Skip to main content

JFK’s Hawaiian Shirt Sold at Auction for How Much Exactly?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s no secret that John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, had impeccable style.

Recommended Videos

With his perfectly cut suits, sleek hair, and ability to nail the tuxedo look, JFK’s grooming and wardrobe not only helped him stand-out against the sartorial blandness of past presidents but also helped to elevate the position of president itself. Combine that with his wife’s beauty and brains and his picture-perfect children, and it’s no wonder the American people wound up referencing the Kennedy White House as a modern-day Camelot (all adultery aside).

This week, one of JFK’s own Hawaiian shirts went on the auction block at LiveAuctioneers, with the expectation that the highest bids would be somewhere in the $20,000 range. With its origins in the estate of Kennedy family financial advisor and friend, Thomas J. Walsh, this Hale Hawaii shirt actually and literally came to be into Mr. Walsh’s possession right off of JFK’s back.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

As LiveAuctioneers states, “The President asked Tom Walsh to have an informal meeting with him out by the pool in Palm Springs,” which is pretty badass in its own right, “however, Mr. Walsh did not bring any garments suitable for pool lounging. Due to his lack of appropriate pool attire, the President gave Mr. Walsh his Hawaiian shirt. It was during this December 1961 meeting on the pool deck in Palm Beach that Kennedy gave Walsh the Hawaiian-style shirt that is offered here.”

That whole situation just seems so JFK. Of course, he’d give you the Hawaiian shirt off his back, that’s just the type of cool-ass dude he was.

A closer look at the shirt reveals “John. F. Kennedy” in red on the inside tag, along with typical Hawaiian shirt details such as hula girls, flowers, fruits, and palm trees.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

So, the moment you’ve been waiting for: What was the final cost?

The auction for JFK’s Hawaiian shirt ended February 20, 2019, with the final winning bid coming in at a mere $5,500. While this might seem like a lot of money for a nearly 60-year-old shirt (even if it was owned by a former president), the winning bid was only a quarter the estimate and must have been a huge disappointment to Mr. Walsh’s estate. However, considering that JFK’s official Air Force bomber jacket sold in 2013 for $629,000, whoever bought this shirt may have just scored the memorabilia deal of the century.

For a closer look at JFK’s fashion and grooming life, learn more about his favorite cologne.

Chase McPeak
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more
The Mirabel GMT is the sleek, functional watch built for modern explorers
The Heron Mirabel GMT: Swiss Precision Meets Affordable Luxury for Travelers
The Mirabel GMT up close

Watch lovers are innately drawn to the value and precision that a Swiss timepiece possesses, and the Heron Watches Mirabel GMT brings exceptional value and prestige at an affordable entry point. Bringing together the finest materials, true GMT function, and sleek design, it is a standout in every way – and for only $690.

Swiss precision and affordable luxury 

Read more
This Salomon collab turns the XA PRO 3D into wearable art for the trails
Salomon releases new collaborative sneaker
salomon rust trail sneaker

When it comes to a trail sneaker, you’ll want to ensure it is both functional and stylish. While a chic sneaker comes in handy for everyday use, a trail-ready sneaker should be able to keep you comfortable on any adventure. While Salomon knows how to fuse both successfully, their latest collaboration with South Korean designer J EONGL I adds another level of style and practicality to it. Inspired by the passage of time, this new collaboration comes in two colorways that perfectly capture the inspiration of eroded cliffs and fossils. Both monochromatic versions feature a sculptural style and footwear technology that’ll catch anyone’s attention on the trails or city streets. 

Salomon and J EONGL I give the XA PRO 3D a bold update

Read more