Why Elvis wore jumpsuits

[@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.

[@spindriftdrinker]

Country, Motown, Disco - everybody had over-the-top garish costumes in the 1970s - Elvis' just got more attention because he was...welll...Elvis.

[@combatdoc]

That why he used jumpsuits, he kept growing.

[@hugocolin8114]

That’s so true, I never thought about it like that

[@karolakover5298]

Great comment and so true!

[@NotTemptation]

He wore it more than just Vegas dude.

[@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.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

that seems plausible. rising to halloween costume status isn’t easy

[@thevictorianedge5465]

@@PhilEdwardsInc if I may. If he dressed and looked like you... Well ... Elvis would have been poor and unheard of!!!!

[@paulabdul4505]

No he looked better in the50s 60s and didn't wear those ugly outfits. Hate 70s looks

[@jcstevegigs]

I think you nailed it...all the others reasons are there too, but in the the end...The Brand. Even if Elvis wasn't aware he was doing it - he was

[@ShannonLee1956]

@@thevictorianedge5465 It couldn't possibly be because he had actual talent regardless of how he dressed!?!

[@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.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

good one!

[@michaelwilson2340]

You nailed it. I've even read that he had his favorite comic book with Captain Marvel JR. on display at Graceland. As a lifelong fan of Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash I get it.

[@secreteobsession3584]

I agree

[@tomoshiro87]

I was waiting the Captain Marvel Jr. influence to be mentioned in the video. Glad you pointed this out in the comments.

[@therightisright8276]

That's true too but he mainly needed to conceal guns and a bp vest and that was the main reason.

[@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.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

It’s pretty prescient too, in this era where arena shows weren’t a big thing.

[@franzfanz]

No laser lights, no jumbo screens, no pyrotechnics. Just a man and his voice. In a way he paved the way for the more sophisticated acts that came later.

[@WhiltiernaAria]

@@franzfanz 60s ladies would remind you that he also had his hips! 😆💃

[@hulagirl9298]

@@franzfanz I agree, he also was a conductor of his musicians, such an amazing stage presence!

[@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. Great work as always Phil!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

this is pretty much my journey too - i admit i kinda wanna read more now

[@brendaharrington2201]

The guy telling why EP wore jumpsuits, needs to put his sweet clothes back on, because El is he ain't!!!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

@@brendaharrington2201 Actually I am an almost exact replica of Elvis Presley, and I make my millions impersonating him and, perhaps, surpassing his talents.

[@elvicare35]

@Mary Jane (Maria) Right on, that's awesome!!!!!!!

[@djquinn11]

@@PhilEdwardsInc : Hahaha! Awesome response. Good video too, keep up the good work.

[@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.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

same page!

[@MsZoedog66]

In the 60's and 70's I think jumpsuits were in. If you watch Barbarella, didn't they wear jumpsuits in that?

[@MichaelJ44]

I really do believe the jumpsuits at the time were considered circus-y and from his death onwards to around the late 1990s were considered goofy and again circusy. Perhaps the older generation who grew up with elvis in the 50s and 60s didn’t find the jumpsuits attractive and that stigma came until a few generations later. I think the reason why Elvis’ jumpsuits are much more appreciated and iconic today is because those re-discovering elvis, will almost always fall into the category who were born after his death. Which means in most cases, they’re attracted to his 70s records and his 70s as a whole, rather than to his 50s records, where a lot of them are starting to show their age (Love Me, Love me tender etc). I’ve been listening to Elvis for 2 years, mainly his 70s songs, not many have I listened to and felt like they were released 50 years ago. Basically, my point is, Elvis’ 70s records, his 70s fashion, his whole reputation from 68’ onwards, has aged like Gold. Listen to his Elvis from Memphis (1969) record for example, then listen to anyone of his 1950s records, despite being 10 years in difference, it really does feel like a 30 year gap in music

[@kevin10001]

@@MichaelJ44I was born 7 years after he died i prefer his earlier songs from the 50’s and 60’s but I do think if it wasn’t for colonel parker getting in to gambling debt with the international he might have lived longer cause to keep him at the international Parker concocted a false narrative that someone was out to get him which he kept up for to long and caused some paranoia in Elvis and to keep up the grueling work schedule he would pretty much force feed Elvis drugs to keep him able to work not caring about what it was doing to Elvis physically all that mattered was that his debt was forgiven and Elvis was able to go out on stage

[@suryadas6987]

I was born before he died. I absolutely love his 70's onward looks and music. He kept morphing and I think/thought it was spectacular! Love me some 70's Elvis!!! 💯🫡 😎🤙

[@yvetteheller1083]

He went with his ideas about his jump suits, his hair, his opening music, his karate moves! He knew what he wanted and mano, man did it work!!!! ❤💔❤️‍🔥💖💣💣💣💣💥💥💥💥🎡🎡🎡🎡🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@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.

[@kathleensue1]

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

[@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.

[@cryforthemoon]

If that opening happened after she offered Elvis the role in a star is born maybe Parker had some grudge and also wanted to see her go through all the technical glitches hah

[@chrisn7259]

Carol Hayat: Streisand was always set to open the hotel. She had just won the Oscar and was billed as "The most exciting star in the world." Nobody was sure if Elvis would make a go of his comeback. By the way, her name is Barbra, not Barbara.

[@carolhayar3037]

@@chrisn7259 "...entertainment director was Bill Miller. “We finally got [Elvis] on one condition,” said Miller, “[Colonel] Parker didn't want him to open in that big 2,000-seat theater. He said that we would have to put someone else in to open, and Elvis would follow. So I went to work on Barbra Streisand,” Miller recalled. “She was leaving, on her way to Europe, when I got her to sign the contract. And she opened the International.” (Elvis was booked to follow Streisand..."

[@KatieDawnJacobs]

I have skipped this video thinking it was just going to be a dig on Elvis. I was happily surprised it was an interesting perspective. Thank you for that!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Researching this made me a fan for the first time- I have had to curb my impulses to go full Elvis now!

[@madalynmak1952]

Thank you for this video. Great information. I appreciate all you are doing. I am a 71 year old lover of both of these guys. Elvis of course more than Liberace but both very talented.

[@adelszabo4284]

I think a connection to country music is to be made too. After all when Elvis started out in 1953/4 his music was considered to be an off shoot of country music. In that time quite a lot of country performers wore rhinestone bedazzled suits (rarely jumpsuits tough) made by nudie cohn, who also made his gold lamé suit.

[@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.

[@raaid22]

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

[@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!

[@legbert123]

OMG I learned so much but mostly that ELVIS was pretty badass!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

i learned that too!

[@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 💛

[@claudiocorleone7856]

Liberace was very underrated as a performer and I believe he did have an influence on all performers in Las Vegas including Elvis. I had the pleasure of seeing Liberace perform and he was beyond showmanship . His costumes were out of this world. But their is only one Elvis! And he is the greatest of all time . He was gaining unprecedented momentum even his final years. The 80’s and 90s would have seen Elvis tour the world and surpassed even his unequalled popularity to this day.

[@RNSNC1SD34D]

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

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

hahaha i can see that

[@JoeGelman]

Best conspiracy theory ever

[@jalonglover4488]

Lol

[@slicksnewonenow]

I always thought that Super Dave Osborne was Evil Kneivel's alter ego, too...

[@kellykerr5225]

I actually met Evel Knievel briefly. His new career was tripping and falling and then suing everyone for it. That made me both sad and mad. He supposedly sipped on a hot tubs before I became the manager and they had it re surfaced. I was told there was nothing wrong with it. To which I asked then why did you do if? The answer was that they had a gentleman’s agreement

[@precbsfender]

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

[@peter.36]

Great video Phil, you always amaze me by how interesting these random topics are. When I saw this video pop up on my feed, I honestly thought it was going to be an ad for the new Elvis movie and I was like wow Phil’s pulling some big sponsors.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

lol Tom Hanks just shows up in my basement. “Honored to be here Phil, I hope your audience will check out our little film…”

[@magnuswiesener9588]

​@@PhilEdwardsIncI just imagined him in character as Col. Parker, saying this. Don't know if that's what you meant or just regular Tom Hanks, but it's funnier that way.

[@eatmoremusic3650]

Phil I’m just so glad you started your own channel, I’ve been following you since the begging and your personality is such a welcome addition to this community.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

thanks a lot e!!

[@mitdarkmoney]

When you introduced Liberace as the missing link, brilliant!

[@Bluemoon-sd8vp]

Liberace told Elvis to give the people a show. Said they could stay home and listen to his records.

[@DiannaCarney]

Came for the question, stayed for your amazing videography, editing & storytelling. I can tell I’ll be binging your videos all night.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

thanks a lot!

[@CornbreadOracle]

It’s was the 1970s. That’s what they looked like. I know. I was there. Not that *everyone* wore bedazzled jumpsuits, but it wasn’t unusual to turn on the tv and see one. Elvis was always flashy, and would have looked wonderful in a hefty bag, so he did it bigger and better than anyone. Never got the Liberace connection, but I can see it. Liberace was no fool. He knew how to put on a show. And when you look at those videos of Elvis performing in those Vegas jumpsuits, they certainly show up!

[@santiagopino2407]

You man hit this dead on the nail all what you said is dead on the money. R I.P. Two great show men!

[@adamsifford6228]

My mother loved Elvis she had bought tickets to see him in Roanoke Va. He died before he made it there.

[@michellearmenta1116]

This is my first time watching your channel. Very entertaining and interesting. Love that you always wear an Elvis jumpsuit! That comment made me laugh.

[@juanabarrientos2358]

Bueno estás hablando del Rey... Faltastico. Divino... Extrovertido. Innovador. único.con estilo y superhéroe. Porsupuesto Elvis es mi superhéroe. Maravilloso .... Ellvis Presley es el hombre más talentoso y hermoso que ha caminado por este planeta.

[@vedaram1036]

He rocked in the jumpsuits different from everyone. A very remarkable outfit. It presented him like a PRINCE.He was a shining STAR on the stage in this dress. WOW. MAURITIUS

[@exdus235]

👋😊🇺🇸

[@bishopaz]

From time to time Elvis would wear two piece suits( 1972, 1975) he still looked awesome

[@sequana92]

Tous le styles lui allaient y compris la chemise Hawaii, et même le pyjama sans doute...et toutes les couleurs, mais était mieux en blanc, jaune (la scène avec Anne Margaret..)ou bleu. Trop brun pour porter du noir.Beau et classe partout, zéro défaut, zéro vulgarité.

[@teresagala4325]

I always thought that Elvis was very much like Liberace. I never new they were friends. Very interesting.

[@moekontze116]

I saw the interview by his suit maker Bill said Elvis kept splitting his bands because when he moved around n do his karate moves in his concerts, the pants would split. so bill came up with idea of ice skating jumpsuits. they stretched n he can move around in them without splitting. so that how jumpsuits came about.

[@joelteague2008]

Bingo you're the first one I run across on here besides me to knew why I was at jumpsuit

[@jcstevegigs]

I don't think I realized till just now that they were stretchy....was that covered in the video? I always imagined them as regular cotton

[@carolhayar3037]

​@@jcstevegigs Like ice skaters' costumes, the suits generally were made of stretchable wool/mixed-blend gabardine fabric; easy to care for; hand wash with a gentle soap and drip dry rather than in a machine or taking them to a dry cleaner which tarnishes the metal; they air well at night.

[@hulagirl9298]

This was really interesting to listen to! Thank you Mr. Edwards!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Thank you Phil, this was a very special video. My wife and I are MEGA Elvis fans, especially during 1968-1977 era. Keep them coming!-Chris & Beth🎧🎤🔥

[@leonardodalongisland]

I thought I knew everything about the King, but somehow missed the Liberace connection-all these years. Thanks

[@chrisgenovese8188]

this makes sense. i have my own theories about choosing outfits that put you in the state of mind for the task at hand. it can be motivating.

[@vincentgarcia2648]

I love it this channel makes me care about answers to questions I never even wondered.

[@SolaceBreadAlwaysleepy]

Phil, you *always* ask the questions I didn't know I wanted the anwsers to.

[@bringyourownbrilliance4353]

Great presentation. Furthermore, Elvis was a consummate professional. Considering all his public appearances, in concert, and in daily life presented all the professional creative artists supporting every facet of his professional, and personal life.

[@meluckycharms111]

Great job on the video! I love this kind of pop culture deep dive on something that feels familiar and then it introduces a whole new aspect that I wasn’t aware of. Keep ‘em coming!

[@bananawitchcraft]

I highly suggest J.J. McCullough if you haven't heard of him

[@rickyelvis3215]

complex individual with a heart of gold!

[@triciac.5078]

You are a goofball, sir! Getting into a jumpsuit for a video. Now that’s dedication!! Love it.

[@triciac.5078]

I fricking hate jumpsuits. For some reason in the early 90s rompers, jumpsuits but shorts, were a thing for teens. I hated them. I’ve seen them try to come back a couple of times. Just no.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

listen i don’t want to be difficult but i did kinda like mine. it may be my halloween costume. generally agree though.

[@triciac.5078]

@@PhilEdwardsInc you can also pee standing up. That is a distinct advantage with a jumpsuit!

[@257796]

Gold suit was definitely dope

[@MrBaskins2010]

i never really gave a damn about elvis but this was truly remarkable look at how his iconic style was developed

[@brianiswrong]

I think a big part of the jump suite is ,just how dam good Elvis looked in one. Chest pumped out, hair dyed and slicked back, sideburns,sweat and a towel.

[@Libertaro-i2u]

Not to mention, the jumpsuits would have been the outfits most accommodating to his range of motion, being loose and all.

[@maggielucas8685]

Elvis the man! Showmanship. He looked fantastic in everything he wore. This is also the 70's. Love you Elvisxxxx

[@mrhand3350]

Unfortunately he worthless death

[@BillHosler]

Back at the time many of the top country stars wore Nudi suits. Bejellwed, bedazzled concert attire. I think in a way it was considered by them that those Nudi suits were a sign of "You made it". Plus, many people wore rhinestones (Ronco even sold a device so you could add rhinestones to your existing clothing. It was a thing.

[@kindking8009]

I follow a young rock band called Greta Van Fleet. When they first started out they didn't have the money for custom duds, so they shopped at thrift and vintage stores, kind of a retro-hippie look. They were constantly accused of being Led Zeppelin ripoffs (for their sound and attire) so they changed their look. Now the lead singer wears embellished jumpsuits (although sleeveless) and the others wear the modern equivalent of Nudi suits. All custom made. I guess that means they've made it?

[@BillHosler]

@@kindking8009 It made sound weird but I like the look. Idk if I thought it was cool as a child or if I just have a bad fashion sense (It could go either way) but I’ve noticed, especially in the 90s most of these performers even the famous rich ones looked like they put on their cleanest dirty shirt they found in the laundry hamper before they hit the stage.

[@kindking8009]

@@BillHosler In the 70s the look was associated with fat, washed-up Elvis (jumpsuits) or Porter Wagoner (Nudi suits), both of which were considered incredibly cheesy at the time. Since Baz Lurhmann's Elvis movie has come out (and thanks to Austin Butler) there's been a rebirth of cool associated with the look. Just today I saw pics of Miley Cyrus in a light blue bejeweled jumpsuit that looks very much like one Elvis wore.

[@kathykaye272]

Thank you so much for this. I've wondered for years why he always wore jump suits. I had always wished that he would try anything besides the jump suits. oh well, I guess they were comfy.

[@BornIn82]

This was quite informative. Great channel.

[@madjackmcmad6976]

Same reason Michael Jackson called his dance the moonwalk. Taking the piss out of the 1969 NASA CGI fiasco was fun. We all did it. His dance even ends with a "kneel arm strong". And 'the eagle has landed" on the back of his suit. Love that crazy guy.

[@daniele.5163]

Thanks for the video! Loved the last line.

[@charlotte6268]

I always thought he looked amazing in the jumpsuits.

[@elihyland4781]

Awwww friendship was the real treasure the whole time🥲🥹

[@Glorb1]

Always a good day when Phil Edwards uploads a new video.

[@scraps7624]

Another banger, this channel is a goldmine

[@mtmt88]

never knew the Elvis-Liberace connection. Well done!!

[@phillippia]

How did I not know about this channel...and why was this Elvis video of all things in my recommended? My guy is one of my favorite presenters over on that "other" channeI...subscribed right away. 👍

[@Rock4UNow]

Liberace inspired the Gold lame and that's it. The first clip you show of Elvis on piano & Liberace on guitar was them switching their images and if you look real close they even switched Jackets. 1970s Elvis was inspired by a karate gi and just took the logical next step in evolving into what it became as the years past. Some designs were to camouflage his weight problem but it was 100% Elvisy. The next phase was going to be Two piece suits versions of his Jumpsuits but he passed away.

[@UltraSenseiHoots]

Fantastic video. Very well put together, and I appreciate the research you invested in the topic. Well done :)

[@rubvamp]

Fascinating! I never knew Elvis and Liberace we buds! There seems to be good story there, would make a great movie if it hasn't already.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

I know - I’ve heard so much about Elvis and Nixon but never Elvis and Liberace.

[@trevorroeder117]

@@PhilEdwardsInc Ditto, I never heard about Elvis & Liberace before your video, thanks for the info!

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

Yes Liberace was flashy but they were both different. When Liberace played Clair de lune I’m lost in his spell. A great piano player. I’m glad they were friends.

[@JayFal68]

Try to go the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas if you can. It's now in Michael Jackson's house. It's fantastic, his costumes, cars, pianos etc x

[@wayne3078]

I’d always thought it was so he could move and do his karate moves he was learning…. He also said he was influenced by Evil Knevil who was instantly recognisable via his suits

[@TheFarmerfitz]

In a 1970 interview Elvis said that he got the idea from a Karate suit.. He was then asked what he did for relaxation and he said "Karate".. So, maybe Elvis felt relaxed in the suits and he coyld move around however he wanted in them...

[@mahon0074]

They were just cool, the fans gave them names,he enjoyed the movement they allowed on stage. Elvis continually evolved and had he lived into the 1980’s I believe he would have moved on to something else. Also in 1972 Vegas Summer Festival and 1975 for at least one tour he actually wore two piece suits on stage rather than a jumpsuit. Cool video. TCB⚡️

[@chamomiletea5424]

Thanks! Great analysis.. I love Elvis and Liberace 😍

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Nice work! Loved the Liberace & Elvis connection! Thank you!

[@oxford17]

I call them “gaudy adult onesies.”

[@carolhayat5551]

Thanks for this. Specifically regarding the high/large collar thing, there is a story that he did not like his neck & that was one way to partially cover it up (who really knows if that's true); the other thing is, "up collars" was a '50's thing amongst the "rocker" crowd, the James Dean's, Marlon Brando's, black leather jacket & motor cycle boots era; even the girls turned up the collars of their shirts/blouses; there are a lot of photos of a young Elvis during the '50's w-his shirt collars turned up; it's just what we did then; btw, did you know that the satin lining of his '69 2-piece Vegas suits were imprinted w-a crown all over the inside; and in order to get into & out of the top, there was a hidden side zipper; the other little bit of info is that during a break (or 2) from his '68 Comeback special, the inside of his black leather suit had to be hand dried because it was so wet he could barely move from all the perspiration. The Man really was a phenomenon.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Love all these details!

[@CornbreadOracle]

Big collars were a 70s thing. It’s was just the style.

[@janiceg7661]

Fonz!

[@jayritchie851]

I heard about the neck thing a few years ago. He did have a long neck and reportedly was self-conscious about it. Even in his pre-jumpsuit days, he wore lots of high, open collar outfits both onstage and in his movies. After a while, it just became part of his "look."

[@LynetteTheMadScientist]

It’s so strange to think that a man as impossibly gorgeous as Elvis might be self-conscious about one of his physical features

[@collectiques1]

Col. Parker was behind the gold lamete rhinesone lapel suit that was designed by Nudie Cohen of CA. It has been reported as the $10,000 suit for Elvis which was a lot in 1956. Parker had known about Nudie through managing Hank Snow who wore the Nudie suits. Also Lansky's of memphis provided many of the early suits for Elvis.

[@RoxYgen03]

It’s not usually very strange, dark, or mysterious, but it’s always weird, informative and interesting. Thanks Phil!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

Good video! Strange to see Liberachi as a "regular Guy" in 1956 with Elvis and without all his sequins.

[@betsybarnicle8016]

I solo perform on the violin at festivals, receptions, and other events, and wearing splashy outfits and shoes adds to my confidence level.

[@kindking8009]

I just figured the jumpsuits (with capes) had something to do with karate and being a superhero. He obviously loved Native American jewelry, too, and I can't imagine that kind of embellishment (conchas and squash blossoms) being on a suit.

[@ovh992]

Elvis in the 50s and early 60s was the MOST CHIC man ever! Usually Cary grant or the Duke of Windsor or James dean get all the fashion cred but Elvis beats them all. He had beautiful shoes, suits, and hair. In regards to the jumpsuits: they are actually coming back in style now in our age of extravagance. You can easily see Lady Gaga or Harry styles wear similar things. And Big collars were the style in the late 60s early 70s. EVERYONE wore big giant collars.

[@leerobins749]

Thank you for your great information...I always thought there was some connection in a Liberace wardrobe..but I always,always hated Elvis in those hideous jumpsuits..I remember the 1st appearance...shock,laughter,and urgh..anyhow he was such a great performer..

[@KennyRider137]

Also, glam was big in the 70's. Costumes with capes were everywhere on stages.

[@elainekomara8555]

Liberace wore caps too. He saw how famous he got by being different and he went with it. Liberace also had big side burns..

[@SlickMopar]

I heard that Elvis and Liberace were talking one time and Elvis was wondering what to wear on stage. Liberace said to wear something that sticks out more than the rest of the band. That way the audience will always know where you are on stage. And it definitely worked. You can spot Elvis in his jumpsuit even in the nosebleed section 🕺

[@M4B3THinSPACE]

I heard somewhere that the cape, collar, and lightning bolt, we're inspired by the DC comicbook Shazam. My guess to the jumpsuit was that

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

oh that’s interesting…

[@davidmcnay1975]

@@PhilEdwardsInc Specifically Captain Marvel Junior - the wikipedia entry for the character has an Elvis Presley section.

[@AppleGameification]

I did some work, like design errands, for an Elvis impersonator. It's equally bizarre that every font associated with Elvis is either diamond sparkly metal 3d text or big block lettering with dots inside as if marquee lights

[@AppleGameification]

Seriously every graphic has the same text. Although I guess I contributed to some of that

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

wow this is an incredible job. did he have any good stories

[@AppleGameification]

@@PhilEdwardsInc I'm sure he does! From the stories that I've overheard I know he gets attention all the time, free meals etc. But a warm hearted and hard working family man behind the jumpsuits and 'las Vegas showgirls'

[@rajavlitra]

He really owned the look didn't he

[@waynegoldpig2220]

Can attest to this. I also used to be an Elvis Tribute Act, and I personally built myself an 'ELVIS' sign for my stage backdrop. It consisted of hundreds of 10mm LED's (all hand-wired by me) in the pattern you describe. It seems to be a thing.

[@lornathompson7047]

Ppl followed him in fashion, most best dressed man. Plus guess most handsome too

[@AvaGrail]

I love this background thank you so much for sharing this

[@likebot.]

I thought the title of this was just wrong, I've never seen Elvis _not_ wearing a jumpsuit, yet I never noticed. It immediately came to mind that Liberace, Evel Knievel and The Manhattans wore them, but I had to see it (again - for the first time) for meself 45 years on... Elvis in a jumpsuit. Huh!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

I didn’t realize he dressed so cool before it either!

[@Bluemoon-sd8vp]

Cool isn't just a look, but a feeling, as well.

[@zumabbar]

5:59 "That's like finding out somebody else watches Better Call Saul. You're bonded." HECK YEAH

[@elvicare35]

They looked GREAT and were really comfortable for him while doing his karate!!!!!!!

[@marioserrano6333]

It was a 70's thing not an Elvis thing, Elvis like everything took it to the next level. The Osmonds wore them, Englebert Humperdink, Tom Jones. It was an era thing.

[@marioserrano6333]

Look it up fool, in the 70's the Osmonds wore them, Englebert humperdink, Tom Jones etc.... earth wind & fire wore a version of it. So 🤫

[@_tardigrade]

Not to forget the Jackson 5

[@mandycote5662]

...Mandy Côté wore them

[@Lexyboogie]

Wearing it made his brand even more iconic than it already was, but I personally prefer his early style.

[@destinysdaughter3424]

So well researched and fascinating! Love the Liberace angle.

[@ldchappell1]

Elvis's history with jumpsuits is an interesting topic in itself. He wore them for several reasons but I think his main reason was so he could move about as he wanted to without worrying about the condition of his outfit. As time went on he wore fancier jumpsuits with more and more intricate design work. When he first began wearing them, his typical jumpsuits weighed 25 to 35 pounds. By 1975-76 he was wearing jumpsuits that weighed as much as 80 pounds. I don't know what the exact number is I believe he had at least 100 jumpsuits made specifically for him. A museum in England is currenty displaying a collection of 40 Elvis jumpsuits I had a good friend in the 80s and 90s who was an Elvis impersonator. Frank didn't look anything like Elvis. He was short and had lost at least half of his hair He couldn't sing very well, but boy did he light up when he had the outfit on and checking himself out in the mirror. He would stand there doing that lip curling thing and talk in his Elvis voice. "That's right baby. I'm Elvis Presley. Thank you very much." Then he would do a couple of karate kicks. Frank wasn't a very good Elvis but he sure was a nice guy. He passed away in 2004.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

cheers to frank! that was a nice story, thanks for sharing it

[@carolhayar3037]

I spoke w-Robin at B&K costume company who made Elvis' jumpsuits (Bill Belew's company) & asked about the weight of Elvis' Hawaii jumpsuits - Robin said the jumpsuits ea. weighed approx. 5 lbs., the belt approx. 5 lbs. the cape approx. 5 lbs.; the "long" cape was approx. 25 lbs. but he would not wear it because it was too heavy. Another example Robin said was his King of Spades - the suit, belt, & cape weighed approx. 8 lbs. each. So for anyone interested in the weights, please know that mention of 75, 100 or even 35 lbs. for just the jumpsuit alone, is quite outlandish. When i told Robin about the weights that some people mention, she laughed & said oh, no that's impossible.

[@carolhayar3037]

I spoke w-Robin at B&K costume company who made Elvis' jumpsuits (Bill Belew's company) & asked about the weight of Elvis' Hawaii jumpsuits - Robin said the jumpsuits ea. weighed approx. 5 lbs., the belt approx. 5 lbs. the cape approx. 5 lbs.; the "long" cape was approx. 25 lbs. but he would not wear it because it was too heavy. Another example Robin said was his King of Spades - the suit, belt, & cape weighed approx. 8 lbs. each. So for anyone interested in the weights, please know that mention of 75, 100 or even 35 lbs. for just the jumpsuit alone, is quite outlandish. When i told Robin about the weights that some people mention, she laughed & said oh, no that's impossible.

[@robertpowers90]

Please tell me I wasn't the only one to learn the correct phrase is "for all intents and purposes"! Thank you for the enunciation! 🤯

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

mainly done so i won’t say “intensive” myself!

[@sheilaseeber2007]

It's my humble opinion 🤠😄 that Jumpsuits are just so comfortable. 👑 🎵 🎶 🎸 🎹 🎼 🎶 🎵 👑 🎸

[@carolhayar3037]

they are very

[@Norwegian733]

A lot of artists used to wear jumpsuits in the 70`s. Look at ABBA for instanse.

[@carolhayar3037]

it was the style -- i had a crimson velour one - super comfortable

[@docgima]

Lost it at the Don Draper line/clip. This video will get some incredible views. Thank you for the content.

[@MsZoedog66]

They were fashionable in that era anyway. Now I wanna wear my jumpsuit. He wore suits when suits were in, jumpsuits when they were in. Plus he was a trendsetter by the jumpsuit phase too. He could wear what he wanted. 💗🌵

[@JayFal68]

You can go into Liberace's actual mansion in Las Vegas. It's on Shirley St. I've just watched a video of it, it's beautiful and had a lot of money spent on it x

[@asherasher738]

I'm 62 years old, and I cleary remember in some early interview with Esposito, that Elvis began to admire not only Liberage but also Evil kinieval suits. .

[@normende]

A very thoughtful and scholarly analysis of a topic that never occurred to me. I don't think Elvis ever wore an undershirt with his jumpsuit.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Way too cool for an undershirt. And probably too warm!

[@carolhayar3037]

@@PhilEdwardsInc anyway, w-the top of the jumpsuit being open almost to his stomach, where exactly would the undershirt be?

[@jcstevegigs]

Awesome video!!! Loved it!!!!