Grey Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.319a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1956
Maker
H. Harris
(American, Custom Tailor, London, New York)
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States
Medium
Wool, metal
Dimensionspants Overall L 43 in (109.2 cm ); coat center back 32 1/8 in.
Physical DescriptionTwo piece grey napped plain weave wool suit: Jacket and Trousers
Coat- notched rolled collar, left lapel button hole, single breasted, two buttons, two piece sleeve with four buttons at each side sleeve opening, left chest welt pocket, two welt and flap pockets, no back vent. Full satin weave lining, inside right chest pocket, center back hanging loop.
Trousers- five pockets, flat front, straight creased legs with cuffed hems, fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener, belt loops, suspender buttons inside waistband.
Label "H. Harris, 43 E. 59th St., New York" "Sen. J.F. Kennedy 11.12.56"
Coat- notched rolled collar, left lapel button hole, single breasted, two buttons, two piece sleeve with four buttons at each side sleeve opening, left chest welt pocket, two welt and flap pockets, no back vent. Full satin weave lining, inside right chest pocket, center back hanging loop.
Trousers- five pockets, flat front, straight creased legs with cuffed hems, fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener, belt loops, suspender buttons inside waistband.
Label "H. Harris, 43 E. 59th St., New York" "Sen. J.F. Kennedy 11.12.56"
Historical NoteThis suit was worn by Senator John F. Kennedy as part of his personal wardrobe.
John F. Kennedy often favored "hard-finished" worsted wools in charcoal or mid-grey for business. These smooth fabrics looked crisp and authoritative under bright studio lights, eliminating the "rumpled professor" vibe of textured wool. This suit was worn by JFK on the campaign trail during his 1960 run for President.
Additional DetailsJohn F. Kennedy often favored "hard-finished" worsted wools in charcoal or mid-grey for business. These smooth fabrics looked crisp and authoritative under bright studio lights, eliminating the "rumpled professor" vibe of textured wool. This suit was worn by JFK on the campaign trail during his 1960 run for President.
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 John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
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
