Main cast in "The Subway" |
So I wolf down the entire nine seasons in about a month, rewatching some episodes along the way because they are literally laugh-out-loud funny, and in doing so I began noticing how the main cast dressed. Most of the time there isn't much to notice because, and I assume this is true for most TV shows, the focus is on the story and its characters. Outfits cannot be distracting unless they contribute to character development or plot progression. There must be consistency in the cast, too: their personalities, behaviour, moral and ethical compasses—maybe fit a few archetypes—and, therefore, their appearance must be appropriate and true to the characters. That's why every character has a uniform.
Elaine and Kramer waiting for Jerry and George in "The Limo". Kramer's camel vintage leather peacoat sparked my awareness of the main cast's wardrobe for the remainder of the series. |
From "The Keys". Few things define eccentricity quite like Cosmo Kramer |
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On an unrelated note, if it isn't already obvious, Kramer (though a case can be made for Newman) is the only person addressed and referred to by his surname rather than his given name, which adds all the more interest to his outlandish character. There are few episodes where Kramer is the main focus, but that doesn't matter because even in a supporting role he is the centre of attention the moment he enters the scene, adding a particular life no other character can, and looking fabulous doing it.
"The Apartment" sporting an unusually post-mousse groomed (for Kramer) hairstyle. |
Lobster/crayfish motif camper, from "The Pie" |
More subtle horse/equestrian critters shirt in "The Invitations". Kramer's face betrays his otherwise suave 70s look. |
Another vintage camper from "The Doodle". |
Kramer being bullied by the neighbourhood children in "The Serenity Now". He is a master of colour theory and tonal dress, and this earthy ensemble is one of my favourites. |
Absolutely love this colour block shirt from "The Soup". |
Tonal outfit from "The Caddy". |
Upon closer inspection, the small check pattern on his trousers add extra interest to his otherwise flat outfit if the trousers were plain. |
That Varsity neckline from "The Serenity Now" |
In "The Wait Out", smarmy Jerry goads the usually confident Kramer by subtly body-shaming him into proving to Jerry that he can still wear (fit into) jeans (hence "body of a taught, pre-teen Swedish boy"). Why Kramer equates that with super-skinny jeans only Kramer knows, but that's besides the point. For the remainder of the episode the viewer is treated to several comedic scenarios in which Kramer tries to go through his day in painted-on Wranglers. From trying to pick up Jerry's TV Guide to the simple act of walking and sitting, helping Mickey out with his audition, and ultimately ending up arrested at the police station accused of being a child predator, trying to disprove Jerry proved a costly, but entertaining, decision. Wearing anything for anyone but yourself betrays your personal style, and the Wranglers were Kramer's only style folly in the nine seasons.
In stark contrast to the Wranglers, these stonewashed light blue dad-jeans from Jerry's closet in "The Voice" are more befitting Kramer. The fact that they crop on him because he's taller than Jerry adds extra coolness. The white socks and black oxfords make this look certified contemporary street style; he just needs a pair of funky sunglasses, a cool bag, and an iPhone to capture it with and spam his social media accounts. Since Kramer's outfit came from Jerry's closet, imagine the two of them wearing the exact same things—shirt, jeans, oxfords. Who looks more "himself", Jerry or Kramer? It may be Jerry's wardrobe, but it is so Kramer. And that's the power clothes can have: it can diminish or enhance not only one's image, but one's sense of self.
Jerry: What about your stuff?
Kramer: Uh, oh, uh, OK, uh... Yeuh!
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There are a few of moments in Seinfeld where Kramer reveals a bit about his style preferences (apart from wearing them), the first of which coming in "The Statue" where he and Jerry carry into the apartment a box of Jerry's grandfather's possessions, whereupon Kramer immediately fancies a pair of black knee-high socks before copping an old tweed suit, a fedora, and a pair of brown and white spectators, which he wears several times throughout the show.
When Morty Seinfeld compliments his pants in "The Raincoats", saying he owns a similar pair, Kramer declares, while casually gesturing at Morty that draws a funny reaction, that he got them at a used clothing store that procures its stock from widows whose husbands have died.
And of course, Kramer's admiration for, and appreciation of vintage garments is confirmed in "The Secretary" when Kenny Bania enquires about buying his suit to which he replies, "This is vintage, they don't make this stuff anymore... Look at the stitching. This is old world craftsmanship." But being Kramer, he does an aboutface and sells the suit to Bania for a $300, which is about $500 in 2018... so not bad, actually.
Doing his best Joe Friday: "Just make love to that wall, pervert!" |
"The Comeback" |
Kramer and Jerry in "The Soup Nazi" about to confront the flamboyant but aggressive couple that stole Elaine's armoire. |
Kramer wearing the Technicolor Dreamcoat in "The Wig Master"—Thug Life! |
"A.G. Pennypacker" in "The Millennium". |
Kramerica Industries orientation with Darren the intern in "The Voice". Kramer donning olive drab separates like a boss. |
Pitti Uomo-level layering in "The Movie": 1. camper collar shirt, 2. olive cardigan, 3. shearling coat, 4. overcoat draped over |
More masterful tonal dressing in "The Merv Griffin Show". |
The main cast and Jackie Chiles in "The Finale". There are those brown and white spectators again. |
And then there's Kramer, the overly intrusive neighbour who's a little off in many ways, but doesn't share the same level of relationship problems as the rest. Instead, his plot lines reside in the wacky ideas his mind generates, sounding off with opinions on others' issues, and general trouble-making. Kramer is, as far as it's known, unemployed (except for that gig at H&H Bagels) but doesn't seem to worry about money, instead pursuing interests like acting, playing a part-time mall Santa, pitching his said wacky ideas (like "the Beach" perfume), or trying to score a windfall suing a large company.
If there is anything to take away from Kramer's style, it's that it comes with the personality. That isn't to say that only interesting people wear interesting clothes, but it would make sense, wouldn't it? If what is worn doesn't reflect/project who is wearing the outfit, the true sense of self is lost, and Kramer is a perfect example—fictional or otherwise—of someone who uses the power of personal style and clothing to create a memorable, lasting impression even two decades later, and having only jumped onto the Seinfeld bandwagon not too long ago, Kramer will influence my personal style philosophy for a long time.