits

Forget Behind the Candelabra. This is Behind the Jumpsuit.
More info and sources at bottom.
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JUMPSUIT INDEX!!! www.elvisconce...

[@TheSuckoShow]

It's interesting to think that the jumpsuit was really just his Vegas look. Had he been able to keep growing as an artist, that would probably be remembered as a brief period in a very long career.

[@jefcaine]

Why did Elvis wear jumpsuits? In a word BRANDING. He created a look for himself that is so recognizable that to this day anyone can dress up as Elvis and everyone will know who they are.

[@jcgpisces579]

I think one thing you left out, His love for Captain Marvel Jr. Captain Marvel wore a one piece jumpsuit with a half cape. As you know most Elvis costumes had a detachable cape as well. Plus, Captain Marvel also influence Elvis hair style. He dyed his hair black with pompadour style cut just like Captain Marvel Jr. Not mention his use of the Lightning bolt logo he used for TCB Band Insignia.

[@renosanceisdead7365]

When i was younger i always thought evel knievel was elvis' alter ego after he "died", not that much related from the video but i think its notable to say

[@franzfanz]

I can imagine that he was hyper aware of the fact that he was just one man on a giant stage in a huge auditorium and everyone is there to see him. No one else. Wearing a flamboyant jumpsuit makes him easier to see against the background of a more plainly dressed band.

[@Itried20takennames]

My explanation is jumpsuits because…..1970s. The 70s went a bit crazy, and decided “we DON’T want to do what’s been done before, even if the good options were all used before.,,,we need to be new and different” above all else…we can’t use the same old stuff.” That is why the 70s had round rooms decorated in orange,avocado green and dark brown….all the good designs and colors were done before, so not “ modern,” and they had to be new, no matter how impractical. The other decades just copied old (but good) trends and tried to pass the off as new.

[@rukusband]

Im a Huge Elvis Fan BUT I always Disliked the Jumpsuits . , Just My opinion . Ill take the Gold Suit and Sport coats .

[@lt2339]

I think he lost his mind in Vegas.

[@Steger13]

You cant ask why elvis wears jumpsuits in his concert and not in his movies lol.. In the movies is playing a character that would be stupid if he had jumpsuits and in movies he doesn't deside what be wear anyway.

[@TheJamesRedwood]

They are confusing conquistadors with matadors.

[@wesleygonzales2049]

I remember growing up in the 80's Elvis's jumpsuit look was "too soon after the 70s" and seemed tacky. Now (especially after watching the recent 'Elvis' movie) I think the jumpsuit aesthetic that he chose is awesome and was totally appropriate for what he was going for. Or it could be that i'm middle-aged and my fashion tastes are catching up with me.

[@BlairCarlyle]

Elvis has become almost a comedic caricature, especially for younger generations who only know of him from over the top stories and other people's impressions of him. It's awesome to actually dive into what made him him and to try to see him as an actual person who had reasons for doing all the things he did.

[@raaid22]

I love the jumpsuits. They are distinct and they actually complimented his figure when he was younger.

[@carolhayat5551]

The one very good thing Parker did regarding Elvis was to NOT allow Elvis to be the 1st to open the newly built Vegas hotel, & somehow they got Barbara Streisand to be the opener. Parker knew there could be some technical glitches w-sound & lighting & he didn't want that to fall on to Elvis; as it turned out, there were some issues w-Barbara's opening.

[@precbsfender]

Elvis's idea behind the Jump suits stem from his fascination with Karate and his admiration for the Captain Marvel character. 100% true..

[@kathleensue1]

He wore them because in their time they were cool and HE made them LOOK AWESOME!

[@michaelprince7739]

Bill Belew was the real catalyst behind the jumpsuit. Bill was hired to design Elvis's wardrobe for the 68 special and that relationship continued on through 77 with the aid of Gene Doucette. Gene was very creative and came up with the design of the Aloha suit and many others. Karate, showmanship, Liberace, building the Ellvis stage presence, comfort, were just some of the factors.

[@sashek8451]

Elvis also had some Native American ancestry. I’ve toured so many Native American history museums and I always can’t help but think the love of intricate beading and meaningful designs is somewhat in his genes 💛

[@sylvisterling8782]

Parenthetical note here... my grandmother/Mama was a legal secretary who worked for a prestigious law firm in L.A. One of their clients was Liberace! He came into the office on several occasions. mama said he was dressed very simply, in jeans and a shirt, but he was always very gracious and kind. She got his autograph for me! According to her, it took him only a second or two to sign it. I still have it! A beautiful flowing signature AND a lightning fast but beautiful sketch of a grand piano, complete with candelabrum! I will treasure it forever!

[@orendungan3455]

Thank you for the footage of Elvis with Liberace. The two of them look like they are having the best time. That grin is infectious, and makes him look like he's up to something.