SHOP Men's Knitwear

Knitwear is constructed from yarn that is looped and interlocked rather than woven, giving the fabric its stretch, softness and drape. The fibre inside the yarn determines the performance of the finished garment. Barkers men's knitwear uses ZQrx certified merino wool, breathable cotton and other responsibly sourced natural fibres selected for softness, shape retention and long-term wear.

ZQrx is a traceable merino wool certification that verifies fibre quality, animal welfare and responsible land management from farm level through to the finished garment. Barkers sources ZQrx certified merino for its knitwear range, meaning the wool in every merino piece is fully traceable and produced to verified ethical and environmental standards. For New Zealand men who value responsible sourcing, ZQrx certification is the clearest guarantee available in merino wool.

Barkers men's knitwear includes merino crew necks, V-necks, quarter zip sweaters and knit jackets across a range of weights and colours suited to different seasons and occasions. Lighter cotton knits cover shoulder seasons and warmer-weather layering. Midweight and heavier merino pieces are built for cooler months and regular office wear. All styles are available in classic and seasonal colourways designed to work across the wider Barkers range.

Merino wool is the strongest all-round choice for New Zealand men's knitwear. It regulates temperature across the full range of New Zealand conditions, resists odour between washes and holds its shape with minimal care. Cotton knitwear is the better choice for warmer months and lighter layering. Avoid synthetic blends where possible as they trap heat, pill faster and do not offer the same breathability or longevity as natural fibres.

Turn knitwear inside out and wash on a cold, gentle machine cycle or hand wash in cool water. Use a gentle wool-specific detergent and avoid fabric softener, which breaks down natural fibres over time. Never wring or twist knitwear to remove water. Lay flat on a clean towel to dry in its natural shape, away from direct heat and sunlight. Hanging wet knitwear causes stretching and distortion that cannot be reversed.