Charcoal Grey Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.245a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1955-1963
Maker
H. Harris
(American, Custom Tailor, London, New York)
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States
Medium
wool, metal
DimensionsOverall L 32 1/2 in (82.6 cm )
Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionTwo piece dark charcoal grey worsted wool suit: Jacket and trousers
Single breasted jacket with two buttons and notched rolled collar. Jacket has left lapel buttonhole, two piece straight sleeves with three buttons at each sleeve placket, left chest welt pocket, two flap front pockets, and no back vent. Jacket has partial lining with an inside left chest pocket.
Trousers are flat front straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, four pockets, front fly closure with a metal zipper and metal hook fastener and belt loops, no lining
Label "H. Harris, 43 E. 59th St, New York"
Single breasted jacket with two buttons and notched rolled collar. Jacket has left lapel buttonhole, two piece straight sleeves with three buttons at each sleeve placket, left chest welt pocket, two flap front pockets, and no back vent. Jacket has partial lining with an inside left chest pocket.
Trousers are flat front straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, four pockets, front fly closure with a metal zipper and metal hook fastener and belt loops, no lining
Label "H. Harris, 43 E. 59th St, New York"
Historical NoteThis suit, from John F. Kennedy's personal wardrobe, was worn by President Kennedy. This H. Harris charcoal grey wool suit is a quintessential example of John F. Kennedy's "Ivy League" style. H. Harris was one of JFK's preferred New York tailors, alongside Chipp and Fenn Feistein, tasked with refining the President's silhouette. Notably, JFK often defied traditional tailoring rules by fastening both buttons on his two-button suits to keep the jacket from shifting due to his chronic back issues.
Additional DetailsCustodial 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
