Grey Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.243a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
Sept 1956
Maker
John Morgan & Co.
(English Tailor, Established in 1825)
Place MadeLondon, England
Medium
wool, cotton, linen, synthetic linings, metal
DimensionsJacket Overall L 32 in (81.3 cm )
Trousers Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
Trousers Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionTwo piece grey twill weave wool suit: jacket and trousers
Single breasted jacket with notched rolled collar and two buttons. Jacket has three welt front pockets with two piece straight sleeve with a four button placket closure. No back vent. Inner proper right lining welt pocket and full lining.
Trousers have flat front with straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, four pockets, fly front closure with a metal zipper and button closure. Pants have belt loops.
Label "John Morgan & Co. No 1745" inner breast pocket.
Single breasted jacket with notched rolled collar and two buttons. Jacket has three welt front pockets with two piece straight sleeve with a four button placket closure. No back vent. Inner proper right lining welt pocket and full lining.
Trousers have flat front with straight legs with cuffs, sharp creases in legs, four pockets, fly front closure with a metal zipper and button closure. Pants have belt loops.
Label "John Morgan & Co. No 1745" inner breast pocket.
Historical NoteThis suit was worn by Senator John F. Kennedy, as part of his personal wardrobe. The "English Cut" tailoring style defined JFK’s suits from John Morgan & Co. It sits between the boxy American "Sack Suit" and the tight, short Italian "Continental" cut. Unlike the natural, sloping shoulder of American suits, the English cut uses padding to create a structured, squared-off look. This helped JFK appear more athletic and broader across the chest. The jacket is "nipped" or cinched at the natural waistline. This creates an hourglass silhouette that provides a more formal, commanding presence than the straight-down American cut. English tailoring often features a "drape" cut—meaning there is a tiny bit of extra fabric in the chest and shoulder blade area. This allows the wearer to move their arms freely without the jacket bunching or pulling.
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
