Navy Chalk Striped Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.324a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1955-1963
Maker
unknown
Medium
Wool
DimensionsOverall L 41 in (104.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionTwo piece navy blue wool suit with a thin white chalk stripe: jacket and trousers
Jacket is single breasted with two front buttons and a notched rolled collar, three front pockets - two flap pockets and one welt chest pocket. Jacket has two piece straight sleeve and no back vent.
Trousers are flat front straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, five pockets, front fly closure with a metal zipper and metal hook fastener and belt loops.
Jacket is single breasted with two front buttons and a notched rolled collar, three front pockets - two flap pockets and one welt chest pocket. Jacket has two piece straight sleeve and no back vent.
Trousers are flat front straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, five pockets, front fly closure with a metal zipper and metal hook fastener and belt loops.
Historical NoteThis navy chalk stripe suit is a classic menswear staple defined by its deep blue base and soft, vertical white or light gray stripes. Unlike the sharp, thin lines of a pinstripe, chalk stripes are broader and have a slightly "blurred" or diffused appearance, resembling the marks made by a tailor’s chalk.
Kennedy prioritized dark blue and grey tones to be perceived as a "trustworthy statesman". The navy base maintained this professional sobriety, while the chalk stripes added a layer of "business-like demeanor". This suit is a deliberate expression of power, authority, and youthful professionalism. While JFK was most famous for solid navy and charcoal suits, the heavy chalk stripe suit was actually one of his favorites.
Additional DetailsKennedy prioritized dark blue and grey tones to be perceived as a "trustworthy statesman". The navy base maintained this professional sobriety, while the chalk stripes added a layer of "business-like demeanor". This suit is a deliberate expression of power, authority, and youthful professionalism. While JFK was most famous for solid navy and charcoal suits, the heavy chalk stripe suit was actually one of his favorites.
Custodial History NoteThis suit was previously owned by President John F. Kennedy. After his death, it was bequeath to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was held in courtesy storage at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and donated to the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in 1995 by Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Ownership was transferred to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Museum collection by the Foundation in 2009.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PartlyUse Restriction Notepermission to use image must be granted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. please address requests to Museumjfk@nara.govUse Restriction Noteimage use is to be approved of by Museum staff on a case by case basis, image is not for sale by Getty, Almay, or other profit seeking photography sites.In Collection(s)
Not on view
