The Best Quarter-Zip Sweaters to Gift, According to Style Editors

If you run hot or tend to sweat, grab Mizzen+Main’s quarter-zip sweater—it uses a polyester-elastane blend with a breathable honeycomb texture that holds its structure while still letting air circulate. Thanks to the brand’s proprietary TurboDry tech, I worked up a sweat racing through the airport and the fabric dried completely before I even got to my gate. It’s also a solid option for golfing, long travel days, or anytime you need something polished that won’t cling or stay damp.

Our style editor Joseph Cheatham throws this cozy quarter-zip on when he needs to drop off his dry cleaning or pick up groceries. Like the name suggests, the polyester-modal fabric is smooth as butter, while offering enough stretch to reach a high cabinet and not feel any restriction. This option leans more athleisure than dressy, but still polished enough for casual settings. It's forgiving in the stomach, so he feels comfortable to devour a burger and not worry about looking bloated. Plus, it's roomy enough to layer a t-shirt underneath without feeling stuffed.

Quince makes a ribbed quarter-zip sweater that looks sharp for the office, a business lunch, or networking event. I like to wear it on a flight because I tend to get cold, but have the option to unzip if I start to feel a little stuffy. It doesn't require a change, so once I land I can hop on the plane and go straight to dinner. The ribbed detail allover the piece makes it feel more elevated than your average knit, adding subtle texture and structure that reads polished instead of casual. And because it's made from organic cotton, it's breathable and soft against the skin, with a broken-in feel that never gets scratchy or stiff.

Golfers will love the Cloud Quarter Zip 2.0 for both comfort and style. The hybrid cotton and polyester construction makes it smooth to the touch, ultra soft, and a warm layering option for hitting the links in the offseason. Again, this golf quarter zip isn't limited to strictly the course, so it makes a great gift either way.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something specifically tailored to the winter months, you can never go wrong with a Patagonia. The Better Sweater is my personal go-to, and you can wear it under a winter coat or on its own. The 100% recycled polyester sweater is a tried and true cold-weather essential, and it makes the perfect last-minute gift, too.

Speaking of comfort, it doesn't get much more cozy than the Sully 1/4 Zip Pullover from Johnnie-O. We love a few of the brand's lightweight layering pieces, but the Sully might just take the cake. The plaited cotton-blend sweater features a heather design, is soft to the touch, and is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. What's not to love?

Paul Smith's merino half-zip sweater is a refined take on a classic layering piece. Although it’s made from from merino wool, it's still lightweight and breathable, so you won't feel stuffy in a muggy subway station. It looks great layered over a t-shirt on crisp days and a turtleneck when temps really dip.

The sweater comes in a warm camel hue, giving it a timeless look, while the brand’s signature colorful stripe along the inside of the collar adds a subtle pop of personality that only Paul Smith can deliver.

Its fine-knit construction feels luxuriously soft against the skin, and the half-zip silhouette makes it easy to layer or wear solo. Whether you’re heading into the office, grabbing coffee on the weekend, or layering up for a park stroll, it works with a bunch of outfits.

The Tipped Boathouse quarter zip from Vineyard Vines gives off some much-needed warm-weather vibes. It's made of an ultra-soft, silk cotton blend, and it's one of my go-tos around the office. It's not as bulky as some other quarter zip sweaters in my arsenal, making it a great option for when it gets warmer. And despite its lightweight versatility, it's still warm enough for the coldest winter months—a true four-season staple.

For a simple yet distinguished look, I like to go with the Icon Reversible Quarter Zip from Johnston & Murphy, which is perfect for around the office (and a favorite of Peyton Manning, too). The cotton, heathered look is always a nice touch, and it's fairly lightweight and super comfortable for logging long hours. The best part is, of course, that it's fully reversible, essentially making this a two-gifts-in-one scenario. Talk about bang for your buck.

NFL fans can get in on the action, too, and Abercrombie has a surprisingly robust section of merch. We love it because it's super soft, stylish, and not overly flashy. If you're shopping for someone who takes a more subtle, style-forward approach to their fandom, this is a no-brainer.

The option is the ultimate luxury quarter zip to gift this season. It’s made from an ultra-soft alpaca-polyamide-wool blend with a touch of elastane, so it feels plush against the skin while offering just the right amount of stretch to keep its shape over time. Thanks to its regular fit and a mid-weight build, it’s versatile enough to layer over a shirt for the office or wear on its own during crisp weekend outings.

Texturally, it’s where the Alfie truly shines. The yarn has a unique, eye-catching pattern that feels artisanal and almost sculptural, setting it apart from more standard knits. Yes, it comes at a higher price point, but that’s the trade-off for long-lasting quality, luxurious feel, and timeless style.