Let's be honest: I used to cringe at the sight of men in quarter-zip jumpers. They seemed like the ultimate fashion faux pas, synonymous with stuffy politicians, finance bros, and even royalty like Princes William and Harry. In my mind, they belonged in the 'dad wardrobe' category, far removed from anything remotely stylish. But here's where it gets controversial: I was wrong. Dead wrong.
Everything changed when the fashion world decided to reclaim this maligned garment. It started with Jonathan Bailey, who sent the internet into a frenzy by rocking a quarter-zip at Jonathan Anderson’s Dior womenswear show in Paris. Paired with a blue shirt, striped tie, and straight-leg jeans, he single-handedly began to shift the narrative. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just about the outfit—it was about challenging the stereotype of who could pull off this look.
The real game-changer came at Chanel’s Metiers d’Art show in New York. Matthieu Blazy opened with Bhavitha Mandava strutting down the runway in a pale camel quarter-zip and jeans. By the time the second look—a black quarter-zip layered over a T-shirt and paired with an embroidered skirt—appeared, the transformation was complete. The quarter-zip had officially gone from 'dad chic' to high fashion.
If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’ve likely already caught wind of this trend. You might also know about the ‘Quarter Zip Movement’ that took social media by storm last year. It all started with TikTok creator Jason Gyamfi, who, along with a friend, posted a viral video of them sipping matcha while sporting quarter-zips. ‘We don’t do Nike Tech,’ Gyamfi declared. ‘We don’t do coffee. It’s straight quarter zips and matchas around here. We upgraded in life; we wear glasses now.’ This wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a cultural reclaiming, challenging the association of quarter-zips with wealthy white men.
Fast forward to today, and the polished, preppy look is everywhere. High-street brands like M&S, & Other Stories, Cos, and Arket are offering their takes on the trend. For those willing to invest, there are luxurious options like Poetry’s cashmere version or Filippa K’s ribbed designs. Even Rise & Fall has jumped on the bandwagon, offering high-quality wool and cashmere pieces that won’t break the bank or fall apart after a few wears.
So, how do you style this knit du jour? Take a cue from Jonathan Bailey and lean into its corporate vibes by layering it over a shirt and tie, balancing it with jeans. If you’re not ready for full-on ‘corpcore,’ ditch the tie and add a roll-neck for a more relaxed yet layered look. For a dressier take, follow Matthieu Blazy’s lead and pair a neutral quarter-zip with a midi skirt and slingback heels. Heeled boots also work wonders when paired with more casual bottoms, like cargo pants or silky satin trousers.
Just remember: keep it unzipped (unless it’s freezing), and you’re golden. But here’s the real question: Is the quarter-zip’s rise to fashion stardom a triumph of inclusivity, or is it just another trend co-opted by the industry? Let’s discuss in the comments—I want to hear your thoughts!
If you’re ready to jump on the bandwagon, here are some top picks:
- Rise & Fall Cashmere Merino Ribbed Jumper (£122.50 from £175, riseandfall.co)
- Cos Merino Wool Polo Jumper (£95, cos.com)
- & Other Stories Mock-Neck Jumper (£32 from £67, stories.com)
What do you think? Is the quarter-zip here to stay, or is it just a passing fad? And more importantly, will you be adding one to your wardrobe?
