The attire, often available at seasonal retailers, emulates the stereotypical fashion associated with organized crime figures, particularly those from the Prohibition era. This type of fancy dress commonly includes pin-striped suits, fedora hats, and toy weaponry, intending to evoke a specific image for costume parties or themed events.
The popularity of these outfits stems from the romanticized, albeit often inaccurate, portrayal of crime syndicates in popular culture. Wearing such a getup can provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in a visual narrative, allowing for a temporary embodiment of a recognizable character archetype. This form of dress can also tap into nostalgia for past decades.