Why the Quarter Zip Is 2026’s Must-Have Sweater
The preppy menswear staple is a fixture in the current collections of top luxury houses.
Published on Jan 13, 2026
If the Spring/Summer 2026 shows proved anything, it’s that fashion’s focus is shifting towards elevated casualwear.
Over the past year, runways were filled with familiar staples, reimagined with a sharper point of view. Picture tucked-in ties, cargo shorts, button-downs, and the enduring tee-and-jeans combo. Luxury houses are offering their takes on casual dressing, which, in turn, has prompted a reassessment of how everyday pieces fit into the modern wardrobe.
One silhouette that fits neatly into this conversation is the quarter zip sweater. While Gen Z pop culture has turned it into a visual shorthand for the so-called “performative male” uniform—tote bag over the shoulder, matcha in hand—the style’s relevance extends well beyond internet discourse. Over the recent season, variations of the quarter zip have appeared consistently across the runways of leading fashion houses.
About the Quarter Zip Sweater Trend
For Spring/Summer 2026, brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Loewe presented their own iterations—tactile, brimming with color, yet straightforward at once.
At Chanel, Matthieu Blazy’s highly lauded Métiers d’Art 2026 collection opened with a look that captured this sensibility precisely: a beige quarter zip layered over a white T-shirt, finished with classic denim jeans.
The quarter zip, however, is far from a modern invention.
Its roots trace back to the 1930s, emerging alongside the development of the modern zipper. Initially adopted in sportswear—particularly for golf, tennis, and skiing—the design offered practical temperature control through its partially open neckline. Around the same time, it was also utilized in military uniforms as a functional mid-layer amid changing temperatures.
By the 1950s, the quarter zip became a fixture in collegiate sportswear. Its association with leisure and affluence made it an accessible way for young urban professionals to tap into country club-coded dressing.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the style became closely tied to preppy office wardrobes, reinforced by prep-leaning labels such as Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren—a reputation that continues to inform how the piece is styled today.
Brands to Check Out for Quarter Zip Sweaters in the Philippines
Uniqlo
A reliable destination for comfortable, no-frills staples, Uniqlo offers a straightforward quarter zip that fits easily into a daily rotation.
Blue works well as a neutral here, matching just as seamlessly with muted tones as it does with brighter hues. Layer it over a crisp white longline shirt, or experiment with color-blocking using primary colors like red or yellow for a subtle update. It’s an easy way to switch up the casual outfits you’re used to!
Half-Zip Sweatshirt - Blue, P1490, UNIQLO, uniqlo.com
Mango
For something that will help you withstand the frigid climates of cold weather countries, this chunky knit sweater will do just the trick.
Style tip: go full on preppy by layering this over a white collared shirt and a dark tie tucked underneath. Match it with straight cut jeans and black loafers to fully lean into that high-low dressing moment.
Wool-Blend Sweater With Zip, P4295, MANGO MAN, zalora.com
Polo Ralph Lauren
Recreate the Chanel runway look with this similar style from Polo Ralph Lauren. Perfect the look by wearing it over a white T-shirt, then add straight-cut medium-wash jeans, a brown leather belt, a suede shoulder bag, and white ballet pumps.
Luxury Jersey Quarter-Zip Pullover, P12,000, POLO RALPH LAUREN, zalora.com
Ganni
For a more athleisure-leaning option, Ganni’s grey version fits the bill. Designed with an intentionally oversized shape, it works well as a relaxed layer over activewear.
Think Princess Diana-inspired off-duty dressing: a boxy sweater, cycling shorts, and classic dad sneakers.
Grey Half Zip Sweatshirt, P18,500, GANNI, ganni.com
Maison Kitsune
Maison Kitsuné’s fleece-lined quarter zip offers a slightly more structured feel. Finished with the brand’s signature Fox Head patches, it should work perfectly with mini skirts, flared denim, or tailored knee-length trousers.
Mens Double Bold Fox Head Half Zip Sweatshirt, P19,798, MAISON KITSUNE, univers.ph
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with coffee in hand, and dressed in an oversized blazer with floor-grazing jeans.