Denim and suede suit jacket and bellbottoms worn by Charley Pride

Smithsonian Collections

Description: This denim jean jacket (a) and bell-bottom jeans (b) with suede patchwork details were worn by Charley Pride. The blue jean jacket (a) is cut straight with full-length sleeves and a fold-over collar with exaggerated pointed lapels. It closes at the center front with four (4) round metal buttons that have the text "KEMINGTON / 20 / GA / EXPRESS" engraved around them. Rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim are sewn on the front and back yoke. There are two (2) patch pockets, one at each front chest, with pointed flaps that close using one (1) button each, though the button on the proper right pocket is missing. The cuff of each sleeve closes with two (2) buttons each. The jacket is not lined. There is a size tag at the interior center back neck.; The bell-bottom blue jeans have side panels on each leg made from rectangular patches of tan, brown, and ochre suede with blue denim, matching the yoke decoration on the jacket (a). The pants close at the center front waist with a metal zipper, one (1) metal snap, and one (1) metal hook-and-eye. There is one (1) inset pocket at the proper right front waist. The pants are not lined.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charley Pride

Medium: jacket: cotton denim, suede, and metal;; pants: cotton denim, suede, and metal
Dimensions: H x W (jacket): 30 1/2 x 20 in. (77.5 x 50.8 cm); Inseam (pants): 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm); Jacket on Form: 30 1/2 x 25 x 14 1/2 in. (77.5 x 63.5 x 36.8 cm)

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Musical Crossroads
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Topic: African American; Clothing and dress; Country (Music); Instrumentalists (Musicians); Singers (Musicians)

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