CHICAGO, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Chicago retailers say a growing number of shoppers have begun requesting the navy blue Hartmax suit typically worn by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

The Chicago Sun-Times said Wednesday the two-button suit worn by the Democratic U.S. presidential nominee has suddenly become a fashion hit as the general election swiftly approaches.


The presidential hopeful himself even bought five more of the tailored suits that typically sell for $1,500 each at Chicago department stores, the newspaper said.

Obama's new suits, three in gray and two in blue, are part of the suit-making company's Gold Trumpeter collection.

The Sun-Times said the new electoral fashion trend has even become so popular that Hartmarx Chief Executive Officer Homi Patel now owns four of the single-breasted Obama suits.