The quarter zip has existed for some time. It has long been a part of your Dad’s Golf Bag or Alumni Closet. However, somewhere in the span from the decline of quiet luxury to the return to purposeful styling; this traditional, preppy item has become Menswear’s most versatile garment.
Lyst (a global fashion platform) reported that demand for Quarter-Zips increased by 31% in the final quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year; however, the real story is who is purchasing them. Actor Jonathan Bailey modeled a Quarter-Zip on top of a dress shirt and tie with jeans during Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 Menswear Collection. He looked polished without looking too dressed up. After modeling for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Creative Director Matthieu Blazy walked off the runway and onto the red carpet in a Quarter-Zip that was nearly identical to the first look of the evening. Once the fashion elite begin to wear an item like this casually; it is clear that the game has changed.
Why the Quarter-Zip Works Now
Much of the appeal lies in the fact that it has a very practical application. The quarter-zipper sits in a zone that is neither too informal nor too formal. It is better than a hoodie, but less serious than a sweater, and much more versatile than a full zip-fleece jacket which screams that I am going to REI.
There is also another factor contributing to this resurgence of the quarter-zip. For a few years now, streetwear has been the dominant force in menswear, and after that came the minimalist aesthetic of ‘quiet luxury’, men were looking for a product that was thoughtfully designed, yet didn’t try to be anything other than itself. This is precisely what the quarter-zip offers. The quarter-zip is a garment that will work regardless if you want to dress up or dress down, and with many of the distinctions between these two options being rapidly disappearing, this versatility is important.
Ben Barry, Associate Professor of Fashion at Parsons at The New School sees the resurgence of the quarter-zip as a reaction to uncertainty. When every element of life seems unstable, people often turn to products that provide stability, and products that make things easy. The quarter-zip provides both. The quarter-zip is a stable element. You know what the quarter-zip can do, and you know how to use it. There is comfort in knowing that.
How to Actually Wear It
There are many ways to purchase a quarter-zip — but if you plan on wearing it regularly, the type of fabric used will ultimately have a larger influence on your overall satisfaction with your purchase than the logo itself. Merino wool, Cashmere blends and cotton are great fabrics to look for when purchasing a quarter-zip. You can find affordable quality options from brands such as J.Crew, Uniqlo and Everlane. If you want to invest money into a higher end option, try looking at products from Sunspel, Norse Projects or A.P.C. When shopping for a quarter-zip you will want to avoid items that are overly technical or sporty unless those characteristics fit your lifestyle or wardrobe.
Quarter-zips are all about layers in 2026. To pull them off, treat them as a layering item and not a fashion statement.
Pair with an Oxford and tie: Use this as your Jonathan Bailey trick. Place a quarter-zip on top of an Oxford shirt and a knit tie and then add in some dark jeans or chinos for a smart but non-formal look. The added quarter-zip adds some texture and warmth without having to wear a blazer.
Under a white tee: Simple. Wear a clean white T-shirt and place a neutral-colored quarter-zip (oatmeal, navy, gray) on top and add in some tailored trousers or dark denim for a simple weekend uniform. Complete with a nice watch and some decent shoes (loafers or good sneakers), you’re ready to go.
On its own: Make sure you have a well-fit quarter-zip and that the shoulder area fits you correctly and the sleeves fit you so they hit at your wrist bone and that the body doesn’t fit too boxy or too skinny. A well-fit quarter-zip made from high-quality merino wool or a quality cotton blend will make the effort to dress up much easier.
Avoid: Do not wear athletic joggers if you’re wearing a quarter-zip and you don’t plan to head to the gym. That’s not what we call “dressing intentionally”, that’s what we call “athleisure”. In addition, do not wear anything with big logos or tech-y performance materials unless you’re planning on skiing. We want to appear refined and not like we’re shopping at REI.
There is no real “trend” behind the quarter-zip. Instead, there is a growing recognition that often the most practical item of clothing is also one of the most fashionable items of clothing. The quarter-zip has been a staple in many wardrobes for decades; this season is simply an opportunity to recognize its place in men’s fashion once again. The quarter-zip is an easy item of clothing to wear, and works well in a variety of different situations. And, because it does work so well in many different scenarios, it is quietly confident. This is what all good men’s clothing should be.
