Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is known for many things: his progressive politics, his towering height, his straight-shooting style—and, most of all, his wardrobe of hoodies and basketball shorts.
So when he showed up on Capitol Hill this week in a full-on suit, jaws dropped. Seriously, people had to do a double take.
From Hoodie to High Fashion (Well, Kind Of)
On Thursday, Fetterman ditched his usual casual wear for a sleek suit and tie as he walked the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
The occasion? Supporting fellow Pennsylvanian Republican Senator Dave McCormick, who was delivering his first speech on the Senate floor.
The two even posed for a bipartisan photo together, all smiles and well-dressed.
Always quick with a quip, Fetterman joked about his transformation, saying, “It’s all A.I.” (Hey, at least he’s self-aware.)
The Internet Has Thoughts—and Plenty of Them
It didn’t take long for social media to catch fire with commentary about Fetterman’s new look.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), reactions were all over the place.
Some praised the glow-up, while others weren’t sure what to make of it.
One user, @pambesteder, asked, “Why does Fetterman wear a suit to this but not to Trump’s Inauguration? Has he realized the ridiculousness of not dressing professionally as a Senator?” Another, Johnny Midnight, added sarcastically, “Finally Fetterman can afford a suit! He sure has changed in the last year or so.”
But not everyone was critical. @joannesnyder64 simply wrote, “@JohnFetterman you look great in a suit!! Please wear it more often.”
And @KimberlyReich admitted she didn’t even recognize him at first glance.
A History of Dress Code Drama
Fetterman’s casual dress style has been a hot topic since he entered the Senate.
In 2023, shortly after his arrival, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made headlines for temporarily relaxing the chamber’s dress code—just for him. That policy didn’t last long.
Within a week, senators passed the SHORTS Act (yes, that’s really what it was called), officially requiring business attire for men—meaning a coat, tie, and slacks.
Schumer explained at the time, “Though we’ve never had an official dress code, the events over the past week have made us all feel as though formalizing one is the right path forward.”
Fetterman, with his usual dry humor, responded by posting a meme and promising he’d comply.
And to be fair, he has—on occasion.
Suits Aren’t Completely New to Him
Believe it or not, this wasn’t the first time Fetterman wore a suit in public.
He suited up for important moments like his Senate swearing-in ceremony and when he presided over the chamber for the first time.
However, one high-profile event that didn’t get the formalwear treatment was Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration.
The Senator opted not to wear a suit to that, which, unsurprisingly, raised a few eyebrows.
He did wear one when he was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, so clearly the man owns more than one hoodie.
So What’s the Verdict?
Whether Fetterman’s sharp new look is a one-time thing or a sign of a sartorial shift, one thing’s for sure—people are paying attention.
Maybe it’s just a gesture of bipartisan unity, or maybe the Senator’s just mixing it up for fun.
Either way, Washington isn’t used to seeing John Fetterman in a tailored suit. And that, in itself, is making headlines.