theSKIN x Bari Sandifer

@ 2025-12-15 13:26:24 -0800

Stylist, consultant, and certified cool-curator Bari Sandifer (@jabarisandifer) has built a world where menswear, vintage, and culture meet. With a sharp eye for proportion and a commitment to simplicity, Bari approaches style the same way he approaches self-care: edit down, choose with intention, and stick to what works. We sat down with him to talk personal style, vintage sourcing, and the minimalist routine that keeps him grounded.

You’re known for making menswear feel intentional, not intimidating. How would you describe your personal style philosophy, and where did it come from?

I try to find a balance of comfort, quality, interest, and modernity. I think it just came from trial and error, then getting to a place where I trust myself enough to share what I think. Shopping vintage really started it all, trying on things, learning what worked and didn’t , thinking through why and adjusting as I learn more. I want people to feel comfortable exploring new styles, fabrics, and silhouettes.

What’s one piece of style advice you find yourself giving constantly that people always overlook?

Shopping in person is something I always say. We’ve become so accustomed to shopping online, we lose that tactile experience that makes us fall in love with a piece. Being able to try things on and articulate why or why not we like something is a big key to building a truly personal style. Aimlessly shopping online is the quickest way to have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear.

Your Substack, Where your pants break, dives into nuance most people miss (fit, silhouette, proportion). What details do you think matter most when someone’s trying to define their personal style?

Understanding measurements and how you want clothes to fit. Knowing that can really help you narrow in certain brands, fabrics, and stores to shop at. Shopping in person and online is daunting for people because there are so many options, so being as dialed as you can makes it easier to shop for new things and vintage.

Your personal style is really about choosing pieces that earn their place. How does that same mindset show up in your grooming or self-care rituals?

It’s the same principle, being intentional about what I put on my skin is huge. Again, trial and error and really sticking with what works. I’m a bit of a creature of habit so when I love something it’s hard for me to move to something new.

Both skincare and menswear can get overwhelmed by trends. What helps you stay grounded in what works for you, instead of what’s hot at the moment?

Trusting what you know works is the key for most things but If a trend is really interesting to you try it out, why not. It could be something that end up sticking and becoming a key part of your skincare or style. It should be an 80/20 thing though I think.

You mentioned your skincare routine is simple. What does “simple but effective” look like for you?

Leaning into what has worked for me a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer have really kept my skin pretty good over the years. I think those are the most effective things to get consistent at then build on it from their based on specific needs or wants. 

In style, the basics matter (good denim, a great white tee, tailoring that fits). What are the “basics” in your skincare routine that you rely on the same way?

A good cleanser, toner, and moisturizer is really the bare minimum. I’m venturing into other products like Retinol so hopefully it helps and becomes a part of the routine. 

Your vintage menswear marketplace, Sonny’s Trading Post, has such a considered approach to vintage. What role does intention play when you're sourcing, and how do you know when a piece or seller is truly worth bringing into the shop?

I love shopping for vintage and have found some great curators over the years that I really enjoy shopping with. My goal was to bring all of them in one place for people to experience. I look for people who don’t just buy something they know they can resell, it should feel very intentional with the fabrics, fit, and have a bit of modernity, which every seller doesn’t have the ability to do. When I’m sourcing for myself, those are all things I consider. 

And finally, whether it’s clothing or self-care, what’s one ritual you do every day that makes you feel grounded?

It’s weird but I love good socks haha. When I have good socks, my whole day is better, especially during the winter. For skincare I have a simple routine of a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer that I feel incomplete without.