via Rothman's NYC
In a world where office casual has seeped into nearly every facet of life, dressing up is still crucial, especially when you’re in the spotlight. Think about how legendary sports broadcasters dress when they’re behind the desk or in the booth to call a game: Polished, dapper, and deeply professional. Bulletproof in their suits against us couch potatoes at home ready to lob insults about being slobs or hating on their sense of style.
That debonair appearance is an important part of how you process the broadcast. It’s an element in why you trust what they have to say – even if you have to check your own disgruntlement with an outcome at the door.
So how do they curate that classy look? They have a “guy.” For many sportscasters based in the New York City tri-state, that “guy” is a menswear boutique called Rothmans.
The Importance of Dressing Sharp
Whether you’re anchoring a sports segment or just wanting to show respect to those who see you every day, looking sharp is a key ethos for any guy. It’s about dressing for success and honoring the timeless tradition of men who valued appearance—just like our grandfathers did.
My grandfather had a classical preppy style. As much as he loved dressing down for gardening or enjoying a margarita on the beach, he equally cherished looking sharp for concerts, date nights, and community functions. His closet was a treasure trove of sport coats, blazers, suits, and meticulously crafted ties. In our small Pennsylvania town, he had “a guy”—or rather, two guys—who owned the local haberdashery. It was a coming-of-age ritual to take a trip to that haberdashery to be properly fitted for a suit on two occasions: In high school, when I needed to look more becoming in the grown-up world, and after graduating from college, when I really needed to start looking more becoming for the grown-up world. The direction of my career and professional life depended on it, he said.
And guess what? He nailed it! Taking pride in your appearance is darn important.
Recently, I was reminded of this while listening to the 1000th episode of the Art of Manliness podcast. Sure, we live in the age of athleisure and everyday-is-casual Friday, but let’s face it: sometimes it’s nice to get a little swanky. Dressing up feels special. You don’t need to hang out with high society to get that it’s a courtesy. How you present yourself sets the mood and the ambiance. It’s about making others comfortable and feeling good. Dressing well isn’t about being fancy; it’s about respect.
I’m paraphrasing and parroting some of the conversation from the podcast. But you get the gist. Ben Franklin hits the point home:
“Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.”
Enter Rothmans…
The Value of Having “A Guy”
See, Rothmans isn’t just a store; it’s an institution. This iconic menswear boutique in New York City on Park Avenue in Union Square, with additional locations in Scarsdale and Bronxville, has been a cornerstone of New York City’s menswear scene for nearly a century. It’s pretty hard to stroll past it without an outfit catching your eye for a little window shopping on the walk down Park Avenue towards Union Square from Madison Square.
And guess what? It’s not just a bunch of Wall Street bankers and corporate lawyers who swear by Rothmans. Some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, like ESPN’s Matt Barrie and Tom Rinaldi from FOX Sports, rely on Rothmans to keep them looking sharp both on and off the air.
via Rothmans
When it comes to dressing up and having a signature style, it’s nice to have a “guy.” And for many legendary sportscasters, Rothmans is “the guy” who hooks it up for that impeccable, put-together on-air look.
Real Talk: Broadcasters on Why Rothmans is “The Guy”
Kevin Negandhi from ESPN emphasizes this point: “Ken, Jim, and their staff at Rothmans always know the details and that’s what separates them from everyone else. Whether it’s a quick question for a certain event or what’s best for the upcoming season, I lean on them for honest feedback. That phrase about needing a great mechanic and attorney in life, well if you care about how you look—you should add an ‘on-point suit guy.’ And that’s what Rothmans is to me.”
Kevin Negandhi in a suit from Rothmans
What sets Rothmans apart is its dedication to providing an unparalleled shopping experience. Unlike big department stores, Rothmans offers a curated selection of menswear, ensuring that each garment meets the highest standards of quality. From casual essentials to sophisticated suits, Rothmans caters to the everyday guy who values style and comfort.
Ken Giddon, Rothmans Co-Owner, sums it up perfectly: “It is about taste and trust. These talented individuals come to Rothmans because they know that we not only offer an extensive collection of brands, but we also have the expertise to curate what works best for their unique style.”
When it comes to being on TV in front of millions of people, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and being ready to tackle a show with confidence and professionalism.
Tom Rinaldi in a suit from Rothmans
Tom Rinaldi of FOX Sports shares why Rothmans has been his beacon of sartorial guidance, ensuring he never missteps in his on-air clothing game:
“I’ve been seeking counsel, guidance, and sartorial wisdom at Rothmans for more than a decade and a half. More than a shop, it’s a place for fellowship of the highest order. Ken, Jim, and Lacy at Rothmans are more than clothiers and fashion guides. They’re the friends who will tell you what to wear, how to wear it, what to wear it with—and how not to wander off into the badlands of bad clothes for TV. And thank the Lord they do!”
Arda Ocal from ESPN is equally enthusiastic:
“Rothman’s is my go-to place for my on-air suits. I know that when I go to Rothman’s, I’m in great hands. Ken and the team take really great care of their customers. I leave feeling like I have an entirely new and fresh wardrobe, ready to look great in a quality suit and tie/pocket square combo that pops on air. Ken gives each look intricate detail and puts together styles that constantly surprise and impress me.”
Matt Barrie, another ESPN favorite, shares his long-standing relationship with Rothmans: “I’ve been shopping with Ken and Jim at Rothman’s for over 10 years now. The thing I love most about them is they got to know me and my style. Rothman’s selection plus our relationship have perfected my style on and off air.”
ESPN's Matt Berrie in a suit from Rothmans
The Rothmans Experience: More Than Just a Store
See? These broadcasters get it. You can’t just go with your gut instinct when millions of emotionally unpredictable sports fans are ready to critique your sense of style from their couch.
You need a trusted advisor who isn’t going to bullshit you. Like my grandfather, you need “a guy.”
Office casual culture isn’t going anywhere. But when life brings you to Manhattan and you truly need to level-up your business or wedding attire, it’s comforting to know that Rothmans is there to be your “guy.”