House of Cards Costume Designer Details Frank Underwood's Looks

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Image Credit: David Giesbrecht/Netflix

“Here he is speaking to a more intimate crowd. The suit is not quite a navy and not quite a slate blue. It’s a little bit of a happier blue. This choice also has to do with what’s going on with the production design. I have to think about what’s flattering, what balances out and what’s not too distracting. He’s also trying to be more relatable to people and when you are in a navy suit and a red tie, that says politician. This look says, ‘I’m not dressed down like one of you but I am one of you.’”
Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Image Credit: David Giesbrecht/Netflix

“If he is wearing something lighter or a bright blue it’s purposeful because he is trying to connect with an audience. This scene is after he spoke at a Baptist church. It’s sort of a happy occasion and he’s trying to connect with the congregation. It’s his Sunday best.”
Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Image Credit: David Giesbrecht/Netflix

“Here he’s coming from a press event and function before hand. Because I feel like grey is so dull I had to punch it up with a bright tie. Our show is shot very dark, so sometimes I have to choose subtle things to pop out a little. I don’t want him to look grey. It’s not always necessarily about what emotion he is trying to do. It’s also about balance and color.”
Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Image Credit: David Giesbrecht/Netflix

“We chose that specific look because it can’t look like it’s calculated. He doesn’t want to be in a suit. He is basically going to blackmail his own wife. I specifically picked that look because he doesn’t want to look like this situation is a contrived press event.”
Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

“I tend to do a dark navy suit and that burgundy tie when he needs to be taken seriously and he’s trying to provoke some sort of presence and power. I remember when President Obama wore that khaki suit last year and everyone thought, ‘He can’t declare war in a khaki suit.’” So I go for those darker suits and strong ties when he’s trying to make a point.”

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards” Season 4