If you ask us, there’s never been a better time to clear out your closet. Our Wool Take Back Programme is your chance at a 'see you later' rather than a final goodbye to your unwanted knitwear. You’ll be playing your part in keeping it from ending up in landfill, an absolute win for circulatory. Plus, the whole process is happening right here in New Zealand.

Earlier this month we were lucky enough to spend some time with Aidan Bartlett, friend of Barkers and CEO of Designer Wardrobe. Catching up at their office over on the sunny North Shore, we settled in to hear his take on being a CEO of a start-up, how he’s finding being back at work after a summer that never really showed up, and what exciting plans the team at DW have on the horizon.

One of our favourite natural textiles, high-quality wool is warm, breathable and soft to the touch. We mainly use it for knitwear and suiting. Due to the more delicate nature of its fibre and the construction of knitted items, woollens require particular care be taken when washing and drying. Make sure you’re especially gentle with garments made from merino and cashmere wool. Woollen suits should always be dry-cleaned.

Wash Sparingly

Wool is a natural fibre

Earlier this month we checked in with local legend and friend of the business, Paddy Gower. Hitting up our Ponsonby store so that the man, the myth, the legend himself could fill in the gaps of his “back to work” kit, we caught up with PG to hear all about life in the fast lane that is journalism.

Earlier this month we stopped by the Triumph and Disaster store to check in with their founder Dion Nash, a local legend and friend to Barkers. Knowing that one man’s 9-5 is completely different to another’s – we were excited to hear about what a day in the life of Dion holds, as well as getting a little more well-acquainted so that we can introduce you to the man behind your favourite grooming products.

For 50 years Barkers has served New Zealand men, evolving together with each passing decade as tastes changed and palates evolved. And with any occasion, it's worth taking time to reflect on the continuous hard work and commitment we've collectively made.

Half a century, five decades or 50 years, they all sound long no matter how you say it. It's been one hell of a journey for us all, tastes changed, palettes evolved, styles came and went, and being at the forefront of Men’s Fashion, we witnessed New Zealand men becoming more confident, defining their own style and continuously evolving with each passing decade.

Barkers’ Change Makers are those like-minded individuals who won’t accept the status quo, who ask more questions, who look beyond the norm towards fresh, unearthed ways of seeing and doing things – and that we can all learn from. Meet Kate and Joe from Ironclad: Proudly based in Aotearoa, the team at Ironclad Co. believe that to leave something behind, you need a product that will last, and a planet to leave it in.