Community Highlights: Meet Niels Bunschoten of TFT Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Niels Bunschoten.

Hi Niels, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from the Netherlands and I’m 6’9”, which definitely makes shopping for clothes… interesting. After playing professional basketball for a while, I eventually settled in California with my wife, and as I was kicking off my professional career, that’s where the clothing struggle really hit me.

Every time I tried to find dress shirts that actually fit, I’d end up with two options: either something that technically fit my height but was shaped like a parachute, or a well-fitting shirt that cost more than my rent (and thats a lot here in Orange County, CA). Most “tall” options from major brands just scale everything up, so instead of a tall shirt, you get a wider shirt. And that’s not exactly the look most tall guys are going for.

That frustration turned into a realization, there’s this huge gap in the market for tall professionals who want to look sharp without compromising on fit or breaking the bank. That’s what led me to start TFT Designs. which means Tall For Tall (TFT) I wanted to create shirts that actually fit tall individuals properly, quality fabrics, modern style, and attention to proportion.

Now, we’re building a brand that empowers tall people to feel confident and comfortable in what they wear. It’s about redefining what “tall fashion” means, not just making things longer, but making them better.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I don’t think any good story ever is. Starting a clothing brand is tough enough, but doing it in such a niche market makes it even trickier. Add in things like tariffs, shipping delays, and the general chaos of apparel manufacturing, and yeah… it’s been a ride.

The biggest challenge has really been awareness. We know we’ve created the best-fitting, best-priced shirts out there for tall guys, but getting that message in front of the right people takes time. It’s not like there’s a “Tall Professionals of America” directory we can just email.

So we’ve been getting creative, using humor and relatability on social media, building communities, and just trying to connect with people who share the same frustrations I had. At the end of the day, I believe in what we’re doing. The mission is real, and the product speaks for itself. It’s just about making sure more tall people get to hear about it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At TFT Designs, we specialize in creating premium dress shirts designed specifically for tall men. Not big and tall, but actually tall. Our focus is on fit, quality, and confidence. We design everything from the ground up, adjusting proportions for height rather than just adding extra fabric. That means longer sleeves, longer torsos, and a more tailored fit through the chest and waist. Basically, shirts that make tall guys look and feel great.

What sets us apart is that we are not just resizing standard shirts. We are rethinking the entire fit for tall professionals who care about style. Most brands either make tall clothing that feels boxy and cheap, or they price it like a luxury item. We wanted to bridge that gap by creating premium-quality shirts at a fair price, made for tall men who want to look sharp at work, events, or just out and about.

I am most proud of the fact that we are creating something that truly did not exist before, and that we are giving tall guys a sense of confidence and representation in fashion that has been missing for a long time.

If there is one thing I want readers to know, it is that TFT Designs is more than just a clothing brand. It is about helping tall people feel seen, confident, and comfortable in their own skin. We are here to set a new standard for tall fashion where height is not a challenge, it is a strength.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the most important quality has been persistence. Building a brand, especially in such a niche market, takes a lot of patience and belief in what you’re doing. There have been plenty of challenges, but staying consistent and trusting the process has been key.

I also think authenticity plays a big role. I started TFT Designs because I personally experienced the problem we’re solving. I’m not guessing what tall people need, I live it every day. That honesty and connection to the mission have helped guide every decision, from the way we design our shirts to how we communicate with our customers.

At the end of the day, it’s about believing in the vision, being willing to learn, and showing up every day to make it happen.

Pricing:

• Pricing: $65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tftdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tftdesignsofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61572908813337
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tftdesigns