Grey Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.242a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1960
Maker
John Morgan & Co.
(English Tailor, Established in 1825)
Medium
Wool, metal, silk
DimensionsJacket Overall L center back 31 in (78.7 cm); trouser L 42 in.
Physical DescriptionTwo piece grey plain weave wool suit: jacket and trousers.
Single breasted coat with two front buttons and notched rolled collar. Coat has three front welt pockets, one left inner lining pocket and no back vent. Two piece straight sleeve with a four button placket closure. Jacket is fully lined.
Trousers have flat front with straight legs with cuffs and sharp creases. Pants have off-white cotton plain weave pockets, front fly closure and metal zipper and belt loops. Label inside lapel pocket.
Single breasted coat with two front buttons and notched rolled collar. Coat has three front welt pockets, one left inner lining pocket and no back vent. Two piece straight sleeve with a four button placket closure. Jacket is fully lined.
Trousers have flat front with straight legs with cuffs and sharp creases. Pants have off-white cotton plain weave pockets, front fly closure and metal zipper and belt loops. Label inside lapel pocket.
Historical NoteThis John Morgan bespoke suit was worn by Senator John F. Kennedy as a part of his personal wardrobe.
Sharkskin grey suits were a cornerstone of John F. Kennedy's "Ivy League" style, characterized by a slim, modernist silhouette that departed from the boxy tailoring of the 1950s.
Sharkskin is a tightly woven worsted wool using two different tones of yarn in a twill weave. This creates a subtle sheen and a multi-toned grey effect that appears solid from a distance but rich in texture up close.
JFK's suits typically featured narrow notch lapels, a two-button front, and natural, soft shoulders without heavy padding. He favored ventless jackets and slim-leg, flat-front trousers with cuffed bottoms. This suit was custom tailored to reflect his personal style.
Additional DetailsSharkskin grey suits were a cornerstone of John F. Kennedy's "Ivy League" style, characterized by a slim, modernist silhouette that departed from the boxy tailoring of the 1950s.
Sharkskin is a tightly woven worsted wool using two different tones of yarn in a twill weave. This creates a subtle sheen and a multi-toned grey effect that appears solid from a distance but rich in texture up close.
JFK's suits typically featured narrow notch lapels, a two-button front, and natural, soft shoulders without heavy padding. He favored ventless jackets and slim-leg, flat-front trousers with cuffed bottoms. This suit was custom tailored to reflect his personal style.
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
