See George Washington's Original Clothing

During the semiquincentennial of the United States, take the rare opportunity to view three garments that George Washington wore and that embody his philosophy on dress.

These pieces include a red wool waistcoat on loan from the New Hampshire Historical Society, alongside a white cotton and linen waistcoat with breeches and a blue wool coat from the Mount Vernon collection.

Discover How Style Reflected a New Nation's Identity

The exhibition offers a direct, tangible connection to Washington’s lifetime while also symbolizing his vision for the nation, with the garments presented in red, white, and blue.

The garments reflect Washington’s belief in “simplicity of dress,” favoring fine tailoring and high-quality materials over showy decoration. 

The blue coat, made from cloth woven in the United States, also highlights his support of early American manufacturing at a time when the young nation was working to establish its independence not only politically, but economically and culturally.