Entering the styling industry in the early 1990s, Memphis – based clothes and suit designer Clarence Jones has forged an impressive career, showcasing his talents through styling numerous celebrities and athletes. Renowned for his exquisite craftmanship and attention to detail, Jones has become a prominent figure in the world of sports fashion, especially with NBA and NFL draft prospects. CJ Custom Clothiers is one of the premier African American tailor companies represented in both the NBA and NFL Drafts. Over the years, Clarence Jones has designed for the best dressed athletes in both the NBA and NFL drafts. In the last three NBA drafts, Jones designed the suit worn by the 2023 NBA 2nd round draft pick # 49th Emoni Bates of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the #13th pick in the 2020 NBA draft Kira Lewis Jr. of the New Orleans Pelicans and 2021 NBA draft rookies and NBA Rising Stars participants Christopher Duarte of the Indiana Pacers and Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls. Both Chris and Ayo were members of the All- Rookie Team. In the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones customized suits for players such the 4th overall pick by the New York Jets Cornerback Sauce Gardner, the 7th overall pick and Tennessee Titans 1st round 18th pick Wide Receiver Treylon Burks. Jones has also customized suits for former University of Georgia Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Wade Mason, as well as former Clemson and Miami Dolphins star Christian Wilkins 2019 #13th NFL draft pick.
While his roster includes notable celebrities, Jones takes immense pride in providing his services to athletes who are on the verge of making their dreams come true in professional sports.
One of Jones’ unique aspects as a stylist is his ability to recruit clients in his own distinctive way. Rather than solely focusing on the most famous and well-known athletes, Jones opens his doors to anyone in need of his services. He firmly believes that every individual, regardless of their fame or status, deserves to look and feel their best on significant occasions like draft days or press conferences.
Year after year, as the NBA and NFL drafts approach, Jones meticulously prepares to style the rising stars set to take the stage. Among his recent standout clients are Jabari Smith Jr., the #3 pick for Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA draft. Their impeccable draft suits not only accentuated their style but also reflected their aspirations and determination to excel in the professional leagues.
One of Jones’ recent successes is Brandon Miller, the #2 pick for the Charlotte Hornets and also Scoot Henderson, the #3 pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA draft. For the draft lottery held in Chicago, Henderson looked nothing short of extraordinary in the suit meticulously designed by Jones. The suit not only captured the attention of fans and media but also symbolized the young athlete’s journey to fulfilling his lifelong basketball dreams.
Jones’ prowess in styling extends beyond the NBA draft, as evidenced by his work with Amen Thompson, the #4 pick for the 2023 NBA draft, joining the Houston Rockets. The suit and press conference ensemble created by Jones exuded confidence and elegance, embodying Thompson’s excitement and dedication to his new team and the game.
Similarly, Ausar Thompson, the #5 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, headed to the Detroit Pistons, had the privilege of donning an exquisite suit crafted by Jones for his momentous press conference. The suit became a symbol of Thompson’s hard work paying off and marked the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball career.
Jones’ passion for his craft is evident in every suit he designs. Each outfit carries a deeper meaning for the athlete wearing it, representing their journey, ambition, and commitment to their respective sports. For Clarence Jones, these suits are not merely garments; they are expressions of the dedication and efforts these athletes have poured into reaching this pinnacle moment in their lives.
When asked about his work Jones humbly shared, “I take pride in every suit I design, and they all mean more than just another suit to me. It makes me happy to know that people like the work I do, and I am grateful and blessed. I look at what I do when I tailor a suit no different from an architect and an engineer when they blueprint the structure and construct the building. Every man’s body definition is unique, so when I put together a visual drawing of the man’s measurements, I start the construction, so to speak, of that suit.” His humility and genuine appreciation for his clients’ trust and admiration further solidify his reputation as not just a stylist but also a caring and devoted partner in their journey.
As the years go by, and the draft continues to bring forth new talent, Clarence Jones will undoubtedly remain a steadfast presence, using his skills to elevate the style and success of aspiring athletes. His ability to connect with individuals beyond their fame and status, combined with his artistic vision, has made him a beloved figure in the world of sports fashion. Clarence Jones stands tall as a true artist, leaving an indelible mark on the lives and careers of the athletes he styles, one impeccable suit at a time.
Written by
Lennard James
