Winter is coming and you need a men's half zip sweater. It’s a wardrobe must and there’s a reason the garment is such a popular staple. When the nights draw in and the days get shorter it’s easy to forget that you’re not as stocked up in the layers department as you thought your were. Fear not because a men's half zip is a versatile option that works for both smart and leisure. Here’s our pick of the best options out there including why you need one and how to style it.
Why a men's half zip sweater is a wardrobe essential
The humble half zip (also referred to as a quarter zip or zip neck sweater) is a certified wardrobe essential. The reason behind it being such a staple is its versatility. The half zip works in multiple environments. It works at home as part of your leisurewear rotation, incorporating snug mid-weight to thick fabrics, usually cotton fleece or wool, to provide a welcome slightly smarter alternative to sweatshirts and hoodies. There’s something about that zip that means business.
The half zip also works in formal settings like the office. In midweight and lightweight cotton, it’ll sit happily above a shirt, collar visible and as seen across many an Italian athleisurewear collection, it’ll look suave underneath soft tailoring. It’s a truly bulletproof piece. For day to day looks, chunkier knit iterations add a welcome layering option and essential warmth during those Fall months.
How to style a men's half zip sweater
Wearing a half zip couldn’t be simpler and this again comes down to its appeal. Looser and relaxed fit half zips are great for wearing above t-shirts and shirting for casual outfits. It’s worth seeking out texture here and allowing layers to stand out. Keep to earthy colours and for busier styles featuring embroidery and print, try to keep the top layer muted to let these features stand out.
In the office the half zip is a friend to all shirting, be that button downs or more formal styles. It’s worth going for a slightly more fitted silhouette here but don’t go too tight, never go too tight. Grey, navy and black are always bulletproof and of course, opt for a darker or lighter shirt, embracing a natural contrast. No bright colours please.
Best men's half zip sweaters
Asket
Swedish label ASKET is dedicated to crafting minimalist, premium-quality essentials designed with longevity in mind. The brand stands out for its commitment to transparency and sustainability, offering detailed insights into the production process and the origins of its materials. Renowned for its timeless staples, including T-shirts, jeans, and knitwear, ASKET focuses on reducing waste and encouraging thoughtful purchasing decisions. When it comes to half-zip sweaters, ASKET excels, delivering some of the finest options on the market. With multiple length choices for an ideal fit, these sweaters cater to both style and comfort.
Artknit Studios
Artknit Studios takes pride in blending traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. The brand emphasises sustainability, creating knitwear from natural, biodegradable materials like extra-fine merino wool and cashmere. Artknit’s half-zip sweaters are the epitome of understated luxury, offering a sleek silhouette that’s perfect for layering. The fine gauge knitting ensures a lightweight feel without compromising on warmth, making them as versatile as they are stylish. Whether paired with tailored trousers or dressed down with jeans, these sweaters are a worthy investment.
Luca Faloni
Channeling Italian elegance into every garment it creates, Luca Faloni’s half-zip sweaters are no exception. Made from 100% pure cashmere sourced from the prestigious Cariaggi mill, these sweaters are soft, warm, and impeccably refined. The brand focuses on timeless style, ensuring its pieces work seamlessly across both casual and smart-casual wardrobes. Available in a range of muted, earthy tones, these half-zips are designed for those who appreciate classic luxury with a contemporary twist.
L'Estrange
L’Estrange London is all about making life easier with a curated wardrobe of versatile staples, and the half-zip sweater is a standout piece in its collection. Made with organic cotton, it strikes the perfect balance between softness and durability. L’Estrange’s designs are clean and fuss-free, offering a polished look without trying too hard. Pair one of these half-zips with tailored joggers for a modern, relaxed outfit or layer it under a blazer for something smarter.
CLOSED
CLOSED is synonymous with modern European denim and casualwear that doesn’t compromise on quality. The German brand’s half-zip sweaters are crafted from premium materials like organic cotton and wool blends, offering a comfortable yet luxurious feel. Known for its clean lines and muted colour palette, CLOSED’s half-zips slot seamlessly into any wardrobe. The slightly relaxed fit makes them ideal for layering, while the subtle detailing adds just enough character to stand out.
WAHTS
Dutch brand WAHTS specialises in creating premium essentials that merge performance and style, and its half-zip sweaters are a prime example of this ethos. Constructed from technical fabrics like merino wool blends, these pieces offer exceptional breathability and temperature regulation. WAHTS’ designs are minimalist yet modern, making them equally suited for post-gym layering or smart-casual dressing. The attention to detail – from ergonomic fits to seamless zippers – ensures they’re as functional as they are fashionable.
GANT
GANT has long been a staple in men’s wardrobes, and its preppy aesthetic translates effortlessly into its half-zip sweater collection. Crafted from soft, durable wool or cotton blends, these sweaters are a testament to the brand’s heritage of quality and practicality. The signature collegiate vibe is present but understated, with subtle embroidered logos and classic ribbed trims. Whether you’re layering one over an Oxford shirt or wearing it solo, GANT’s half-zips offer a polished yet approachable look.
Lululemon
Lululemon may be best known for its athletic wear, but its half-zip sweaters showcase how the brand has mastered casual performance essentials too. Made with technical fabrics that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and durable, these sweaters are designed to move with you. Ideal for active days or as part of a laid-back weekend outfit, Lululemon’s half-zips feature a slim, streamlined fit that works equally well on the running track or at brunch.
Aurélien
Aurélien excels in creating “smart leisurewear” – a blend of luxury and everyday practicality – and its half-zip sweaters are a shining example of this philosophy. Made from its signature cashmere-merino blend, these sweaters deliver unmatched softness and warmth. The sophisticated colour palette ranges from rich navy to muted beige, making them ideal for both formal and casual settings. With subtle detailing and a focus on superior craftsmanship, Aurélien’s half-zips are as versatile as they are elegant.
Velasca
Velasca might be renowned for its handmade shoes, but the Italian brand brings the same attention to detail to its knitwear collection. The half-zip sweaters are crafted from fine merino wool, ensuring comfort and longevity. Velasca’s designs lean towards a classic, timeless aesthetic, with rich, neutral tones that pair effortlessly with just about anything in your wardrobe. Perfect for layering or wearing solo, these sweaters are a subtle nod to Italian sophistication.
Now that you've mastered men's half-zips, discover the best cardigan outfits for autumn/winter 2023.
