Travis Kelce may be known for his dominance on the football field, but off the turf, he is making waves in the fashion world. His bold, eye-catching suits—ranging from neon greens to classic pinstripes—are carefully crafted by Tom Marchitelli, a menswear designer who has been styling the Kansas City Chiefs tight end for nearly a decade.
Marchitelli, founder of Gentleman’s Playbook, has worked with more than 500 professional athletes. His relationship with Kelce began with a simple Instagram direct message after the NFL star admired a suit he designed for Kansas City Royals player Eric Hosmer.
“He slid right in,” Marchitelli said. “Travis texted [Hosmer] and said, ‘Who made you that suit? I need that guy.’ The next day, he DMed me and said, ‘I heard you’re the guy. I need you to come tailor me for some suits.’”
The Suit Kelce Wanted—But Never Got
Kelce has never shied away from taking risks with his wardrobe, but one request pushed even Marchitelli’s boundaries.
“For the 2018 ESPYs, Travis asked me to make him a short suit. It was LA; it was 100 degrees,” Marchitelli recalled. “I’m not in the business of telling anybody no—especially Travis Kelce—but I said, ‘Trav, I can’t do it. A short suit is not it right now. You’re a huge guy, you’ve got great legs, but it’s inelegant for a red carpet.’”
Ultimately, Kelce wore a royal blue paisley suit instead. When they arrived at the event, six other athletes had opted for short suits.
“He looks at me and goes, ‘You were right, Tom,’” Marchitelli said. “He doesn’t want to be grouped in any category. He’s in his own league.”
Kelce’s Most Iconic Looks and Fashion Influence
Kelce’s fashion sense has evolved, pushing Marchitelli into designing even bolder looks. One of the standout moments was the neon green suit he wore to the 2020 Super Bowl in Miami.
“For Miami, obviously, we had to go crazy tropical,” Marchitelli said, recalling how Kelce paired the suit with Saint Laurent sunglasses and layered diamond chains.
His outfits are not just about making a statement—they are a part of his brand. Even in more traditional styles, Kelce finds ways to stand out, such as wearing a pinstriped suit with sneakers during the Chiefs’ playoff captains photoshoot.
Beyond dressing Kelce, Marchitelli has built a thriving career outfitting some of the biggest names in sports, including Josh Allen, Shannon Sharpe, and Dak Prescott. His designs are all one-of-one, ensuring that no two athletes are seen in the same suit.
“If wedding bells ring for Travis and Taylor [Swift], I’ll be in line behind Christian Dior, Tom Ford, and Louis Vuitton,” Marchitelli joked.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.