The Recreation of Washington's Inaugural Suit
In 2023, Mount Vernon costumer Kathrin Breitt Brown began the task of recreating George Washington’s inaugural suit.
She reached out to Williamsburg’s master tailor, Mark Hutter, and together they embarked on a complex and highly detailed endeavor.
Reproduced from the Suit's Original Pattern
The suit’s original pattern, preserved through conservation studies, provided a road map. Years of additional documentation, including Washington’s original letters, offered historical breadcrumbs to ensure their reproduction was as close to the original as possible.
Created from Pendleton Woolen Mills Fabric
To achieve the historical accuracy and quality required, Breitt Brown needed a fabric that closely matched the original broadcloth wool—a role perfectly suited to Pendleton Woolen Mills.
As an American company with roots dating back to the 19th century, Pendleton is synonymous with quality woolen goods.
Mary Lang Bishop, Vice Regent for Oregon and a member of Pendleton Woolen Mills’ founding family, generously donated approximately nine yards of Pendleton’s wool flannel to help Mount Vernon’s historical costuming team bring Washington’s vision to life.
The Reproductions Will Be Displayed in 2026
Two suits were created and will be on display in our new George Washington exhibition that opens in 2026.
