Stacia Datskovska
View all posts by Stacia Datskovska April 7, 2026
Brooks Brothers; Peter Millar If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
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Once the Lyst Index, a trusted trend forecasting authority, named the Polo Ralph Lauren quarter zip the hottest product of Q4 2025, there was no question about it: These zipper-clad pullovers, dressier than a sweatshirt and more laid-back than a suit jacket, have an absolute chokehold on the way men of all aesthetic sensibilities and occupations dress in our day and age.
The driving forces behind this development? Per Lyst Index, “streetwear-leaning dressers are aesthetically maturing and entering the workforce with a desire to look the part.” The quarter zip movement has been specifically fueled by Gen Z, who are using the classically leaning style to gain a sense of respectability. The quarter zip has long been associated with “finance bro” culture — think 80-hour work weeks at Blackstone and slop bowls for lunch — and now it’s being reclaimed by men who might have nothing to do with that line of work (or its stereotypes, for that matter).
At a Glance: Best Quarter Zips for Men 2026
- Editor’s Pick: Peter Millar Stealth Performance Quarter Zip
- Warmest: Brooks Brothers Ultimate Merino Wool Quarter Zip Sweater
- Casual: Peter Millar Men’s Collegiate Perth Performance Quarter Zip
- Affordable: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Quarter Zip Sweater
- Year-Round: Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Pique Quarter Zip Sweater
Case in point: “Buy U a Drank” singer T-Pain posed for an Instagram photo in a quilted, navy quarter zip last November and captioned the image “401k and a quarter zip.” He’s joined by fellow rappers like Central Cee, who are going viral for swapping their Nike Tech full-zip jackets for more elevated threads.
Whether you’re busy building a career on Soundcloud or Sallie Mae, one thing is for certain — quarter zips, with mock-neck collars ideal for layering over dress shirts or polos and zippers that hit at the mid-chest, will earn you major style points this season (often coming in lightweight compositions that dole out breathability for spring).
What to Look for When Buying Men’s Quarter Zips Online
Considering the fact that, between late 2025 and early 2026, searches for quarter zips spiked by 132%, it’s no wonder dozens of known-and-loved fashion brands for men are either coming out with all-new quarter zip sweater styles or perfecting already-existing ones. Amidst this industry noise, it can be tough to hone in on “the one,” but the following parameters will get you well on your way.
Fabric: Today’s most popular quarter zip materials include cotton, wool, polyester-based performance blends, and cashmere. If you’re interested in a quarter zip that’s breathable — for more active pursuits like golf, say — cotton (and especially 100% cotton!) will be a safe bet. The cashmeres and wools of the world, meanwhile, win big in the “luxe looks” department, specializing in both softness and structure. Performance synthetics, on the other hand, are often backed by moisture-wicking, sun-protecting, and odor-eliminating properties. Being on the thinner side, they’re easy to layer under light jackets or vests.
Fit: A quarter zip will usually be labeled “classic fit” or “tailored fit.” The former is roomier, with a straight cut and a relaxed style, while the latter offers more contouring by way of a tapered, slimmer silhouette — particularly in the context of the chest and waist. That being said, don’t believe every fit description you read online. Sam’s tailored-fit Peter Millar Stealth Performance Quarter Zip in medium still had looseness to it, even though he wears a size large in shirts. Left feeling stumped? Most leading menswear brands like Peter Millar have dedicated chat support to answer questions regarding what size of quarter zip to grab from their online shelves.
Versatility/special features: To make a visual impact on your upcoming yacht trip or corporate offsite, picking a brighter-and-lighter quarter zip (read: coral, emerald, baby blue) is key. To stay in the realm of the classy and timeless, however, we recommend versatile colorways like navy, grey, black, or beige, which will avoid clashing with your other workwear, footwear included. An overabundance of special features can also detract from a quarter zip’s wear-everywhere appeal. Contrast zippers, pronounced ribbed trims, and in-your-face logos might be big no-nos for when the CEO flies in for his biannual check-in, so choose accordingly.
