Photograph of Harry S. Truman
Date: May 8, 1945 Creator: Harris & Ewing Medium: Photograph
President Harry S. Truman adjusts his bow tie during the celebration of his 61st birthday, a day which also marked his first full day living in the White House. During his presidency, Truman maintained his interest in clothing by purchasing tailor-made suits. Although this picture was taken in May 1945, the suit looks similar to one made for Truman in June 1945 by tailors James W. Bell & Company.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
Suit Pocket Label
Date: June 8, 1945 Creator: James W. Bell & Company, IncMedium: Unknown
This label comes from the bespoke suit made for Harry S. Truman in June 1945. Though well-established by this time, brand labels haven’t always been used on clothing. Charles Worth of the House of Worth is credited as establishing the custom of sewing branded labels into garments in the mid-to-late 1800s. By the 1940s, clothing labels were a representation of a company’s identity, helping customers recognize and connect with the brand and build consumer trust.
National Park Service Photo
Letter Detailing President Truman's Measurements
Date: June 11, 1945Creator: Julius F. Pitassy Medium: Paper
A 1945 letter from James W. Bell & Company to the White House includes a detailed record of his measurements. These measurements were used to create perfectly-fitted suits. However, taking measurements is only the first step in creating a suit. From this point, the suit would still have to be created to Truman’s specifications, and usually go through the alteration and fitting process. Another letter from September of the same year, from Kansas City tailor Stephen Brod, mentions that Brod plans to make Truman’s fall suits without fitting, as he was already familiar with Truman’s measurements.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
Suited to Lead: Harry Truman
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Photograph of Harry S. Truman
Date: May 8, 1945 Creator: Harris & Ewing Medium: Photograph
President Harry S. Truman adjusts his bow tie during the celebration of his 61st birthday, a day which also marked his first full day living in the White House. During his presidency, Truman maintained his interest in clothing by purchasing tailor-made suits. Although this picture was taken in May 1945, the suit looks similar to one made for Truman in June 1945 by tailors James W. Bell & Company.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA
Suit Pocket Label
Date: June 8, 1945 Creator: James W. Bell & Company, IncMedium: Unknown
This label comes from the bespoke suit made for Harry S. Truman in June 1945. Though well-established by this time, brand labels haven’t always been used on clothing. Charles Worth of the House of Worth is credited as establishing the custom of sewing branded labels into garments in the mid-to-late 1800s. By the 1940s, clothing labels were a representation of a company’s identity, helping customers recognize and connect with the brand and build consumer trust.
National Park Service Photo
Letter Detailing President Truman's Measurements
Date: June 11, 1945Creator: Julius F. Pitassy Medium: Paper
A 1945 letter from James W. Bell & Company to the White House includes a detailed record of his measurements. These measurements were used to create perfectly-fitted suits. However, taking measurements is only the first step in creating a suit. From this point, the suit would still have to be created to Truman’s specifications, and usually go through the alteration and fitting process. Another letter from September of the same year, from Kansas City tailor Stephen Brod, mentions that Brod plans to make Truman’s fall suits without fitting, as he was already familiar with Truman’s measurements.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum/NARA