In my humble opinion, the ultimate hybrid piece of clothing is the quarter zip sweater. Or the half zip—whatever you want to call it (they were once differentiated by how deep in the chest the zipper extends to, but now, brands almost always use the terms completely interchangeably). Anyway—quarter zip, half zip, not-full-zip, but not no-zip. It's a sweater with some upper-chest breathability, a zip-up hoodie that doesn't allow you to get quite as loose. And for the winter and spring, it's a staple layering piece.
best simple quarter zip
Mack Weldon Prime Cotton Half-Zip
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best merino wool quarter zip
Banana Republic Merino Wool Half Zip Sweater
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best classic quarter zip
Polo Ralph Lauren Estate-Rib Quarter Zip Pullover
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best preppy quarter zip
Vineyard Vines Saltwater Quarter-Zip Pullover Sweater
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best cozy quarter zip
UGG Zeke Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweater
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best everyday quarter zip
Cos Wool and Cotton-Blend Half-Zip Sweater
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best heavyweight quarter zip
Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Quarter Zip Sweater
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The quarter zip is easy to layer, so feel free to throw on any coat or jacket atop it for your outdoor commutes. Worn solo, it's a vibe, too; the style is classically collegiate, but these versions are a bit more elevated, a bit more adult (it helps that they aren't stamped with the crest of some random university). You can zip 'em all the way to your chin, or leave them a bit undone for a collar effect—they look dope either way.
Here, we have the best styles for just about anything. Under Armour and Adidas make athletic-driven quarter zips that keep you warm—but not hot—during a workout, while Naadam, Brunello Cucinelli, and J.Crew have chic, classy styles that you can totally wear to work. Stone Island, Lululemon, and Carhartt have durable, warm picks that double as streetwear icons, and if you just want something basic to throw on and go, Amazon Essentials, Alo Yoga, and Banana Republic Factory can certainly help with that. The 23 best picks are right here—and now's the time to shop 'em.
best basic quarter zip
Lands' End Bedford Rib Quarter Zip
Keep things minimal yet chic with a quarter zip that's solid both in color and taste.
best simple quarter zip
Mack Weldon Prime Cotton Half-Zip
best simple quarter zip
Mack Weldon Prime Cotton Half-Zip
With a French rib jacquard texture, this sweater feels—and looks—damn nice.
best merino wool quarter zip
Banana Republic Merino Wool Half Zip Sweater
best merino wool quarter zip
Banana Republic Merino Wool Half Zip Sweater
Now 40% Off
Merino wool makes this sweater perfect for the winter, and it's minimalist, sleek look makes it wearable with everything.
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best classic quarter zip
Polo Ralph Lauren Estate-Rib Quarter Zip Pullover
best classic quarter zip
Polo Ralph Lauren Estate-Rib Quarter Zip Pullover
Now 44% Off
PRL's quarter zip gives distinct old-money vibes—can't you just picture a suburban dad wearing it?
best preppy quarter zip
Vineyard Vines Saltwater Quarter-Zip Pullover Sweater
best preppy quarter zip
Vineyard Vines Saltwater Quarter-Zip Pullover Sweater
Now 17% Off
For quintessential prep, the obvious choice is Vineyard Vines. Their logo-adorned style is super soft, and you'll find yourself pairing it with everything.
best cozy quarter zip
UGG Zeke Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweater
best cozy quarter zip
UGG Zeke Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweater
You know that brand that makes your coziest, fluffiest winter boots? Yeah, well, it makes a pretty damn great quarter zip, too. With soft fleece and a relaxed fit, this one is a warm, cozy pick.
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best minimalist quarter zip
Rails Stark Quarter Zip
best minimalist quarter zip
Rails Stark Quarter Zip
Made from merino wool, this style packs in the warmth while still feeling breathable and luxurious. Whether you're heading into the office or towards the sofa, you're in good hands.
best versatile quarter zip
Rhone Commuter 1/4 Zip
best versatile quarter zip
Rhone Commuter 1/4 Zip
With a tailored fit, this knit quarter zip is an easy, breezy style. Pair with joggers to keep it lowkey, or dark dress pants to elevate it a little bit.
best everyday quarter zip
Cos Wool and Cotton-Blend Half-Zip Sweater
best everyday quarter zip
Cos Wool and Cotton-Blend Half-Zip Sweater
A soft, warm, midweight sweater that's as chic as it is timeless. It's going to be a challenge not to wear this every day.
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best heavyweight quarter zip
Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Quarter Zip Sweater
best heavyweight quarter zip
Flint and Tinder Highlands Guide Quarter Zip Sweater
Ruggedly handsome, this thick, chunky sweater with waxed canvas elbow patches effortlessly fights the elements—so you can look cool, but feel warm.
best affordable quarter zip
Amazon Essentials Quarter-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket
best affordable quarter zip
Amazon Essentials Quarter-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket
A basic, no-frills quarter zip made from recycled materials. It's like a blank slate for the rest of your outfit to build upon.
best quilted quarter zip
J.Crew Quilted Half-Zip Pullover
best quilted quarter zip
J.Crew Quilted Half-Zip Pullover
Leave it to J.Crew to add some stylish flair to a classic look. With zippered pockets and a quilted design, this is a staple piece to elevate any outfit.
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best athletic quarter zip
Lululemon Steady State Half Zip
best athletic quarter zip
Lululemon Steady State Half Zip
With a deep zipper and relaxed silhouette, Lululemon's take on the style is ready for just about anything.
best sporty quarter zip
Under Armour Storm Sweater Fleece Quarter Zip
Made from lightweight, performance-driven material, this sweat-wicking option is at once warm but not hot—ideal for a run.
best slim-fit quarter zip
Alo Yoga Conquer 1/4 Zip Reform Long Sleeve
best slim-fit quarter zip
Alo Yoga Conquer 1/4 Zip Reform Long Sleeve
A thinner, slim-fitting style that's basically like a chicer second skin.
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best casual quarter zip
Adidas Lightweight Quarter Zip Pullover
For the most casual occasions in life, from a quick run to a trip to the grocery store.
best terry quarter zip
Buck Mason Interloop Quarter Zip
best terry quarter zip
Buck Mason Interloop Quarter Zip
With fold-down collars, Buck Mason's quarter zip is the best of a sweatshirt and a polo, rolled into one.
best workwear quarter zip
Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Long Sleeve Quarter Zip
best workwear quarter zip
Carhartt Force Relaxed Fit Long Sleeve Quarter Zip
Carhartt's take on the quarter zip is decidedly cool, yet with sweat-wicking technology and raglan sleeves, it's still true to its workwear roots.
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best cashmere quarter zip
Naadam Cashmere Quarter Zip
best cashmere quarter zip
Naadam Cashmere Quarter Zip
If you're feeling particularly luxurious, a cashmere quarter zip is all but guaranteed to be your most-worn item of the season.
best designer quarter zip
Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Ribbed Wool Half-Zip Sweater
best designer quarter zip
Stone Island Logo-Appliquéd Ribbed Wool Half-Zip Sweater
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If anyone can give the quarter zip a cool '90s-esque spin, it's Stone Island.
