Black Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.200a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1950-1963
Maker
Chipp
(American Clothing Manufacturer, New York, Founded 1947)
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States
Medium
twill weave, cotton, buttons, metal
DimensionsOverall Jacket center back 32 1/2 in (82.6 cm ), Trousers L 43 in
Physical DescriptionTwo piece black twill weave pinstriped suit with single breasted jacket and trousers.
Jacket: notched rolled collar, single breasted with two buttons and left chest welt pocket. Jacket has two flap front pockets, a left lapel buttonhole and no back vent.
Trousers: five pocket pants with flat front, straignt legs with cuff, fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener. Trousers have suspender buttons and belt loops.
label inside lapel pocket: Chipp stiched on green, black and grey striped silk
Jacket: notched rolled collar, single breasted with two buttons and left chest welt pocket. Jacket has two flap front pockets, a left lapel buttonhole and no back vent.
Trousers: five pocket pants with flat front, straignt legs with cuff, fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener. Trousers have suspender buttons and belt loops.
label inside lapel pocket: Chipp stiched on green, black and grey striped silk
Historical NoteJohn F. Kennedy became a Chipp customer in 1958 while still a Senator. He was introduced to the shop by his brother-in-law, actor Peter Lawford, who was already a client.
The suits were primarily made by Sidney Winston, the founder of Chipp. Later, Sidney's son, Paul Winston, also assisted with the President's fittings. During his presidency, the Winstons would travel to Washington D.C. or meet Kennedy at his private apartment at the Carlyle Hotel in New York for bespoke fittings.
The design featured narrowing at the waist and slightly more structured shoulders, which created a slimmer, more modern look. One of his most recognizable styles was a two-button jacket with a higher-than-average button stance. Uniquely, JFK often wore his jackets with both buttons fastened. This was a practical choice to hide the back brace he often wore for chronic pain. This black twill weave suit was worn as more formal Oval Office and press conference attire.
Additional DetailsThe suits were primarily made by Sidney Winston, the founder of Chipp. Later, Sidney's son, Paul Winston, also assisted with the President's fittings. During his presidency, the Winstons would travel to Washington D.C. or meet Kennedy at his private apartment at the Carlyle Hotel in New York for bespoke fittings.
The design featured narrowing at the waist and slightly more structured shoulders, which created a slimmer, more modern look. One of his most recognizable styles was a two-button jacket with a higher-than-average button stance. Uniquely, JFK often wore his jackets with both buttons fastened. This was a practical choice to hide the back brace he often wore for chronic pain. This black twill weave suit was worn as more formal Oval Office and press conference attire.
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; 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
