“High-low dressing is the easiest way into tailoring. Whether it’s a mercerised tee or a pair of clean sneakers, balancing out the seriousness of a well-fitted suit keeps the look modern and wearable.”
Barkers Suiting Tips & Tricks
We know tailoring. When it’s done well, it changes the way you into a room. The key isn’t in overthinking - but it’s about understanding how every detail comes together. From classic rules worth keeping to modern moves that make it yours, these are the suiting tips our team trust - and the ones we pass on to everyone who walks through our doors. Consider this your inside guide to getting it right, every time.

Dan - Buyer

Luke - Chief Growth Officer
“A well fitted classic suit dominates every room. Keep it clean and simple. When the suit is right it does all the talking."

Julian - IT Manager
“Always make sure your suit lapel and tie are a similar width.”

Jun - High St Tailor
“A dress shirt should always be tucked in, especially when wearing a jacket or waistcoat. They’re designed to make you look slimmer and taller so if you don’t tuck them in it’ll look like you have a very long torso! Another thing to remember is that belts and suspenders should never be worn together. They do the same thing, so you’ll just be cluttering the outfit."

Luke - Store Manager
“Never forget: pocket squares. Crisp white for an all black suit. Silk for cocktail attire. Wool for a winter gala. Linen for an effortless beach wedding or when you’re off to the races."

Phoebe - Senior Stylist
“Fun fact: The reason you’re not supposed to do up the bottom button of a suit jacket or blazer is because King Edward VII was too big to do his own button up, so they made it a trend and it’s stuck for over 100 years. One tip to note is that it’s okay to mix patterns, even if it seems intimidating, and it can look good! As long as you follow the simple rule of: big pattern with little pattern."

Sergio - Senior Accountant
“To quote Coco Chanel: “Fashion changes, but style endures.” This highlights the distinction between fleeting trends and lasting personal style. A well-tailored suit will reflect that. Craftsmanship, quality fabrics, and a clean finish will always reflect a timeless piece.”
Blog posts

Regenerative Cotton - Better Denim From The Ground Up
Here at Barkers, we’re committed to producing gear that proves quality andresponsibility can go hand in hand. That’s why our Denim Collection is made using regenerative cotton – a material that loo...

There’s a moment every year when summer finally loosens its grip. The mornings sharpen, the evenings linger a little longer, and suddenly getting dressed requires a bit more thought than a tee and ...

Based in Christchurch, Hamish Kerr has quite literally raised the bar for New Zealand athletics. As a high jumper, Hamish made history by becoming the first New Zealander to win a gold medal in the...





