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Peter Manning NYC Review: Read This Before You Buy (2022)

Published on October 1, 2022 by Brock McGoff · Product Reviews May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

This is an honest, long-term review of Peter Manning NYC, a clothing brand that makes classic American clothes for short men.

Peter Manning NYC review
Overall, Peter Manning NYC offers a classic, preppy aesthetic that’s geared toward older gents. Don’t expect slim, athletic fits or modern designs with this brand.

If you’re thinking about buying Peter Manning clothes, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve tried on just about everything Peter Manning NYC makes, from their t-shirts and jeans to their suits and outerwear.

There are a few Peter Manning pieces that still have a place in my closet, but I have to pass on most of their collection due to inconsistent fit, odd color/fabric choices, and high prices.

In this detailed, hands-on and unsponsored PMNYC review, I’ll show you how everything fits and give you my recommendation on what to buy and what to avoid.

About Peter Manning NYC

There are only a few brands that cater to short men. Peter Manning is one of these. In fact, they focus exclusively on men 5’8″ and under.

They’ve been around since 2012, but the original founder (Peter) is no longer involved in the company.

An online first brand with a physical showroom in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood, PMNYC carries shirts, pants, formalwear and outerwear.

The Peter Manning Aesthetic

Certain brands do a great job of creating a desirable overarching aesthetic, a collection of pieces that can be easily paired into an endless combination of stylish outfits.

Think J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, Everlane, Bonobos, ASKET, Taylor Stitch, Billy Reid, etc.

This isn’t easy. Brands that do this successfully rely on the direction of talented, trained stylists and creative directors who know how to match colors and fabrics to create a cohesive collection.

Menswear brands that are run by entrepreneurs, not fashion designers, tend to struggle with aesthetic and cohesion.

Peter Manning has this problem.

If you try on a bunch of things from Peter Manning NYC, you’ll likely find one or two items that work in your wardrobe. But it’s a difficult to build a 100% Peter Manning outfit without looking a bit…off.

This is due to a lack of contemporary fits, mismatches between product categories, and odd color/pattern choices.

Some of the colors they release are simply tough to match with anything:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peter Manning NYC (@petermanningnyc)

Others are okay on their own but don’t gel with the rest of the collection:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peter Manning NYC (@petermanningnyc)

Tonal schemes like red-on-red can work, but this washed out brick red henley doesn’t go with the bright red buffalo plaid shirt.

Bottom line: even if you’re into the PMNYC style (classic fit, preppy aesthetic), don’t assume every item from this brand can be worn together.

Peter Manning Everyday Shirts

Possibly the brand’s most popular product, this button up shirt falls somewhere between dressy and casual.

For me, it’s just short enough to wear untucked, but if I tuck it in, it’s a bit billowy around the waist.

Peter Manning Everyday Shirt fit
Size 1 Everyday Shirt tucked in

Peter Manning Everyday Shirt

The shirt is pre-washed, so it feels soft and broken in. It’s very comfortable.

Peter Manning shirt details

The sleeves are a bit roomy for my arms. I actually had a different Peter Manning Everyday Shirt tailored for a slimmer fit, and it looks much better.

Peter Manning Short Sleeve Shirt

I’ve also tried on Peter Manning’s short sleeve button up shirts.

Peter Manning short sleeve button up

Again, these are a bit boxy on my somewhat thin frame (I’m about 5’6″ and 125 lbs).

Peter Manning Indigo Short Sleever

But this one is a good length for wearing untucked, which in nice!

Peter Manning NYC Jeans

Peter Manning makes a few different styles of jeans, all available in shorter inseams. I’ve tried their standard, slim and skinny jeans.

Slim vs skinny jeans
As you can see, the slim is more like relaxed, and the skinny is more like straight.

I own two pairs of Peter Manning standard fit jeans, one dark blue and one medium blue (shown here). The length is good, but they’re not as slim as I’d like.

They do have a medium rise, which I prefer over low-rise pants, but the top block is too tight for athletic builds (i.e., the jeans are tight around the hips, especially in skinny fit).

Peter Manning medium blue jeans

The jean styles can feel a bit…classic. This is a good thing if you’re going for that #dadstyle look!

Peter Manning Polo Shirts

I’ve tried three different Peter Manning polos: the James Polo (a classic pique polo), the Pocket Polo, and the Long Sleeve Polo.

Of the three styles, my favorite would be the Pocket Polo due to the slimmer fit.

Grey polo with olive chinos

The James Polo is your standard pique polo. The body length is a bit shorter than polos you’ll find off the rack.

Brock-wearing-black-PM-James-Polo-rotated

The fit is standard (cut straight through the torso).

The Long Sleeve Polo didn’t fit as well on me.

Blue long sleeve polo 7

The shoulders were too wide and sleeves too long.

Note: PMNYC did release a new version of the LS polo, which was more fitted, but the forearms were impossibly tight (even on my skinny arms!).

Peter Manning T-Shirts

I’ve worn Peter Manning’s pima cotton tees for a while. The fit is okay, but I still prefer Uniqlo tees (which are way cheaper).

Pink t-shirt khaki shorts
With cuffed sleeves, the biceps fit a lot better. There’s still some extra fabric around the stomach, though.

On me, Peter Manning tees are tight around the biceps but loose in the midsection.

I’ve also noticed that the collars get wrinkly after a couple of washes, which can only be fixed by ironing (not something I’m willing to do).

PMNYC Chino Shorts

I have a pair of Peter Manning chino shorts that I got taken in for a slimmer fit, and they’re some of my favorite shorts.

Unaltered, PMNYC chino shorts feature a straight leg and wider leg opening:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peter Manning NYC (@petermanningnyc)

If you prefer this sort of traditional shorts fit, these might be a good fit for you, but check out this list of the best chino shorts first.

Tribeca Field Jacket

Like all Peter Manning outerwear, the Tribeca Field Jacket has a classic (boxy) fit.

Fortunately, it has internal drawstrings you can use to suppress the torso to your liking.

Tribeca field jacket back
You can see where the drawstring runs through the middle of the torso. I pretty much always use these to create a slimmer fit.

I do wish the sleeves were about 2″ shorter.

Jeans henley field jacket
If I cuff the sleeves on the Tribeca Field Jacket, the sleeve length is just right. Not cuffed, they’re about 2″ too long for my arms (size 1).

I find that this jacket looks much better if I cuff the sleeves, essentially hemming them by ~2 inches.

Peter Manning Leather Jacket

Despite the sleeves being about an inch too long, this is still the only non-custom leather jacket I’ve found with a workable sleeve length.

For that reason alone, I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of this jacket over the years.

PMNYC leather jacket

My one big gripe with the Peter Manning Lambskin Leather Jacket is the fit through the torso.

It’s a wide, boxy fit, especially on my svelte frame. Zipped up, there’s a lot of extra room, even if I’m wearing a couple layers underneath.

PM leather jacket 3
This Peter Manning leather jacket has a relaxed fit, which means it sits away from body, not against it.

Unzipped, it looks fine, but I still wish it was slim fit (like a leather jacket should be, in my opinion).

Also, the lambskin gets very wrinkly. I don’t mind this, but it’s something to keep in mind.

See my full Peter Manning leather jacket review for more details.

Peter Manning Down Jacket

I sound like a broken record, but this down jacket has a roomy, boxy fit, especially for thinner guys.

It would probably work better on a hefty or stocky frame, but not someone with an athletic build (i.e., a large chest to waist drop).

Peter Manning down jacket
I ended up gifting this jacket to a friend because it didn’t look great on me.

I also think the style of this jacket leaves something to be desired. The contrast zippers and lining aren’t ‘really my thing.

Compare this Peter Manning down jacket to a similar jacket from Everlane, for example:

Everlane Puffer GREATS High Tops 2
I love the fit and style of this Everlane down jacket 👌🏼

The Everlane puffer fits better and looks cooler.

Peter Manning NYC Suits & Sportcoats

When it comes to finding a suit that fits well as a shorter guy, jacket length and sleeve length are often the biggest problems.

Peter Manning suit jackets and sport coats do come with shorter jacket and sleeve lengths.

But the overall style and fit is pretty classic. It’s not slim fit, and the styles aren’t very contemporary.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peter Manning NYC (@petermanningnyc)

Basically, you’re not going find the Suitsupply aesthetic here.

Considering the price point, I actually recommend buying suits off the rack and getting them tailored, or going custom.

Buying a made-to-measure or bespoke suit isn’t as difficult or expensive as it used to be, and you’ll be able to choose any fabrics and details you like.

Is Peter Manning Worth It?

If you can stomach the price tag and don’t mind a traditional, somewhat boxy fit, Peter Manning may be a good choice for shorter men who can’t find shirts or outerwear that fits off the rack.

If you need pants shorter than 28 inches, and you’re willing to pay a premium to avoid hemming, you may like PMNYC’s pants collections too.

Peter Manning suits have a classic fit. The length works for shorter guys, but if you’re slender of athletic, you’ll likely need alterations. For the same price, you can consider going custom.

Generally, this brand is best for guys who prefer a classic, preppy fit and aesthetic (think Eddie Bauer or Tommy Bahama).

For the price, Peter Manning activewear isn’t as appealing as the competition (Ten Thousand lululemon, Rhone, Olivers, etc.).

FAQs About Peter Manning NYC

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about PMNYC:

Who owns Peter Manning?

Jeff Hansen is the majority owner of Peter Manning NYC. Its original founder, Peter, is no longer involved in the company.

Does Peter Manning have sales?

Yes, Peter Manning has several sales each year. Given the prices, it’s a good idea to wait for these sales.

Peter Manning vs. Ash & Erie?

Overall, I recommend Ash & Erie because they have slimmer fits and more modern designs. Personally, I wear more Ash & Erie items than PMNYC items.

Is Peter Manning worth it?

Peter Manning is worth it if you’re very short (under 5’6″) and can’t or don’t want to get your clothes tailored. It’s very easy to get pants hemmed and sleeves shortened, so I mostly recommend Peter Manning for guys who don’t want to go to the tailor and like the classic, preppy aesthetic.

Be sure to check out other shorter guy brands like Ash & Erie and Under 510 too!

Product Reviews button down shirts, dress shirts, Men's Jeans, Peter Manning, Short Men's Fashion

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About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Brian says

    January 5, 2023 at 6:40 am

    Hi Brock,

    Thank you for the update. Have been watching your channel for a few years. I am about the same build as you. I also wear size 1. Just wondering what you think about their flannel shirt jacket. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      January 5, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks for following! I’ve worn one of PM’s flannel overshirts for a while now. The fit is pretty solid (sleeves are slightly long on me), but it hasn’t aged very well (i.e., lots of loose threads and buttons). I have a similar one from ASKET that feels a bit higher quality. I also like “shackets” that have hand pockets. To me, a shirt/jacket with two chest pockets looks too much like a regular flannel shirt. Just my two cents!

      Reply
  2. Anna says

    June 9, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    First,
    I have to laugh, since after reading the comments, I see that you are 5’6” which is exactly what I pegged you at from your pictures!
    Second,
    You have no idea how excited I am to discover clothing designed for shorter men. My husband is 5’5” (on a good day) and has an inseam of 26 3/4” (I told him he had a 27” inseam after I measured—he has always worn 32-34×30 pants am I always have to take them up a lot!) He can never find pants short enough. He also looks really funny in shorts, (so does my son who inherited the no-leg gene from both sides) so thanks for putting this info out there!

    Reply
  3. Vishal says

    December 7, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    Hey Brock,
    Does Peter manning operate in asia?

    Reply
  4. Casey says

    July 31, 2016 at 9:06 am

    I always struggle buying long sleeve shirts. The sleeves and torso length are always too long. Hopefully Peter Manning will be a good option to purchase better fitted shirts as I am switching to the corporate workforce.

    Reply
  5. Benny R. says

    July 19, 2016 at 8:16 am

    I’m a 2x and have been on the site for months and it still says they are sold out. Please speed up production. Frustrated!

    Reply
  6. Martin Tran says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:13 am

    These prices are pretty high…

    Reply
  7. michael says

    March 18, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    I live on Long Island.
    Where is your brick and mortar, physical store located?
    Mike

    Reply
  8. Dyno-Mite says

    December 7, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    So are you actually wearing a size down from their recommended size?

    Their fit chart told me I was a 2, and I just tried on an “Everyday” shirt, and it’s a bit baggy. :/ Think I’ll return and try a size 1. For the record, I’m 5′ 4″, 135lbs

    Thanks for the site Brock!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      December 7, 2015 at 7:28 pm

      Yeah but keep in mind, I prefer a close, slim fit (I’m about 125 lbs). Size 1 should fit you well.

      Reply
      • Dyno-Mite says

        December 8, 2015 at 8:25 pm

        Dang, 5′ 6″ 125lb?! Maybe I need to be buying running shoes instead of shirts. :p Jk. yeah I like a closer fit too. Gonna try the 1. Thanks a lot!

        Reply
        • Dyno-Mite says

          January 5, 2016 at 9:59 pm

          For the record, I exchanged the shirt for a size 1, and it is about as perfect as I could possibly hope for. Best fitting button up I’ve ever owned. Thanks again!

          Reply
  9. Rollo says

    October 24, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Brock,

    What size shirts are you wearing in these pictures?

    Reply
    • Maurice Gowans says

      October 24, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Large

      Reply
    • Brock says

      October 24, 2015 at 5:56 pm

      All size 1.

      Reply
  10. Maurice Gowans says

    October 15, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    I’m five foot and weigh a 173 lbs and find it very difficult to find clothes that fit properly and I also have an athletic build

    Reply
  11. Jacques says

    July 24, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Hi Brock,

    Thanks for the review. Personally, I have great trouble finding the right clothes to fit me. I am 5 feet 4 inches and of a heavy built.

    Over the last few years I have found the perfect online stores for shirts. I prefer custom shirts now – I frequent the websites of indochino.com and vitruvien.com. Both these websites offer great shirts at great prices. Frankly, I would prefer them to off the rack.

    However, I am still on the lookout for well fitting trousers. Somehow the sites i have tried have not worked for me. Will give Peter Manning a shot. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  12. Jeff says

    April 29, 2015 at 10:34 am

    Hi Brock – I just received a pair of shorts and a pair of chinos from Peter Manning – over $250 but I thought it would be worth it. They both have a rise of 11 inches, are baggy in the leg (despite claiming to be slim fit) and are far too big in the waist. Did I use a different Peter Manning? Help!

    Reply
  13. Michael Escuadro says

    November 27, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    I would definitely try those on. It’s really hard for me (5plot) to look for some stuff that will fit for my body. It’s also kinda embarrassing for me to look in kids section for my size:D and I am 23 y’old already.

    Reply
  14. Margaret says

    October 28, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    Any suggestions for suits? We’re running into a stone wall of jackets built for 6′ tall men in all the stores.

    Reply
  15. Steve says

    July 31, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    I love Peter Manning clothes. I can’t express how happy I am to be able to order for a clothing company and know the items I receive will not only fit but also attract positive feedback from the people around me. I’ve had a few people ask where I got my green chino’s from – They are easily the best fitting pants I have ever worn.

    The only down side? Living in Australia it costs ~$125 to ship the clothes. It means that I need to order more than I would like to at a time to justify the shipping cost. It would be great if Peter Manning could work out a way to provide cheaper shipping for single items, then I would truly be in short guy heaven! That said, I am very grateful that the company does provide international shipping because I would be lost without them!

    Reply
  16. Ciaran says

    June 29, 2014 at 7:50 am

    I bought chinos and a jumper from Peter Manning. I live in Europe and shipping was very expensive. To be honest it made the exercise uneconomic. The clothes do seem tailored for small guys. I’m 6 ft 6 in and slim. I also felt they cut was not very fashionable so it is a conservative look, useful for business casual.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      July 10, 2014 at 11:23 am

      Hey Ciaran,

      Sorry to hear the shipping was so expensive. They’re a small company, so hopefully when they grow (with our support) they’ll be able to offer better rates to overseas customers.

      Thanks for leaving your feedback…much appreciated!

      -B

      Reply
  17. Hannah says

    June 27, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Thanks for this blog! I am married to a 5’7″ man and finding clothing, and jeans in particular, is such a nightmare. He’s not one to shop so it’s all on me to prevent him from walking around in badly fitting pants but it seems like they are ALL designed for super tall guys.
    I had seen an article about Manning online but was skeptical so it’s really great to have a reviewof the jeans AND the shirts. I’m going to order him some today and see how it goes.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      June 28, 2014 at 1:54 pm

      Glad to hear the review was helpful, and thanks for looking out for your man! Let me know how the Peter Manning clothes fit.

      -B

      Reply
  18. bARRIE OSBORNE says

    June 10, 2014 at 2:17 am

    Hey Brock,
    Any chance of checking out Peter Manning for international online shopping.
    Joe Canada is also waiting for your action on this.
    Regards,
    Barrie

    Reply
    • Brock says

      June 10, 2014 at 8:39 am

      Hey Barrie,

      I did ask but don’t have an answer yet. I’d recommend sending them an email:

      [email protected]

      Let me know if you figure it out!

      -B

      Reply
    • Wayne Lilley says

      July 6, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      Manning does ship to Canada, but the cost to Toronto for a $98 US pair of jeans is $25 US. That’s currently a total of $157 Cdn. Then there is $29 Cdn in duty that bumps the price to $186 Cdn. They’re good jeans, but expensive for Canadians. A pair of Levi 516 jeans, costs about $65 Cdn in Canada. A seamstress or tailor can alter the inseam for a lot less than $120 Cdn.

      Reply
  19. Joe Canada says

    June 6, 2014 at 9:00 am

    As like Barrie, I’m also wondering about the “if Peter Manning does international orders and what would be the approximate shipping cost for a shirt and jeans.” Or the about the availability of the product in Canada.

    Reply
    • Wayne Lilley says

      July 6, 2017 at 7:05 pm

      A $98 US pair of jeans costs $25 US for delivery, so $159 Cdn plus $29 Cdn in for duty. Grand total is $188.Canadian for jeans. They’re okay, but so are Levis. You can do a lot of tailoring in Canada to a pair of Levi 516s for about half that to alter the inseam.

      Reply
  20. Barrie osborne says

    June 5, 2014 at 11:57 pm

    G’day Brock,
    I subscribe to your newsletter and find it helpful. Like you I am a “shorty” and those alterations keep getting expensive. Like $AU17 just to take up a too-long polo shirt.
    I was wondering if Peter Manning does international orders and what would be the approximate shipping cost for a shirt and jeans.
    It’the sixth day (D-Day) of winter here and it’s bloody cold.
    Anyway Brock, have a good weekend. (We have a long weekend to honor the Queen’s Birthday).
    Cheers mate,
    Barrie Osborne (Port Melbourne — Australia)
    ng

    Reply
  21. Aliotsy says

    June 5, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    This is a fantastic post, Brock. Looking good. 🙂

    Reply
    • Brock says

      June 5, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      Thank you, sir!

      Reply
  22. rafael says

    June 4, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    Looking good Brock! And you’re so right, the difference is in the details. I particularly like the lengths of these Peter Manning shirts, they are just perfect. For a long time I thought I was doing a decent job by taking my shirts to a tailor, but Peter Manning takes scale and fit to another level.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      June 5, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Hey, if you’re getting your shirts tailored, you’re ahead of most guys! But you’re right, you can really fix the details/scale. It is a whole other level.

      Reply
      • rafael says

        June 8, 2014 at 12:51 pm

        Thanks. I look forward to your future posts.

        Reply

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