The quarter-zip sweater is officially shedding its stuffy, corporate reputation. Once widely dismissed as the drab uniform of finance bros and politicians, this practical knitwear has undergone a major high-fashion renaissance. Today, it’s being reclaimed by the very style critics who once shunned it.
This sartorial shift hasn't happened overnight. Cult menswear labels such as Mfpen and Amiri integrated the piece into their autumn/winter 2025 lineups, paving the way for luxury titans like Dior and Louis Vuitton to feature them heavily in their spring/summer 2026 shows. Off the runway, A-listers like Jonathan Bailey are sporting the look, and the data backs up the hype: fashion shopping app Lyst recently crowned Polo Ralph Lauren’s cable-knit quarter-zip as the world’s most sought-after menswear item.
However, embracing this trend comes with a very specific risk: accidentally looking like an extra on a banking drama. To successfully pull off the quarter-zip, the key is keeping things decidedly un-corporate.
Master the Layers
The golden rule of modernizing the quarter-zip is to ditch the traditional office shirt. The classic button-down-and-sweater combo is exactly what gives off boardroom energy. Instead, layer your quarter-zip over a crisp T-shirt or a fully buttoned polo.
If you absolutely must wear a woven shirt, pivot toward preppy aesthetics rather than business casual. An Oxford shirt with an open, relaxed collar works perfectly. You can also use the adjustable neckline of the sweater to your advantage—partially unzip it to reveal a vibrant pop of color or a trendy striped tee underneath.
Keep the Silhouette Relaxed
To further distance yourself from the corporate aesthetic, pay attention to the lower half of your outfit. Avoid slim-fit chinos and opt for more relaxed, effortless silhouettes. Wide-leg tailored trousers, straight-cut jeans, rugged work pants, or even retro tracksuits balance the top's structure with a laid-back, contemporary vibe.
Choosing the Right Knit
When shopping for your new favorite sweater, construction is everything. Steer clear of rigid, tightly fitted designs. Instead, lean into relaxed fits with dropped shoulders or contemporary fabrics like scuba and chunky ribbed knits. Even a quarter-zip sweatshirt can deliver the perfect 'undone' aesthetic.
Whether you invest in a luxurious cable-knit staple from Ralph Lauren or pick up an accessible cotton-blend piece from the high street, the goal remains the same: choose a garment that looks effortlessly thrown on, leaving the boardroom baggage far behind.