Top Men’s Quarter-Zip Sweater Brands for 2026

Once the preserve of fundamentally uncool finance bros and style-devoid suburban dads, quarter zips are now the unlikely darling of Gen Z fashion TikTok. Quarter zips are the craze no one saw coming. On the surface, it’s a simple garment – a basic long-sleeve pullover sweater with a zip extending down the neckline. But its current popularity signals something deeper: this is more than just a trend, it’s a new wave of style-conscious guys coming of age.

Whether it’s embracing cardigans unironically or pulling a pair of Common Projects on instead of Yeezys, every generation has its own version of this moment. It signals a move away from the excess and experimentation of teenage dressing and towards sartorial maturity. And this time it’s something anyone can work into their wardrobe.

If you’re thinking of jumping on the quarter zip bandwagon, you might be wondering where to look and what to buy. Below, we’ll attempt to answer those questions along with some key advice on what to look out for and what to avoid.

Buying Considerations

Fit

There’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to how a quarter zip should fit. A lot of it boils down to personal preference and how you like your clothes to look.

A good starting point if you’re unsure is to steer away from anything too exaggerated and opt for something that sits neatly on the shoulders, falls a couple of inches above the hips and can be easily layered on top of without bunching up.

Fabric

The two main options here are a knitted fabric or a classic jersey cotton. The former is easier to dress up and feels slightly more mature, while the latter has a sportier feel and will probably be a bit more durable.

If you do go for a knit, merino is an excellent choice, as it’s a natural temperature regulator, making it well-suited as a mid-layer. Cashmere is also available for those with deep enough pockets.

Colour

Again, personal preference is the deciding factor here. Go for something muted and neutral if you want to wear it with anything and everything, or choose something brighter and bolder if you’re looking for a statement piece.

Autumnal tones are a good compromise, bringing some colour to the table without going OTT.

Price

Given that quarter zips can range from simple cotton pullovers to high-end cashmere knitwear, pricing is naturally a broad spectrum. If you’re on a budget, a classic jersey is probably your best bet, offering a durable, warm silhouette at a cost-effective price.

If money is no object, cashmere is the way to go, and if you’re somewhere in the middle, look at merino and lambswool versions to get the most bang for your buck.

The Best Men’s Quarter-Zip Brands

BOSS

BOSS approaches the quarter zip with its trademark blend of polish and mass appeal. The brand offers a broad mix of fine-gauge knit quarter-zip styles and cotton-jersey half-zip sweat styles, typically cut slim and finished cleanly.

Knit options fall into two clear camps: muted, neutral merino and wool-blend styles that slot neatly into a business-casual wardrobe, and more seasonal designs featuring Fair Isle and winter-inspired patterns that give off an elevated après-ski feel. The sweat versions lean more casual, often finished with discreet logo detailing and a technical edge.

The overall effect is dependable and versatile, covering everything from office-friendly layering to relaxed, cold-weather dressing without straying too far from BOSS’s comfort zone.

Shop now at BOSS

Collars & Co

Best known for its engineered collar designs, Collars & Co approaches the quarter zip from a slightly smarter angle. Its styles often feature structured or reinforced collars designed to sit neatly under jackets, making them a strong option for business-casual settings.

Fabrics lean towards premium cotton blends and fine-gauge knits, prioritising shape retention and a clean neckline.

If you’re after a quarter zip that feels closer to shirting than sportswear, this is where Collars & Co quietly excels.

Shop now at Collars & Co

Luca Faloni

Luca Faloni’s quarter zips are exactly what you’d expect from an Italian brand obsessed with fabric quality. Crafted primarily from premium merino wool and cashmere blends, they offer a soft handle, elegant drape and a naturally refined finish.

The fits are classic rather than slim, designed to move comfortably while still looking considered. These are investment pieces that feel luxurious without shouting about it, perfect for anyone who wants their knitwear to whisper rather than scream.

Shop now at Luca Faloni

LESTRANGE

LESTRANGE’s approach to the quarter zip is, predictably, all about refinement and restraint. Rather than chunky knits or overtly sporty styles, the brand favours lightweight merino and fine-gauge wool blends that feel polished without being precious.

The silhouettes are clean, minimal and modern, designed to sit comfortably between tailoring and off-duty wear. These are quarter zips that work just as well under a coat for the commute as they do with relaxed trousers at the weekend.

If you like your wardrobe streamlined and deliberately uncluttered, LESTRANGE gets it exactly right.

Shop now at LESTRANGE

David Gandy Wellwear

David Gandy Wellwear’s quarter zips sit firmly in the premium casual camp, with a clear emphasis on comfort, durability and everyday wearability. Rather than knitwear, the brand focuses on heavyweight sweat-style quarter-zips, crafted from soft cotton-rich fabrics that hold their shape over time.

The fits are relaxed but considered, striking a balance between laid-back and polished that feels intentional rather than sloppy. Colour palettes lean classic and versatile, making them easy to rotate into a daily wardrobe.

These are quarter-zips built for real life: ideal for travel, weekends, and off-duty layering when you still want to look put together without trying too hard.

Shop now at David Gandy Wellwear

Velasca

Velasca brings an unmistakably Italian sensibility to the quarter zip, leaning into craftsmanship and fabric above all else. Expect soft merino wool, occasional cashmere blends and a slightly more tailored fit than many of its northern European counterparts.

These pieces feel luxurious without being flashy, often finished with refined ribbing and muted, elegant colour palettes. They’re ideal for those who want a quarter zip that feels elevated enough to replace a knit polo or light jumper, particularly when worn with tailored trousers or suede loafers.

Shop now at Velasca

Wahts

WAHTS sits firmly in the modern luxury-athleisure camp, and its quarter zips reflect that positioning. Rather than traditional knitwear, the brand focuses on technical jersey fabrics that offer stretch, breathability, and a sleek, contemporary finish.

Clean lines, minimal branding and a performance-led construction make these ideal for travel, hybrid working or anyone who wants comfort without sacrificing polish.

Think of them as the grown-up alternative to a sweatshirt: refined enough for everyday wear, engineered enough to justify the price tag.

Shop now at WAHTS

ASKET

ASKET treats the quarter zip with the same philosophy it applies to everything else: build it once, build it properly.

The brand offers pared-back merino wool and cotton jersey half-zips in a tightly controlled range of neutral colours, with a focus on fit consistency and long-term wearability. Nothing here is trend-led or decorative, which is precisely the point.

These are dependable, everyday layers designed to slot effortlessly into a capsule wardrobe and stay relevant year after year.

Shop now at ASKET

Polo Ralph Lauren

Few labels feel as at home on an Ivy League quad as they do in a Shoreditch pub, and that’s the Polo magic. Along with, well, polos, the humble quarter zip has long been a quiet pillar of the brand’s signature aesthetic: collegiate, slightly preppy, but never stiff.

Expect clean proportions, reassuringly chunky knitwear and confident colours.

Shop now at Farfetch

Drake’s

Drake’s doesn’t bother pretending its quarter zips are knitwear. The preppy brand focuses almost exclusively on quarter-zip sweatshirts, cut from heavyweight cotton jersey and finished with details borrowed from classic sportswear and Ivy League staples.

Expect substantial handles, relaxed fits and rich, washed colours that feel lived-in rather than pristine. These are pieces designed to bridge tailoring and leisure: easy enough to wear with denim or fatigues, but considered enough to sit comfortably under a tweed jacket or alongside pleated trousers.

Less gym kit, more old-school campus cool.

Shop now at Drake’s

Armor Lux

Breton stripes may be the headline act, but Armor Lux’s knitwear deserves equal billing. The French brand approaches the quarter zip with a workwear mindset. Think robust fabrics, practical fits and a certain no-nonsense charm.

There’s nothing flashy here, which is precisely the appeal. Worn with denim and boots, Armor Lux’s quarter zips lean into a functional, lived-in look that feels refreshingly unaffected in a sea of overdesigned alternatives.

Shop now at END.

Lululemon

Lululemon’s take on the quarter zip is unapologetically modern, built with movement and comfort in mind.

These are pieces designed for active living. Technical fabrics, clean lines and a quietly athletic silhouette give them a contemporary appeal, particularly for anyone whose wardrobe already leans towards elevated athleisure rather than traditional knitwear.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Sunspel

Sunspel was quietly perfecting the basics long before basics became a talking point. Its quarter zips are all about restraint: fine fabrics, subtle colours and a fit that sits just right. There’s a confidence in that simplicity.

Made in England using premium cottons and wools, these are the sort of pieces that integrate seamlessly into a grown-up wardrobe and stay there for years or even decades.

Shop now at Sunspel

Carhartt WIP

Workwear DNA gives Carhartt WIP’s quarter zips a different energy altogether. Slightly boxier, a touch tougher and often cut from heavier fabrics, they feel more relaxed than those offered by the usual heritage suspects.

If you’re looking for quarter zips that work casually, perhaps with loose trousers and trainers, this is the way to go.

Shop now at END.

Merz B. Schwanen

Rooted in old-school German manufacturing, Merz B. Schwanen’s quarter zips feel almost archival in spirit. Loopwheeled fabrics, vintage-inspired fits and a focus on longevity give them a distinctive character.

These aren’t throwaway layers but pieces that improve with wear. Ideal if you like your clothes to tell a story.

Shop now at Merz B. Schwanen