Blue-grey Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.250a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1955
Maker
John Morgan & Co.
(English Tailor, Established in 1825)
Place MadeLondon, England
Medium
worsted wool, metal, buttons
DimensionsJacket Overall L center back 32 1/2 in (82.6 cm )
trousers Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
trousers Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionTwo piece blue-grey twill weave worsted wool suit jacket and trousers
Single breasted jacket with two buttons and a notched rolled collar. Jacket has two front double welt pockets, left chest welt pocket, pocket within pocket on right, two piece straight sleeves with four buttons at each placket opening. Full plain weave silk lining, double welt inside right chest pocket.
Trousers are flat front, straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases, fly front with zipper closure, a waistband button, four pockets and belt loops.
Label John Morgan & Co. No 1747 Date 9/29/55
Single breasted jacket with two buttons and a notched rolled collar. Jacket has two front double welt pockets, left chest welt pocket, pocket within pocket on right, two piece straight sleeves with four buttons at each placket opening. Full plain weave silk lining, double welt inside right chest pocket.
Trousers are flat front, straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases, fly front with zipper closure, a waistband button, four pockets and belt loops.
Label John Morgan & Co. No 1747 Date 9/29/55
Historical NoteThis suit was worn by Senator John F. Kennedy as part of his personal wardrobe. His mid-50s suits were narrower and less "boxy" than the standard 1950s business attire.
Kennedy preferred worsted wool because it is breathable, soft, and wrinkle-resistant, which was essential for his frequent travel. His 1950s suits were typically mid-weight (approximately 11–13 oz or 310–370 gsm). This provided enough structure to maintain a sharp "drape" while remaining comfortable for year-round wear in Washington D.C..
The "Blue Grey" tone of this suit was often achieved through a sharkskin or pick-and-pick weave. These weaves use alternating threads of different colors to create a textured, multidimensional blue-grey appearance from a distance.
Additional DetailsKennedy preferred worsted wool because it is breathable, soft, and wrinkle-resistant, which was essential for his frequent travel. His 1950s suits were typically mid-weight (approximately 11–13 oz or 310–370 gsm). This provided enough structure to maintain a sharp "drape" while remaining comfortable for year-round wear in Washington D.C..
The "Blue Grey" tone of this suit was often achieved through a sharkskin or pick-and-pick weave. These weaves use alternating threads of different colors to create a textured, multidimensional blue-grey appearance from a distance.
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
