Barack Obama is bringing back one of the most memorable fashion controversies of his presidency, jokingly defending his infamous tan suit more than a decade after it sparked a national debate.
During a campaign rally near Atlanta on October 28 for Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former president poked fun at the backlash he received for wearing the now-famous outfit in 2014.
“I’m old enough to remember when a president wearing a tan suit was a major national controversy,” the father of two told the cheering crowd. “They were very upset. And I know I looked good in the suit.”
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Barack Obama's Tan Suit Goes Viral
The comment quickly brought renewed attention to the outfit, which became an unexpected political talking point during Obama's second term.
On August 28, 2014, Obama wore a light tan suit designed by Martin Greenfield Clothiers during a White House press conference addressing the possibility of expanding the U.S. military response against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, in Syria.
Although the briefing focused on a serious national security issue, much of the subsequent media discussion centered on the president's wardrobe. Critics questioned whether the light-colored suit was too casual for the gravity of the subject matter, turning an otherwise ordinary fashion choice into a political controversy.
Among those who criticized the look were Republican Rep. Peter King and The New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman, who called the style 'too casual' and 'inappropriate.'
The Tan Suit Controversy
The tan suit controversy became one of the more unusual fashion moments of Obama's presidency, with the former president continuing to face jokes and references to the look years later.
In fact, the outfit has even inspired tributes. During the Obama Presidential Center grand opening in Chicago on June 18, attendees including Stephen Colbert and David Letterman wore tan suits in an apparent nod to the former president's infamous fashion moment.
Now, more than a decade after the original controversy, Obama seems perfectly happy to stand by his sartorial decision.
