The knitted quarter zip has become the default smart-casual layer for British men, and for good reason. It is smarter than a hoodie, easier than a blazer and warm enough for most of the year. The zip collar is what makes it work: open, it frames a shirt collar; closed, it keeps out the wind. Here is how to wear one, with seven outfits that cover the office, the weekend and everything in between.
What is a quarter zip jumper?
A quarter zip (sometimes called a half zip) is a knitted pullover with a short zip that runs from the collar to the upper chest. The raised collar sits higher than a crew neck, so it looks sharper under a coat and holds its shape when you open the zip. Knitted versions, like our Belgrave ribbed quarter zip and the Highbury Nordic quarter zip, look smarter than sweatshirt-fabric versions and work in more places.
How should a quarter zip fit?
- Shoulders: the seam should sit on the edge of your shoulder, not halfway down your arm.
- Length: the hem should finish around the top of your trouser pockets, covering your belt.
- Body: close enough to look neat, with room for a shirt or tee underneath. If you plan to layer over a collared shirt, check our size guide and consider your usual size rather than sizing down.
7 quarter zip outfits for men
1. The office outfit: quarter zip, oxford shirt, chinos
Wear the zip half open over a white or blue oxford shirt, with the collar sitting inside the zip. Add stone or navy slim chinos and loafers. It is the modern replacement for a shirt and blazer in most offices.
2. The weekend outfit: quarter zip, tee, straight leg jeans
Swap the shirt for a heavyweight T-shirt and wear dark straight leg jeans with clean trainers. Keep the zip closed or just slightly open.
3. Smart evening: quarter zip, pleated trousers, loafers
A navy or black quarter zip with grey pleated trousers and suede-look loafers looks deliberate without trying too hard. Tonal colours work best here.
4. Winter commute: quarter zip under an overcoat
The raised collar sits neatly inside the lapels of an overcoat. Zip it up to the neck and skip the scarf on milder days.
5. Cold and wet: quarter zip under a puffer or gilet
For proper cold, layer the quarter zip under a puffer jacket, or wear a quilted gilet over the top on dry autumn days.
6. Off-duty: quarter zip and joggers
With tapered joggers and trainers, a knitted quarter zip keeps a relaxed outfit looking put-together for travel or a coffee run.
7. Pattern for the festive season
A Nordic jacquard band, like the one on the Highbury, is the easiest way to add some seasonal character without a novelty jumper. Keep everything else plain: dark jeans, boots and a neutral coat.
Which colours should you buy first?
Start with navy or charcoal, which go with everything from jeans to grey tailoring. Add an oat or ecru for a softer, lighter look, then a darker earthy shade such as tobacco for autumn.
Common mistakes
- Wearing it too long or too baggy, which makes the collar collapse.
- Zipping it all the way up over a shirt collar, which crushes the collar.
- Pairing a chunky knit with skinny trousers. Straight or tapered legs balance the shape better.
Browse our full edit of men's quarter zip jumpers, or see the rest of our knitwear. UK delivery is free and tracked on every order, with 30-day returns.