Charcoal Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.210a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1958
Maker
H. Harris
(American, Custom Tailor, London, New York)
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States
Medium
Wool, cotton, metal
DimensionsOverall center back L 32 in (81.3 cm )
Pants L 42 in.
Pants L 42 in.
Physical Descriptiontwo piece dark charcoal grey herringbone mens suit
Twill weave wool single breasted jacket with notched rolled collar, left lapel buttonhole and two buttons closure. Left chest welt pocket and two welt and flap front pockets. Jacket is lined with satin weave.
Wool trousers with five pockets, flat front and straight legs with cuffed hems. Pants have sharp creases, fly front closure with zipper.
Twill weave wool single breasted jacket with notched rolled collar, left lapel buttonhole and two buttons closure. Left chest welt pocket and two welt and flap front pockets. Jacket is lined with satin weave.
Wool trousers with five pockets, flat front and straight legs with cuffed hems. Pants have sharp creases, fly front closure with zipper.
Historical NoteThis charcoal wool suit was worn by Senator John F. Kennedy in 1958 during his high-profile Massachusetts senatorial re-election campaign, and subsequently on the presidential campaign trail. Kennedy’s wardrobe was a deliberate component of his political strategy. He rejected the heavy, oversized boxy suits common among older politicians of the 1950s. Instead, he favored slim-fitting, modern tailoring that emphasized his youth, vigor, and forward-looking vision for America.This specific garment represents the dawn of the modern, televised political era. Kennedy understood the power of visual presentation, choosing dark fabrics that provided sharp contrast on black-and-white television screens. This tailored silhouette helped define the iconic "Camelot" aesthetic, transforming JFK into a modern political style icon before he even entered the White House.
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
