Travis Kelce, the charismatic tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is as much a standout on the football field as he is on the red carpet. When he’s not catching touchdowns, Kelce is turning heads with his bold, eye-catching fashion choices. Behind many of his show-stopping looks is Tom Marchitelli, the mastermind designer behind Gentleman’s Playbook, a bespoke menswear brand that’s become the go-to for over 500 professional athletes across the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and even WWE. Their nearly decade-long collaboration began with a straightforward Instagram DM, a moment Marchitelli proudly recalls. Kelce had been admiration-struck by a custom suit Marchitelli had designed for Kansas City Royals player Eric Hosmer after the team’s 2015 World Series victory. After Hosmer connected the two, Marchitelli received a message from Kelce: “Hey, I heard you’re the guy. I need you to come tailor me for some suits.” The rest, as they say, is history.
From that first meeting, it was clear that Kelce had a vision for his wardrobe—one that leaned into bold, one-of-a-kind designs. Marchitelli remembers their initial encounter fondly: he arrived at Kelce’s New York City hotel dressed in a sharp two-tone plaid suit, which immediately earned Kelce’s approval. “I knew that he wanted the fabrics that no one else would have,” Marchitelli explains. “He was one of the first that really pushed me into [wilder looks].” Kelce’s adventurous style has led to some unforgettable pieces, like the neon green suit he wore to the 2020 Super Bowl in Miami. Paired with triangular Saint Laurent sunglasses and a patterned silk shirt, the look was quintessentially Kelce—bold, tropical, and unapologetically eye-catching. Marchitelli also recently dressed Kelce and teammate Chris Jones for their photoshoot announcing the Chiefs’ playoff captains, marking the second consecutive year the duo has entrusted him with such an important moment. While Kelce opted for a classic pinstriped suit this time around, Marchitelli notes that he still added his signature twist with a pair of sleek sneakers.
One of Marchitelli’s favorite creations for Kelce is the royal blue paisley suit he designed for the 2018 ESPYs. The story behind it is a testament to their dynamic: Kelce initially wanted a short suit for the event, but Marchitelli gently persuaded him to go with the blue paisley instead, arguing that a short suit wouldn’t do justice to the red carpet. Kelce relented, and the choice proved to be a wise one. When they arrived at the event, six other players were wearing short suits, and Kelce turned to Marchitelli and said, “You were right.” It’s moments like these that highlight Kelce’s trust in Marchitelli’s expertise and his own desire to stand out in a crowd. Their collaboration is a two-way street, though—Marchitelli has even adopted one of Kelce’s signature red carpet habits: the subtle hand gesture of rubbing his hands together, which accents the cut of the suit. “I do that in all my videos without even thinking now,” Marchitelli admits. “And I always think of Trav when I do it.”
Marchitelli’s journey to becoming the go-to tailor for sports royalty is as inspiring as it is unlikely. Just over a decade ago, he was working as an accountant at a New York City hedge fund, far removed from the world of high fashion. However, he’d always had a passion for menswear and began sharing photos of his custom suits on Instagram under the handle @GentlemansPlaybook. His unique sense of style and attention to detail quickly caught the attention of athletes across various leagues. One of his first clients was former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who slid into his DMs and asked to be styled like the man in the pictures. Marchitelli’s response? “I am the guy in the pictures.” After learning how to take measurements and working with a Los Angeles tailoring shop, Marchitelli flew to Kansas City to fit Daniel for his wedding suit. Word of his exceptional craftsmanship spread rapidly, and soon Marchitelli found himself flying cross-country to fit athletes for high-profile events. He eventually quit his finance job to focus on Gentleman’s Playbook full-time, a leap of faith that has paid off in ways he never imagined.
Marchitelli’s commitment to excellence and personalized service has set him apart in the competitive world of bespoke menswear. His suits are typically priced between $3,000 and $4,000, and while that’s a significant investment, his clients are willing to pay for the quality, fit, and one-on-one service he provides. He doesn’t believe in gifting suits or offering discounts for endorsements, insisting that his clients are paying for the best fabrics, fit, and service available. “I’m at your door the next day, right?” he says. “If it’s across the country, doesn’t matter, I’m there.” His dedication has earned him a loyal client base, including Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who owns over 150 custom suits from Marchitelli. Prescott is just one of many who’ve become repeat customers, drawn to the exclusivity of Marchitelli’s designs. “Everything made for Dak is one of one,” Marchitelli says. “Everything made for Shannon Sharpe is one of one.”
While Marchitelli’s work with Kelce and Prescott has brought him significant recognition, his impact extends far beyond individual clients. He’s played a key role in shaping the fashion landscape of professional sports, where tunnel walks have become a competitive sport within the sport itself. Athletes are constantly trying to outdo one another with their outfits, and Marchitelli thrives on this energy. “I like the competitiveness,” he says, “and I want [them] to try to out-dress [each other], because guess who wins? Me, every time.” His designs have not only elevated the style of his clients but have also redefined what it means to dress like a professional athlete. Whether it’s a neon green suit for the Super Bowl or a tailored tuxedo for a red carpet event, Marchitelli’s creations are more than just clothes—they’re statements. And as long as there are athletes like Travis Kelce who dare to be different, Marchitelli will continue to be the man behind the magic.
