why do presidents wear blue suits

Its no secret that the Presidents suits for Russian President are made to measure. Whereas a more conservative, looser fit looks like he might be ready to go do something else.. George H. W. Bush is a dark suit with silver tie in 1989. He instituted the State of the Union address as a sort of rep version of the UKs Queens speech at the opening of Parliament and introduced the notion of Government as a technocratic enterprise best carried out by experts. Thats what happened after Mr. Obama took an elbow to the face in a pick-up basketball game in 2010. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Alas how times have changed! 6. April 30, 2023, 2:31 p.m. My wife makes fun of how routinized Ive become, he says. I do not want to have to choose what I like or seen because I have many other important decisions to make. ". Sven, apropos your comment about Trumps necktie being too long its pointing out what it seems hes most proudest of and with which he appears to do most of his thinking. The former President explained the logic behind this routine: "You will see that I wear only gray or blue suits. Glad you posted something about this subject. Only then did he go full presidentialsolid dark suit, white shirt with French cuffs, cuff links with some kind of crest, solid Democrat-blue tie, fiercely polished black shoes. Ronald Reagan wore tan suits during his presidency. So based on that and the fact that their suits are way superior, I think he could take a step up and get navy and charcoal suits there. Lovely article. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush both had on plum overcoats and purple scarves at the inauguration. I believe that people being inaugurated should be dressed more formally. I dont want to make decisions about what Im eating or wearing. The difference to the good old days is that they look ugly, have a brand, and are manufactured by children in underdeveloped countries. Sadly, ever since Reagans second inauguration, U.S. President have only worn plain solid suits with uninteresting neckties and I would love to see a stroller or even a morning coat at such a celebratory event in the future. Neckties are one way they try to do that. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. One can only assume that he, out of respect and deference to the recently dead president, was observing a sign of mourning for President Harding. No top hat and morning coat, and your are forbidden from entering the White House. Ive never considered them to be of very high quality but, given the pressures of politics now and how every decision is scrutinized, the choice is understandable. 2. I believe Coolidge was mourning the death of his son, Calvin Jr, who died on July 7 1924. I think these examples demonstrate is that the only time leaders rise above the norm sartorially in a democracy is when doing so reflects the politicians endearing public persona in an authentic way. There are times when Ive got to capture what the essence of the thing is.. Not only is this a less harsh combination than a bright white shirt and light . Bush chided his dais companions about how their suits appeared to fit poorly. The one he projected, for example, was based on the simplicity of a straight, narrow-necked sack made by, Putin, who the Western media have nicknamed as Man in Black for his fondness for black, has risked widening his palette of colors. Four years ago, I thought to myself, okay he wore a white tie with a notch lapel suit, lets forgive him especially in these times when not many men wear formal dress in the first place. In 2009, the commander-in-chief of the United States was presented with a Nobel Peace Prize. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. When did Democrats and Republicans switch platforms? With the presidential inauguration taking place on Jan 20, 2021, we thought it was an excellent opportunity to take a closer look at the suits and outfits worn by U.S. Presidents throughout history on their inaugural day.You will probably be surprised to see how the outfits developed over time. Still, Obama is cool on the networking: there are some structural institutional realities to our political system that dont have much to do with schmoozing, he says. First, he copied the staff-written speech by hand to organize his thoughts and then he used the exercise to write his own speech, an approach would have been impossible during his traditional day. You have to own that and feel comfortable with the way you made the decision. Agree wholeheartedly Sven. More on that in a moment. Jimmy Carter ran as a reformer who was untainted by Washington political scandals, which many voters found attractive in the wake of the Watergate scandal that had led to President Richard Nixons resignation. Trump clearly doesnt care about public opinion. In fact, it was a fictional presidential candidate that started the tradition off in the first place. Or a top hat with a sack suit. Im actually disappointed by President Obama dress at the inaugural Balls more than I am for the inauguration ceremony itself. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. This is a good article and I agree, the STANARD in the way men DRESS as well as the way they CONDUCT themselves has fallen by the wayside. We bring news that matters to your inbox, to help you stay informed and entertained. Instead of cramming the speechwriting process into tiny windows throughout the next day, the president utilized his night to get a head start. Judges of hatred and bitterness I despise you all. The inauguration used to be a much dressier and more formal event where top hats and proper morning dress were obligatory. A nice white crown fold pocket square finished off the look together with an American flag pin on the lapel. At the same time a visit to nearby Jermyn Street will do no harm to buy some decent ties. Some of the ideal colors include black, white, silver or cream among . Great article. Neckties are said to be descended from the cravat and used throughout most of history, at least the portion during which humans have been fully clothed. I fully agree with your conclusion and I would definitely like to see more formal dressing. Driving the country is half the work, but it seems that you do it as if it does not cost you the least effort is not so simple. At his inauguration, we can see him wearing a fitted fur-lined overcoat with fur collar and cuffs as well as a top hat but without gloves. The United States solicitor general and other lawyers from the U.S. Attorney General all appear before the Supreme Court in morning coats, minus the top hat. 2013?! In other words, he has more important decisions to make each day and doesnt want to clutter his mind with what he would term mundane issues. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! Heres are four lessons about the president from the piece: 16 stitches. Red is associated with love, power, nobility and now, scientists say, attention to detail. They reflect the dominant cultural values of their times as, indeed, Presidents themselves do. An award-winning team of journalists, designers, and videographers who tell brand stories through Fast Company's distinctive lens, The future of innovation and technology in government for the greater good, Fast Company's annual ranking of businesses that are making an outsize impact, Leaders who are shaping the future of business in creative ways, New workplaces, new food sources, new medicine--even an entirely new economic system. Blue was once associated with the blue blood of British nobility, while red represented the red blood of the Guards. Doesnt have a velvet collar tho. What could be higher praise that to attain to such an accomplishment? Just because he does it on purpose doesnt make it any better ;). 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. The study found that red is the most effective at enhancing our attention to detail, while blue is best at boosting our ability to think creatively. Lastly, regarding President Barack Obamas choices he famously wears an American maker (who used to be headquartered in Chicago) for all of his suits, Hart Shaffner and Marx (now Hartmarx). When you have more clothes than body in the clothes, youre showing the viewer youre trying to hide something, Fresh said. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Whats most illuminating is how decision memos get delivered to his desk with three checkboxes at the bottom: This is effective because, like always wearing the same suit, the checkboxes impose simplicity. In fact, it was a dark blue suit that helped him pop during a. "Washington, D.C., is a strange place when it comes to style. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/02/style/inauguration-day-81-a-sartorial-controversy.html. Based on the fact that Trump has been wearing his ties that way all year, it is safe to say he doesnt do it by mistake. Red has long been associated with love. Cajetan, we were not talking about dresses but how presidents dress in general. Part of HuffPost Style & Beauty. I believe it is safe to suggest they were dressing in a more formal fashion by choice rather than the seeming habits of the others, by convention, given there are many photos of both of these men in formal dress at various occasions, e.g., Wilson at Versailles Treaty signing, Kennedy at his wedding. Frugal Jimmy Carter notably bought his inaugural suit off-the-rack from his usual haberdashery in Americus, Georgia for $195.00. Red and blue are also thought by psychologists to improve brain performance and receptivity to advertising. Indeed, when we reflect on the exceptions to the rule of mediocrity identified above, we find the same melding of personal background and political branding. But in fact Bidens dress has been sending messages since he declared his candidacy 21 months ago. This was exactly what I was thinking about today. Sharp dressed to a point, only his wit has more edge. ", At the inauguration in January 2009, Obama and Joe Biden seemed to coordinate efforts: "For the inaugural festivities, both executives chose predictable dark gray suits, white dress shirts, enlivened by either baby blue or red necktie," wrote Lisa Irazarry of The Star-Ledger in New Jersey. Probably. His favorite brands are Kiton and Brioni (in this case the president and the secret agent have the same tastes). Kennedy/Nixon Debates showcase this contrast. For his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump wore a. All Rights Reserved. I am not sure whether Obama chooses his own clothes or if he has someone who does it for him. Todays fashion police wont allow U.S Presidents to wear bow ties, but during his era, the bow tie was more than acceptable. Reviewing the style and looks of world presidents has also become a news, for both fashion and social media, as well as newspapers and specialized publications in politics. An inauguration would be perfectly acceptable occasion to wear a stroller or morning dress. Check out Freshs two brands, FreshRich and Henry Masks. During their first presidential campaign, Barack and Michelle made a quizzical vow: no new friends. While we cant peer into their decision-making process, that antisocial statement sounds like the kind of time-protecting strategy that Warren Buffett and Bill Gates always emphasize: you need to keep your calendar empty if youre going to get anything significant done, like become president. Any given decision you make youll wind up with a 30 to 40 percent chance that it isnt going to work, he said. No one calls it the nerd prom anymore. Located above his second floor bedroom, Obama works out most mornings for an hour and believes that without staying active the job of being president would exhaust him. Harry S. Truman swearing the oath. "I'm trying to . By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. One expects his first inauguration was performed quickly and privately. Theres no law or requirement that states they have to. Washingtons women will surely continue to get the most attention for their attire, but keep an eye on the Presidents clothing. But he also knew his wardrobe was part of the prince charming/male Cinderella narrative that powered him to the White House. Oh, sure, you might spot purple or yellow now and then, but those are clear statements of aloofness, be they calculated or careless. There are many fine independent shops to take care of your every need or style. He almost never wore a suit or tie except on the televised debates and during the Democratic convention, but neither did he wear jeans and sneakers. Brooks Brothers has outfitted 41 of the 45 American Presidents, including Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. James Earl Carter Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American philanthropist, author, and former politician who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. His gloves were plain black. Reagan always dressed smartly in a clean cut suit that accentuated his shoulders. Wilson was the snobbish son of a churchman steeped in the myths of Southern gentility, president of Princeton University and an Anglophile of the first order. But after his speechwriters came up with a draft he didnt love, the president opted to write his speech himself. 4 Does the president always have to wear a suit? Few world leaders or CEOs want to be seen as aloof. RE the apparent mourning band on President Calvin Coolidges top hat he assumed the presidency, as vice-president, upon the sudden death of President Warren Harding in 1923. I would add one observation: There is an old saying that in a democracy the people get exactly the leaders they deserve. While he did not wear a scarf for the inauguration itself, he later had a double-sided solid colored light grey and blue scarf on when he exited the car. I apologize for the redundancy. With the possible exception of JFKs formal morning wear, it looks to me as if presidents have generally stuck to the dress code prevalent in politics/business at the time. No seniors or junior. But repeating the same mistake today is just disappointing. So did Dwight D. Eisenhower, George H.W. When did Elite become a slur? What shoes does a woman wear with a navy blue suit? He also wore stainless band sports watch in on January 20, 2013. Fortunately, since then, the production of cutaways in the US has increased, but, sorry to say, inaugural attire has seemingly settled on the black business (also called sack) suit without a hat. I believe that this post is a discussion of presidential attire at the inauguration. Politicians, of course, love to gain advantages. Why do presidents wear blue suits? A natural outsider whose whole life can be viewed as a quest for acceptance by his country, he is unlikely to have an appetite for being deliberately different through his dress. I found this NYT article from 1981 interesting. The president has a regular pickup basketball game with former pros and he hits his personal gym for about an hour every daydoing weights one day, cardio the next. You dont need to be an expert to see some of those contrasts, but you do need to be one to explain how they impact each mans look. The logic: the rest of his time will be more productive if he gets his workout time. However, Obamas dress sense is far too superior compared to that if Trumps. I have an historic pattern for a 1904 sack suit. I was not aware of the connection between Harding and Coolidges mourning band I just knew that it was one Plus, purple is associated with royalty and we do tend to treat our former presidents as such.). I think this is perfectly fine at the inauguration, the president should arguably dress in the way that it is customary for statesmen to dress at ceremonial daytime occasions. Thank You. Ill also give a nod to President Ronald Reagan, who, for his first inauguration, listened to his wife, Nancy, who insisted on formal attire for the event. Inauguration togs: yes, something more formal but at least we dont have military uniforms! While Rolex watches are a good investment, it would have been nice to see him not just buying an American made suit but also an American watch. Since they are practically always the same. Its not my natural state.. "As Obama wore a blue necktie on Monday and Biden wore his blue Tuesday, maybe they prearranged not to duplicate each other alternating necktie colors. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Presidential flag pins: proving patriotism If you watch a modern presidential primary debate, it looks like pinning an American flag to your suit is a prerequisite for stepping on stage. Its no secret that the Presidents suits for Russian President are made to measure. I agree with your comments about Obamas trousers being too long and Trumps Tie being 4 to 5 inches. That, Fresh said, can set up an entire suit for failure. Nixon always wore a jacket in the Oval Office, and a dress shirt and tie even whilst bowling in the White House. Suits are a given for all presidents, so what better way to analyse how style and power go hand in hand? Psychologists call it decision fatigue: its why shopping for groceries can be so exhausting and judges give harsher rulings later in the day. Suit up America! Subscribe to Well Adjusted, our newsletter full of simple strategies to work smarter and live better, from the Fortune Well team. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Seventy pair ? The housing market is shiftingjust look at earnings published by 2 giant Fortune 500 homebuilders, CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. What a contrast to previous Presidential families. Too subtle for 99.98% of the population? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice| Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information| Ad Choices Theodore Roosevelt wore a turndown collar in this picture paired with a necktie and a frock coat. I hope Trumps term restores dignity, elegance and marquise the amazing charm of the American experience. Jobs wore blue jeans and a black turtleneck nearly every single day. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Whatever it may be, its intentionally telling us something. A slimmer, more detail-oriented fit reads more youthful and modern, while a larger and more relaxed suit, Fresh said, may speak to a different audience, but could also show a lack of confidence. That makes sense; it was 100% standard-issue presidential attire. New York, First of all, allow me to congratulate you on this Great blog. His stepping things up to a Stresemann (or stroller if you must) played to both his stardust image and his cultural pose. In high-stakes politics and business, there are only two colors of ties: red and blue. Debonair looks too good on you to second guess. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. HW is his father. Greetings! Should You Wear Flashy Dress Shoes & Spectators? Ultimately, Fresh said the tailoring on Bidens suits and details like pocket squares make him look more youthful, confident and ready. Penetrating psychological insight there Kathy! Mr. Reagan was a Hollywood actor from the elegant days of studio-enforced style. What a shame that political bias influence this otherwise informational and fun site. Which is part of his secret to getting so much done. His suit was likewise Ralph Lauren made by Hickey Freeman. I feel such an event merits that kind of dress. Thanks for all the work tracking down the images. Ironically, most people focus on where the clothes are made, but I would guess they cost less than his watch. The one he projected, for example, was based on the simplicity of a straight, narrow-necked sack made by Brooks Brothers. For brainstorming and other creative tasks, blue cues prompted participants to produce twice as many creative outputs compared with red cues. (Here's more science on why everyone should wear red.) His presidency ended following his defeat in the 1980 presidential election by Republican Ronald Reagan. Reagan referred to America as a shining light, presumably in a darkened world. Have you taken. The Democrats may have decided on "red" during the election, as Clinton's running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine donned a red tie during the first vice presidential debates on Oct. 4, while Trump's running mate, then-Indiana governor Mike Pence sported a blue necktie. Pitiful trolls criticizing a giant. Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2009 and updated in 2017. Lyndon Johnson habitually wore tab collar shirts, boring skinny ties, and unremarkable, plain suits as President, despite previously fashionable phase. The ties to red and blue go way back. I have one something like that which came from the J. Peterman catalog sp 20 years ago. Blue (the other preferred tie color of choice for business and politics) is now thought to boost creativity. Youll see I wear only gray or blue suits, [Obama] said. Thankfully hes tall and in good physical shape so, even though his clothes are not custom made or even made-to-measure, as least Ive never read anything that says he buys anything other than off-the-rack, he does wear his clothes rather well. Of course a poliitician should not dress like a king, nevertheless I dont think that a morning coat would be out of touch, especially since this is a single festive event in a term. Most experiments were conducted on computers with a screen that was red, blue or white. The 2009 study in Science supports this idea. President Harding in a light colored overcoat with a fur collar. Why does the president always wear a blue suit? Some people may think it is elitist for a president to wear an expensive suit, at the same time he represents the USA and the cost of a suit, even if it costs $5,000 is so marginal compared to the other expenses he incurs. Ulysses S. Grant wore once again a black tailcoat with a black bow tie, and for his ball, people were not allowed to wear overcoats, hats or canes, which must have been the exception to the rule back then. The majority of the time, however, Obama wears either a blue or gray suit. I do not want to have to choose what I like or seen because I have many other important decisions to make. One of the things he talked about was a study that showed that even mundane choices in our daily lives, e.g., choosing the clothes to wear on any given day, requires a significant amount of brain activity. A study last year found red clothes on women makes men feel more amorous towards them. Bidens suit sits right on the shoulder, which allows the chest to sit right, the sleeve to fall beautifully.. He was famed for his fondness for bright-colored shirts and bow-ties. I am totally flabbergasted that no one has corrected Mr. Trumps tie and sleeve lengths, and instructed him to use the top button of his suit coat. Terms & Conditions. We asked Mr Davide Taub, head cutter at Gieves & Hawkes, to help us understand how men of power use their tailoring to do (at least some of) the talking for them. Then Mr. Bush realized that everyone but him wore a Kevlar vest beneath their layers of Brooks Brothers tailoring! One of the things you realize fairly quickly in this job is that there is a character people see out there called Barack Obama. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Agreement. And the fact it was headquartered in Chicago also influenced his decision. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I'm trying to lower my choices. Eisenhower in 1953 wearing a roomy, double breasted overcoat. "Thanks to stop signs, emergency vehicles and teachers' red pens, we associate red with danger, mistakes and caution," Zhu said. There varied colors of shoes that a woman can wear with a navy blue suit. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On his way to the 1989 Inaugural, George H.W. On it there are four examples of styles. However, Obama knows how to wear a suit and he wears it well. But the president tells Lewis he sticks to wearing blue, gray and black suits not out of a lack of style or adventure, but to save his mind for other decisions. AP Five years later, however, Tan Suit Gate has taken on a different meaning, coming to symbolise the relative dearth of scandals during the Obama administration. Barack Obama has declared that he is not a fan of fashion. Stripes that go the other way as on virtually all of Barack Obamas striped tiesare English-style. This goes for the leaders clothes as well. Bring back the stroller suit, top hat and all that!

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