Charcoal Plaid Suit
Artifact IDMO 2009.3.205a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1955-1963
Maker
Frank Brothers - Fenn Feinstein
(American, founded 1865)
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States, North America
Medium
Wool
DimensionsJacket Overall center back L 32 in (81.3 cm )
Pants L 42 in
Pants L 42 in
Physical DescriptionTwo piece dark grey Glen plaid wool suit
Single breasted plaid coat with notched rolled collar, left lapel buttonhole, two button closure with three buttons on each sleeve. Left chest welt pocket with two welt and flap front pockets, no back vent. Satin weave front and partial back lining with two inside chest pockets
Trousers- five pocket wool flat front pands with straight legs finished with cuffed hem, sharp crease. Pants have fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener
Single breasted plaid coat with notched rolled collar, left lapel buttonhole, two button closure with three buttons on each sleeve. Left chest welt pocket with two welt and flap front pockets, no back vent. Satin weave front and partial back lining with two inside chest pockets
Trousers- five pocket wool flat front pands with straight legs finished with cuffed hem, sharp crease. Pants have fly front closure with zipper and waistband hook fastener
Historical NoteThis suit, worn by President John F. Kennedy, highlighting the meticulous tailoring elements of the Frank Brothers-Fen Feistien, defined his modern, youthful take on American mid-century menswear. Departing from the boxy, conservative cuts worn by previous administrations, Kennedy favored structured, single-breasted jackets with sleek flat-front trousers.This signature ensemble highlights several of his distinct styling choices: He favored the two-button jacket with both buttons often kept fastened to comfortably conceal his rigid, medical back brace. The jacket features moderate notch lapels with a classic, mid-height gorge. It seamlessly balances traditional business attire with a streamlined silhouette. JFK remained a loyal customer of Frank Brothers-Fenn Feinstein, a premier American haberdasher rooted in the "Ivy League" tradition.
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; 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
