Burglar apparal

[Thunderbird+]

Why does the achaetypical portrayal of the cat burglar apparel seem to include, black eye mask, sweater with broad black and white parallel stipes, flat cap and a sack with the word swag emblazoned accross it.
Not exactly non-discript is it ?
I'd like to know where / how this all started...Thanks

[CLOWN TICKLE]

swag is a circus and funfair term for the prizes or gifts purchased, australians sing of the jolly swagman who has a sack and I thought was a highwayman, and cats have often black eye patches and multi coloured stripes