If there’s one item we made sure to offer for not-so-tall guys, it’s the classic white button-up shirt. Not only is white a universally flattering shirt fabric for all skin tones, it can serve as a foundation for any outfit and pant pairings. Throw a pullover sweatshirt over it. Wear it alone with khaki chinos. Layer a T-shirt underneath. The classic white shirt can morph from weekend casual to office casual easily.

Our Everyday Stretch Shirt is made from a soft poplin with a hint of stretch. This version of our white shirt lineup is perhaps our most versatile as it does not have a button-down collar. This means it can be dressed up with a navy blazer for a business meeting. Button-down collars are traditionally more casual, though some men intentionally wear them in more formal settings too. 

The white Weekend Shirt is, well, for the weekend. With a button-down collar and front chest pocket, this is our most casual white shirt.  If you work in a creative profession or tech start up, it can also serve you Monday through Friday too. The design has a shorter length that our Everyday Shirts so that its shirtails fall perfectly below the waistline for a flattering untucked look. Quite often we see shorter men wearing button-up shirts with lengths that are too long to wear untucked, so we’ve addressed that issue head on.

Our bestselling Everyday Shirt in white is the shirt we turn to most often. This 100 percent cotton shirt can really be worn in any situation, tucked or untucked. Trust us, if you are the only man in the room wearing a crisp white button up over a T-shirt, you will get noticed for all the right reasons. We own several of these shirts too and they are chosen in our weekly rotation quite often.

If you're in need of a more formal option, our Easy Care Dress Shirt is a great alternative to our staple Premium Dress Shirt. The Easy Care Dress Shirt is the simplest way to maintain a crisp, wrinkle-free look. It's made of 80s 2-ply cotton in both pinpoint oxfords and poplins. Like all of our shirts, it features properly scaled details, and proper fitting sleeve and body length. Tumble dry low or hang to dry! Either way, there's no iron needed. 

Here's an example of the biggest no-no in button up shirts: Big, billowy sleeves and body cut.

Outfit ideas

Navy blazer and chinos

Dressing smart without trying too hard is an art. An easy way to achieve the right look is to go for the classics. A navy blazer, white shirt and chinos is a tried-and-true combination that can be dressed up with a tie and leather lace-ups or dressed down with white sneakers. You can choose more understated colors for your chinos or go bolder because the white shirt serves a foundation to complement your pants, whether they are olive or bright red. Modern penny loafers are a solid shoe choice. Bonus points if you throw in a chambray pocket square.

Jeans and canvas sneakers

One of the keys to nailing this look is not to wear pure white sneakers. We like an off-white or cream canvas sneaker such as this Chuck Taylor classic or just a low-top, neutral pair of kicks. For jeans, we like a dark wash for a more put-together look. Dark rinse denim is a foundational item that always leaves an impression that you care about your appearance. 

Untucked with grey wool pants

Wool pants are often thought of as strictly for dressier occasions. We are here to tell you that you can wear wool pants in the fall and winter in any situation. As we mentioned, you will get noticed by elevating your pants choice in a casual environment. Our Everyday Stretch white shirt works here untucked. Some rugged brown lace-up boots from a brand such Red Wing or Thursday Boot Co. make the wool pants less dressy.

Ben Leschins is a NYC-based men’s lifestyle blogger and style consultant. He loves spreading his knowledge of menswear to up and coming young professionals and has an interest in ethical fashion.

When you're building your adult wardrobe, you'll come to learn there are a few items where spending a little extra money goes a long way.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned menswear veteran, knowing where to invest in your wardrobe is the best lifelong fashion hack.

As a man of modest stature, building a wardrobe on a reasonable budget has added difficulty because it's impossible to find quality clothes that are cut proportionally.

It's as if companies are intentionally not making clothes for shorter men. Think of it as a tailor tax, an added cost for the tailoring and the additional time it takes when you could have been wearing it off the rack.

Thankfully, Peter Manning has you covered with all of the basics as well as the investment pieces.  You can rest assured you’re receiving a top tier product that's cut proportionally and ready to wear out the door.

Here are the top 5 investment pieces for your wardrobe:

The Leather Jacket

When you think of the word badass when it comes to menswear, what comes to mind? For me, it’s without a doubt a leather jacket!

The leather jacket is the personification of swagger, only outside of Broadway Joe Namath’s fur coat.

You’ll know that you’ve found a high quality leather jacket when it’s soft to the touch and uses minimal pieces of hide and stitching.

Most leather jackets that you can find for cheap are actually not made of leather, and it shows. After normal wear and tear, the 'fabric' will start to flake away.

Sizing is also difficult for guys like us.  We often choose a smaller size because the sleeve length is better, but it ends up being too tight.  On the other hand, when sizing up, everything feels too big and completely out of proportion.  It’s a no win situation.

And while it is possible to alter a leather jacket, we don't recommended it, because it’s risky and can be expensive.

The lambskin leather jacket by Peter Manning is made from 100% full grain New Zealand lambskin and cut proportionally, to fit you right.  It'll be the best-fitting leather jacket you've tried, I promise.

High Quality Denim

Denim pants hold an interesting role in a man’s wardrobe. They’re a highly used and a versatile garment, but most of us overlook investing in quality.

You’ll notice in poor quality jeans that the stitching is shoddy which can cause frayed edges. Additionally a fabric of lesser quality is thin and susceptible to visible defects, such as tears and puckering.

Peter Manning’s jeans are made from quality denim of a proper weight (10.5-12.5oz).  They are pre-washed to feel soft and broken-in, when you put them on for the first time, but will maintain their structural rigidity with wearing.

With 3 different fits (standard/slim/skinny), 4 washes, and inseams from 26-30 inches, your jeans will take on a new life and be a stylish ninja.

Merino Wool Sweaters

Great for the office, home or home office, the merino wool sweater is a classic menswear staple, and not just for dressing up.

Merino wool is widely recognized as one of the more luxurious yet soft, breathable and comfortable fabrics to wear.

The main problems with low quality merino wool sweaters is that they pill too easily.

Sure you can use a fabric shaver but that will only go so far and by doing so, you end up removing fabric from the garment which will make it thinner, eventually wearing it out.

For shorter men, sweaters can be frustrating to fit when it comes to sleeve length, the most common complaint with a more regularly cut garment. Alterations can be done to the merino wool sweater, but as with the leather jacket, it's risky and expensive.  And who has the time?!

That’s why Peter Manning sources its wool from famed Italian mill, Zegna-Baruffa.  Luxuriously soft and lightweight, as well as machine washable (say what?!), this fabric will keep you warm and looking good.  And a proper-fitting cut (shorter sleeves and body) will insure you're looking dapper as well!

A Navy Suit

Think of the navy suit as your menswear Swiss Army knife.

Just because a suit is traditionally worn with a shirt and tie doesn’t mean you always have to wear it this way. To see different ways to style a suit casually, click here.

Of the essential pieces in your wardrobe, the navy suit is among the most versatile of them all.  Formal enough for job interviews and casual enough for a night on the town, dress pants and jackets, if done right, can be a lot of fun.

The main issue with off the rack suiting isn’t just the fit, but often an uninformed salesperson, who struggles with sizing.  The result is an ill-fitting jacket and pants combo that needs a ridiculous amount of tailoring, and which has a matching purchase price to boot.

Suit fabrics and construction are also critical to understand.  Lower quality fabrics and/or poor construction won’t feel as good or drape as nicely, and certainly won't last as long.

Peter Manning suits are made from 100% Italian wool (Super 110-130's) that is ideal for year round use, and they're done in a contemporary cut (not too baggy!) but with timeless style (two-button closure, double vents, modest lapels) to last for years to come.

The Wool Topcoat

If the navy suit is the Swiss Army knife of menswear, the wool topcoat takes reign as the Swiss Army knife of outerwear. And just like the navy suit, the wool topcoat suffers from the same fit issues.

The wool overcoat by Peter Manning has the correct sleeve and body length to fit you just right (and without any alterations).  It is also blended with cashmere and made with a sturdy Bemburg lining, for a super luxury look and feel.  Available in four great colors, with contrasting collars, it's really a can't-miss item.

Style it over a suit or a sweater and you’ve got sophistication and panache on lockdown.

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With these 5 essential items, the number of outfit combinations is endless.  If you can't afford them all, start with one.  You'll be on your way to building a wardrobe full of quality pieces that will keep you looking good, no matter the situation.  

There’s one major limitation when it comes to buying jeans with longer inseams and getting them hemmed: you can’t just trim off the leg bottoms and restitch them like a pair of chinos. The original hems should be maintained and resewn onto your jeans because the weight of this hem will keep your pants falling in the right way and looking as they should. It’s a relatively expensive tailoring job and it doesn’t always look so great after it’s done.

So, here at Peter Manning NYC we continuously refine our denim so that as a shorter man, you can buy your jeans and just wear them. No $30 upcharge or wait times with an in-demand tailor.

Our jean inseams start at 26” which equates to a perfect fit for a range of heights. These inseams aren’t offered anywhere else in a quality denim product. You can fine tune your fit preferences to suit your personal style, but we recommend starting with jeans with just a bit of break (the amount of fabric laying over the top of your shoes). That way you can accommodate for shrinking, especially if you choose to machine dry your denim. Our team recommends washing your jeans only when really needed (in the delicate cycle!) and hanging them to dry. This combination preserves the lifespan of your jeans without being overly precious with them.

It’s not just the length

A few other brands do offer jeans with shorter inseams, but for the most part, it’s just a 28” inseam that’s offered with a very limited waist size range. In contrast, our jeans come in a full range of inseams and waist sizes and, most importantly, have been designed from the ground up to fit a ‘not-so-tall’ guy’s proportions. It’s not just cutting off the legs, the wearer of our jeans gets a redesign of the rise, the knee break and other important details. It’s like custom-tailored, but without the tailor! 

Our shorter inseam jeans are not simply an afterthought tacked onto the same jean designed for taller men. When you pull on a pair of PMNYC jeans, you’ll immediately feel the difference. It’s like sliding on a really great fitting pair of shoes—your body provides instant feedback.

How do you like to wear your jeans?

 While our recommendation to shoot for little or no break works for most situations, you can choose an inseam that suits your personal style. A lot of our team members like to cuff their jeans, for the look and effect of adding even more weight to the bottom of the pants. If you want to cuff your jeans, order an inseam 1” longer than your normal pants length. That way the cuff remains neat and doesn’t ride too high. 

If you enjoy wearing boots and high-top sneakers, you may consider ordering jeans with an inseam that is 1” shorter than your standard length. A lot of us have jeans just to wear with boots. An inseam that falls right around the top of a boot shows off the silhouette of your boots or high-top sneakers, and you don’t get that stacked look with inseams that are longer. Remember, if you are on the shorter side, it’s crucial to keep your entire look as streamlined as possible. Even our Standard Fit jeans aren’t overly roomy.

How to measure your inseam

For years, you’ve probably assumed that your inseam is 30” because that’s the shortest inseam available from most brands. But it’s typically too long for our guys. To find your true inseam, put on a pair of jeans and cuff them to a length where the hem hits the top of your shoes. Lay them flat on the floor and measure the length from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. This is the inseam measurement that serves as your guide.

If there's one piece of 'advice' that we're all tired of hearing through the years, it's that shorter men should never wear stripes. You've probably heard it too, and maybe you've avoided them because the voice in the back of your head says it's a bad idea. Take it from us at PMNYC (this is sort of our wheelhouse), any and every 'not-so-tall' man should be wearing stripes.

The common sentiment is that shorter men should stick to simple vertical stripes alone, and avoid all horizontal stripes. The conversation should really be steered away from the directionality of stripes and focus on the size of the stripes. For the style-savvy, this shouldn't come as a surprise because you likely already apply this principle to other prints. Smaller dots over bigger dots, smaller plaid over bigger plaid, and now narrower stripes over wider stripes. Keep your stripes proportional to your build and you'll be golden.

With all of that said, if you're not convinced, here are 3 more reasons you should be incorporating stripes into your wardrobe.

1. They don't need additional layers

There's no denying that layering is a fantastic way to add depth to simple outfits. But, if the weather calls for losing layers or you're just looking for something that says enough without saying too much, stripes fit the bill. Our new PMNYC Cotton Quarter Zip Sweaters, designed with proper sleeve and body length, are a great example of a striped piece that can stand on its own!

2. It's subtle yet distinctive

Patterns are great for adding visual flare to an otherwise plain outfit. Checks, plaids and prints can set you apart from the crowd; but if that's not your vibe or you're looking for a quieter way to show off your style, stripes will do the trick. They provide a little more visual interest than, and are a nice alternative to, the traditional solid color sweaters we all own. 

3. They can be dressed up!

You have probably seen stripes worn casually on a regular basis, but they're also a great pattern to wear a little (or a lot) more formally. Toss on a striped sweater underneath a blazer for an elevated look. Or, if the opportunity arises, you can't go wrong with a Pinstripe Essex Suit either. Don't overcomplicate them, stripes are really that versatile.

The holidays always present us with some sartorial challenges, and they will even more so this year, as we deal with the ongoing pandemic. Looking proper while working, perhaps working from home, lounging, decorating, cooking meals, opening gifts and socializing with family, requires a bit more thought than normal. Well, we're here to help and we make it easy. It starts with proper-fitting clothes in fact. For inspiration to look your best while staying ready for any and all occasions, look no further. These eight holiday outfits have you covered.

Outfit #1 Flannel and Jeans

An easy one to pull off, a simple Everyday Flannel paired with skinny fit jeans is comfortable and seamless. Flannel is the consummate fall fabric, taking you anywhere from afternoon strolls to evenings by the fire. For a little extra warmth, toss on a PMNYC Lightweight Down Jacket.

Outfit #2 Stripes

If plaid isn't your pattern, try stripes! And don't be afraid of the horizontal ones. If done properly, they're perfectly appropriate for our guys. Our new Cotton Quarter Zip Sweaters offer a simple design with everyday wearability. Pair them with a Chambray Shirt, Waxed Jacket, and Tan Kittredge Cords for another sharp yet casual look, incorporating more classic fall fabrics and colors.

Outfit #3 Navy Monochrome

One good indicator of a stylish man? One who can pull off the monochromatic outfit. Sounds easy, but is often butchered, because without the right shades of the same color, it can quickly go wrong. We like navy this season, and in this case, all you need are three basic pieces, and they're super versatile: a pair of dark wash jeans, a navy Crew Neck Sweater, and a navy Winter Parka. Add a pop of white with a white Everyday Shirt to finish the outfit off.

Outfit #4 Dressed-Up Without a Suit

We love that 'dressing up' no longer has to involve a suit (or even a sport coat). If dinner plans call for a more formal look, consider this outfit. Start with grey flannel Dress Pants and a white Easy Care Dress Shirt. Toss on a colorful tie (have some fun with it) and then a navy V-Neck Zegna Merino Wool Sweater. If venturing outside in chilly temps, top it off with a charcoal topcoat (see what we did there?).

Outfit #5 Dressed-Up With a Suit

Dress jacket and pants (or full suits) are still the easiest way to manage more formal holiday occasions. In this case, you can't go wrong with our perfect-straight-out-of-box navy pinstripe Essex Suit. Match it with a blue Easy Care Dress Shirt and a navy Winter Parka for another warm, monochromatic look that'll take you straight from freezing temperatures to a formal family function. Tie or no tie.

Outfit #6 Bundled-Up

For those that run cold, you'll appreciate this outfit. Navy pinstripe Essex Dress Pants and a grey Wool Shawl Collar Sweater provide a cozy and sophisticated base. A navy topcoat completes the outfit fairly well, but to really add some depth (and even more warmth), finish with our rust plaid Merino Wool Scarf, designed to be the perfect length and pattern for the Peter Manning man.

Outfit #7 With a Blazer

Blazers are a great way to quickly elevate an otherwise casual outfit. That makes this look perfect to transition from helping out in the kitchen to joining in for the holiday photos. Start with our grey flannel Essex Dress Pants (the ultimate fall pant), add a burgundy grey gingham Everyday Oxford and let the pattern poke out of a black Cotton Pullover. Finish the look with a perfect-fitting navy blazer.

Outfit #8 A Warm Weather Option

For those lucky enough to be enjoying the holidays in warmer climates, we are jealous, but have options for you too! Brown Everywhere Pants and a black watch plaid Everyday Oxford are a great pairing that works as is, or dressed up with a lightweight Unstructured Linen Jacket.

(Bonus!) Outfit #9 Early Morning Lounging

Too many of us have historically avoided PJs because they never fit properly, and man were we missing out! For those early mornings unwrapping gifts or just kicking back after a long day and a big meal, our grey plaid flannel Pajama Pants and white Vintage Crew T-Shirt are a cozy and comfy option. And they'll fit great - guaranteed!