United States of Trad: Robert F. Kennedy

It’s time for another United States of Trad post. This post will focus on a man from a family that are often considered to be American royalty; the Kennedys. When people think of the Kennedy men 9 out of 10 times it is of Jack, but me, I prefer Bobby. RFK had a more traditional style of dress than his brother.  He favored button-down collars, repp striped ties and even though he was rarely photographed in a 3/2 sack suit the shoulders of his jackets always looked very natural. I selected Bobby for this post not only on the merit of his clothing, but because I believe that he embodies the spirit that helps to define this style of dress. He was a man that cared deeply about his family and he was passionate about doing what he believed was right. As an admirer of Robert Kennedy I hope that you enjoy the pics below.

Edward and Robert Kennedy at Zoo 1938Bobby (left) and Edward Kennedy (center) at the zoo 1938.

Robert F. Kennedy Being Sworn in to Naval Academy at 17 1943Robert F. Kennedy Being Sworn in to Naval Academy at 17 in 1943.

Bobby Kennedy with wife 1957

Ethel and Bobby Kennedy in 1957.

Bobby Kennedy and family 1958Bobby Kennedy and family 1958.

John Kennedy and Bobby KennedyJohn and Bobby Kennedy in1960. I really like Bobby’s jacket in this pic.

Bobby Kennedy in 19611961

Judge Marshall,Javits & R. F. KennedyThat looks like a 3/2 roll there.

Bobby Kennedy and Roy Wilkins

Bobby Kennedy Repp Tie 1968Bobby Kennedy Repp Tie 1968

And always the family man…

Bobby Kennedy playing football with familyBobby Kennedy playing football with family in 1966.

Robert F. Kennedy Playing Football with Children 1966More football pics.

Robert F. Kennedy with His Children in 1957The “family man”

Kennedy Family at the BeachKennedy Family at the Beach

Bobby Kennedy and dogA man and his dog.

oxford cloth button down
Jerrod Swanton is a simple man interested in simple, classic, and traditional style.

11 Comments on "United States of Trad: Robert F. Kennedy"

  1. leisureclass says:

    Nice post. I just saw the documentary ‘Ethel’ (which I recommend highly) and I was admiring RFK’s style the whole time.

  2. oxford cloth button down says:

    Leisureclass – Thanks. I was just reading about the “Ethel” doc. I definitely need to check it out. I have to say that I liked the Kennedys mini-series and the Kennedy home videos both of which are currently on Netflix.

  3. Steve E says:

    Royalty of what/whom? The man (the entire family) were/are pretentious phonies of the worst sort. I like you and your blog, but on this one I’ll pass.

  4. oxford cloth button down says:

    Steve E – I should have done a better job of writing that part. I meant to say that they are considered by some to be on the level of royalty in America since we really do not have a royal class. I myself do not put them on that pedestal.

  5. LIn says:

    A friend once told me that she thought my mother always dressed like Jackie Kennedy when we were kids (the 60″s). I thought that was a huge complement!

  6. Steve E says:

    @OCBD: Thanks for your calm response; this is a good blog.

  7. William Arnone says:

    I worked for RFK and really liked your collection – especially the photo of him giving the reverse peace sign, which I doubt he realized. Thank you for keeping his spirit and style alive. He was one of the very best.

  8. Suzanne says:

    The first picture of a man playing football isn’t Robert Kennedy. If you look closely you will see the man’s hair is parted on the opposite side from RFK’s. Also his nose is quite different from the Senator’s. I worked for six months on Senator Kennedy’s presidential campaign and met him twice.

  9. oxford cloth button down says:

    @SteveE – Thanks, I really appreciate that.

    @William Arnone – I am glad that you enjoyed the pics! It is reassuring to hear nice things about him from someone that worked for him.

    @Suzanne – Thanks for the insight. I thought that it was him in the first pic with his hair being pushed in the opposite direction by the wind. Also, it appears that both men are wearing the exact same outfit in both pictures. I will have to examine them closer. Thanks!

  10. Suzanne says:

    I see what you mean about the same outfit. Maybe it is the Senator but the face especially his nose which looks broader at the bridge doesn’t look like him – maybe because of the wind & being in motion. It was a privilege meeting him. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and was very kind and humble. Not what one expects from a politician.

  11. Kelly says:

    Bobby Kennedy was HOT!

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