This blue wool coat is part of a suit of regimentals made for President George Washington in 1789. It has a buff wool rise-and-fall collar, buff cuffs and lapels, and buff lining; there is a row of yellow metal buttons on each lapel, as well as on each cuff. The waistcoat and breeches are matching buff wool, with gilt buttons. This uniform was worn by President Washington from 1789 until his death in 1799. The small clothes, or breeches and waistcoat, date from the revolutionary period.

Washington often posed for life portraits during this period, and was often depicted wearing this uniform. None of his uniforms from the Revolutionary War period are known to have survived. As the leader of the Continental Army, Washington wanted troops to present themselves as a professional military organization, and a proper uniform was one way of showing a unified front. In commemoration of Washington’s attention to detail, the colors of blue and buff remained the accepted pattern for United States Army uniforms until the beginning of the Civil War.

Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He served as president from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797.