Chanel’s Métiers d’art 2026 collection, shown last December in New York City, opened with model Bhavitha Mandava in blue jeans paired with a beige half-zip top and a white tee. Styled with heels and statement pearl jewellery, the look is both aspirational and achievable – a great reference on how to wear the humble quarter-zip top right now.
“It’s an extremely versatile garment, both for men and women,” says Paris-based, Canadian fashion stylist Keegan Lathe-LeBlanc. He notes that the classic style, which last peaked in the 1990s, is getting a modern makeover. For example, women are wearing their quarter- and half-zip tops tucked into pencil and mini-skirts, and balloon-silhouette jeans and dress pants; the look feels dressier and more current than having it untucked. For the office, you could simply wear a quarter zip over a more casual button up or T-shirt – adding a blazer for more gravitas – and pair it with chinos or tailored trousers.
The fit is key as well for this trend, especially for men. You want “that more relaxed to oversized fit,” says Lathe-LeBlanc. “If it’s too tight, it’s really going to look a little dorkish. It won’t exactly hit what’s making it really look exciting at the moment.” He also suggests that men shouldn’t wear a quarter zip “without a T-shirt or a shirt underneath.”
When it comes to materials, Lathe-LeBlanc suggests opting for a knit version if you are looking for something more formal or office-appropriate, and a fleece top for an outdoorsy or athleisure-inspired moment.
Six buys to try
In the men’s section
RW&CO Quarter-Zip Mock-Neck Sweater
Available in seven colours, this cotton-blend, mock-neck sweater by Montreal brand RW&CO can go from weekday to weekend with ease. Layer it over a button-up or T-shirt for the office, and under a denim or leather jacket when you’re off-duty.
Hooké Valley Light Polar Fleece
A lighter version of Quebec City-based Hooké’s popular polar fleece toppers, this quarter zip features a unique pattern by illustrator Brett Stenson, who has also worked with brands such as Saxx and Patagonia. Nice for transitional weather and cooler evenings, it is made with 100-per-cent recycled polyester.
Patrick Assaraf Cotton-Blend Quarter-Zip Polo
This season, swap out your office standard button-down or crewneck sweater for this breezy, cotton-blend polo. Wear it zipped up and on its own or layered over a T-shirt in a contrasting colour.
In the women’s section
H&M Rib-Knit Half-Zip Top
Add a pop of colour to any spring look with this fine-knit top, available in a bold red as well as an understated khaki green. The high collar also adds drama to your neckline whether zipped closed or worn open.
BodyBreak Retro Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
Made in Toronto, this vintage-look, 100-per-cent cotton sweatshirt features a polo collar and embroidered BodyBreak logo. (For those who don’t know, BodyBreak’s iconic television spots encouraged viewers to get moving in the 1980s and 90s.) Try it tucked into your favourite loose-fit jeans for lunch with friends.
House of Blanks 4007 Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
Available in multiple neutral colours, this unisex fleece top is made in Canada with a 100-per-cent cotton, Canadian-milled fabric. Like all House of Blanks garments, it’s ultra-minimal and designed without labels or graphics.
