Elvis Presley's Iconic Style: The Stories Behind the Jumpsuits and Suits

A new Graceland book is giving fans a closer look at the iconic outfits Elvis Presley wore on stage between 1969 and 1976, along with some of the little-known stories behind them.

Elvis Presley’s music defined an era, and his signature style was a class of its own. From iconic jumpsuits to statement suits, here are some of the most interesting stories behind them.

A new hardcover book, "From the Graceland Archives: The Jumpsuit Anthology," was released in August 2026, documenting Presley’s iconic stage outfits between 1969 and 1976. The 320-page book featured the works of Presley’s go-to designer Bill Belew, who began working with the King of Rock and Roll on his 1968 NBC special and would eventually be responsible for many of his concert and daily outfits.

Elvis Presley performing on stage in 1974 | Source: Getty Images

From Tunics to Jumpsuits

Presley’s tunics and jumpsuits were born in Las Vegas after returning to the city following his successful NBC special in 1968. Set to perform for four weeks at The International Hotel, Presley and his manager Colonel Parker decided to develop a look that would make him stand out among Vegas acts, resulting in his tunics. This eventually evolved into his signature jumpsuits, which he debuted during another Vegas residency in 1970.

Elvis Presley performing at the Las Vegas International Hotel in August 1969 | Source: Getty Images

According to the book, as reported by People, the one-piece ensembles were "designed to enhance Elvis' stage presence” and became a “defining part of his image.” From earlier jumpsuits that used fabric that was very hot to wear, Belew switched to wool gabardine, which made it easier for Presley to move in and worked well with studs and stones.

Elvis Presley performing in a white studded suit in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

The Eagle Jumpsuit and a Cape That Was Too Heavy

On January 14, 1973, Presley took the stage in Honolulu for a milestone show, "Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite," the first concert to air live via satellite. At Presley's request, Belew made a patriotic jumpsuit with an eagle design, then added a long cape that reached the calves. Unfortunately, the cape was so heavy that Presley fell while trying it on. Belew’s team quickly developing a waist-length cape instead, and mailed it to Hawaii within 24 hours.

Elvis Presley during a live performance at Honolulu International Center in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 14, 1973 for his NBC special, "Aloha from Hawaii" | Source: Getty Images

The jumpsuit became a classic look, appearing in the special and on its soundtrack cover. According to Belew, acts like the Jacksons and the Osmonds were soon asking him to design for them too.

By the mid-70s, Presley’s outfits evolved into lighter, less ornate pieces, making it easier to perform, with embroidery as the main design feature.

Elvis Presley performing in Las Vegas in December 1975 | Source: Getty Images

The Suits That Made History

Belew also developed some of Presley’s memorable suits, including the all-black leather one he wore for the ‘68 Comeback Special. With denim everywhere at the time, Belew wanted to give that look an edgier feel, so he used leather. The look made such a strong impression that some fans remember a “biker Elvis” who never really existed.

Elvis Presley wearing all-black leather for the '68 Comeback Special on December 3, 1968 at NBC Studios in Burbank, California | Source: Getty Images

Though he rarely wore it, Presley’s gold lamé suit by Nudie Cohn, which he wore for an album cover, was reportedly a $10,000 tuxedo that actually cost $2,500. There are only three known photos where the full tuxedo is shown. He would often wear the jacket with black slacks, making it less flashy.

Elvis Presley wearing the gold lamé suit by Nudie Cohn in 1957 | Source: Getty Images

Long before the jumpsuits, in 1956, when Presley was asked why he dressed the way he did, he said, "I just like nice clothes, that's all.” Turns out, nice was synonymous with iconic in Presley’s vocabulary.