Eighteenth-century waistcoats were made in many textures and colors that could easily be mixed with different combinations of coats and breeches, thus allowing men to vary their outfits with relative ease. Now faded, Washington's voided silk velvet waistcoat was originally lavender, black and cream. It offered a sharp visual contrast and compliment to the usual black velvet that he often wore during his presidential years. The versatility of this garment resulted in a long period of use and reuse, as seen in the repair on the side seam under the armseye.