Gangster spats?

[HappyStroller]

Why are some spats called Gangster Spats?

[Mark Seitelman]

I haven't heard the term "gangster spats."

Perhaps the reference is to the 1930's gangster films where the gangsters were very well turned-out. James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, and George Raft are examples.

By the 1940's spats were considered old fashioned and fussy. I'm not sure if in "The Maltese Falcon" the Peter Lorie and Sidney Greenstreet characters wore spats, but they could have. Humphrey Bogart's Sam Spade would not have worn spats.

In the late 1950's film, "Some Like It Hot," the George Raft character was called Spats Columbo. His "look" included immaculate spats. The character was most concerned about their appearance to the extent that some poor fellow who accidently spills liquor on the spats gets the "works" from Spats Colombo's henchmen. Incidentally, the film took place in the roaring 20's.

Cheers.

[Teacher]

True, Mark. It should also be noted that, by the 1930's, spats were already on their way out. Perhaps it is because spats were falling out of general usage but hung on in gangster film that this appelation came about.

[HappyStroller]

Thanks for the history, Mark, and your additional comments, Teacher.

What a shame! Such an elegant piece of apparel getting stuck with notoriety.

And I was wondering whether it was specifically either white colored spats or tassel-style spats.