The most frustrating thing in golf isn’t missing a two-foot putter, it’s finding a shirt that fits well – particularly if you’re less than, say, five-feet-9 inches tall and not a member of the “flat belly’’ brigade.
Nick Parker, a 5’6″ menswear veteran with roots in luxury golf shops and premium apparel sales, might have the answer. Parker recently founded Nicholas James, which he says is the first premium golf and lifestyle brand designed specifically for men 5’9″ and under. With a focus on precise fit, elevated craftsmanship, and timeless design, Parker says Nicholas James is pioneering a new standard where shorter men no longer compromise on style, quality, or confidence.
“A lot of shirts are made for men over six feet tall,’’ Parker said.”Shorter men, a lot of times, have to settle for a shirt that hangs down close to their knees or bags around the arms.’’
In other words, shorter men are consistently underserved in fashion, golf, and otherwise.
“Growing up working in private country club golf shops, I developed a deep appreciation for quality menswear,” said Parker. “But off-the-rack clothes were always too long or boxy. I created Nicholas James to give guys like me the same level of style and craftsmanship – tailored to our frame, and versatile enough for the fairway or a night out.”
At the core of Nicholas James is a belief that fit is foundational. Every garment is engineered with the shorter man in mind – no more baggy sleeves, oversized collars, or ill-fitting inseams. Instead, Parker said Nicholas James delivers precision tailoring that honors the body, not the average; timeless silhouettes constructed with high-end materials from the world’s finest mills; and styles that seamlessly move from golf course to city street, boardroom to bar.
With the tagline “Luxury Without Limits,” Parker said the brand isn’t just building wardrobes – it’s building a movement. One where height no longer dictates confidence, and style isn’t sacrificed for size.
The brand’s fabrics include Italian cashmere, Peruvian Pima cotton, and Merino wool. Each of the garments, Parker said, is tailored proportionally for men under 5’9” and designed to flatter, not overwhelm, ensuring proper fit across body, sleeve, and inseam.
Nicholas James is introducing a refined core wardrobe built around essentials that elevate daily dressing – with every piece tailored to proportion and purpose:
- Performance Polos: Made from moisture-wicking, stretch-infused fabrics, these polos combine modern tailoring with all-day comfort—perfect for on and off the course. Subtle detailing and elevated construction make them anything but basic.
- 5-Pocket Pants: A wardrobe workhorse reimagined. These versatile trousers blend casual structure with technical fabric for performance and polish. Designed with a tapered leg and scaled rise for a perfect fit every time.
- Performance Vests: Lightweight and layer-ready, these tailored vests provide warmth without bulk. Ideal for transitional weather, they are built to move with you from early tee times to evening dinners.
- Cashmere Crewnecks: Crafted from ultra-fine yarns, our cashmere crewnecks are luxuriously soft and precisely cut. These elevated staples deliver warmth, elegance, and effortless layering—ideal for weekends or weekends away.
- Pima Cotton Quarter-Zips: Refined yet relaxed, our quarter-zips are made from premium Pima cotton for unbeatable softness and durability. Finished with thoughtful proportions, they’re a go-to layering piece for understated sophistication.
Nicholas James
“The fashion industry never considered men like us as I spent years tailoring expensive shirts and pants because nothing off the rack ever truly fit,” Parker said. “Nicholas James is the brand I wish had existed – something refined and versatile. By merging heritage craftsmanship with modern design standards, the brand is built for men like me who value premium quality and effortless confidence.”
The brand’s debut collection is now available at nicholasjames.shop and select retailers, where this curated line of shirts, trousers, and lifestyle essentials is crafted with purpose and unparalleled attention to detail and proportion. Early access and exclusive offerings are also available to members of The Shortlist, the brand’s invite-only loyalty program.
Photos Courtesy of Nicholas James
