‘I am 45 and founder and designer for Peter Manning Five Eight/New York, a clothing company for men 5’8″ and under. I was educated at public schools in Westchester, New York and received a BA from Columbia University. I have a spouse and a child. My spouse and I both love design and create beautiful places to live. My teenage daughter is finding her own style but she approves of mine. I was always more concerned about how things looked and what I wore compared to my siblings. My mother had great taste and always looked great. I love to read, and I go to the theater a lot. I love to cook and entertain. We have a place on an island in Maine and I love being there in the summer.

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

I have always loved clothes since I was little. As an adult it got harder to love clothes because nothing ever fit. I have always had a classic, preppy style. I am not interested in fads or fashion. I am interested in clothes that last and look great all the time. I am proud to say that there are very few pictures where I am embarrassed of what I am wearing. Most things I wore as a teenager I could still wear today. I have learned about style and fashion from looking. At everything. I have had the good fortune to live in New York City my entire adult life and so have been exposed to some of the great style icons and seen some of the most beautiful houses in the world.

The Peter Manning blazer, cut by tailors Martin Greenfield,

and PM dress pants by Hertling Trousers

My own dress is classic with a bit of modern flair. I like wearing jeans, blazers, oxfords. Easy clothes that can go anywhere. My company was born out of frustration that I could never find clothes that fit and the belief that there were others like me. In fact, there are NO clothiers catering to men of smaller sizes. It is appalling that this demographic has been ignored for so long. I am proud to be serving this customer and It turns out I was right. The response has been incredible. Men love our clothes because often they are receiving something that fits for the first time every. [My company’s house style is] Classic American Sportswear. I love our new Made in America jeans. It is the best jean I have ever worn. Our sweatpants are great and I wear them all the time and I love having ties that don’t hang too long.

PM sweatpants

Fit matters. A lot. If you cannot find clothes that fit you should get things tailored. Getting things scaled correctly, slim pants, shirts sleeves that are not too puffy, make such a difference in how you look and feel. Short men should never wear pleats, and pant cuffs cut the leg and should be avoided.’

PM everyday slim-fit shirt and jeans for men 5’8” and under

Photos: © Peter Manning

http://www.petermanningnyc.com/