quarter-zip

noun

quar·​ter-zip ˈkwȯ(r)-tər-ˈzip 

variants or quarter zip

plural quarter-zips or quarter zips

: a pullover (such as a sweater or sweatshirt) with a zipper from the collar to the upper chest

For something smarter than jeans … pair a neutral quarter-zip with a dressy midi skirt and slingback heels.

—Jessica Burrell

What are you doin'? You upgraded in life. You wear glasses now. You wear quarter zips.

—Jason Gyamfi

—often used before another noun

Some young adult men have taken to quarter-zip sweaters, resulting in a social media sensation. … The sweater has become a symbol of Gen-Z and late-millennial aspiration, with singer and rapper T-Pain posting a photo of himself to Instagram in the sweater style with the caption: "401k and a quarter zip."

—Kate Perez and James Powel

In case you've missed the TikTok and Instagram craze, quarter zip tops and hoodies have made a major comeback …

—Kevin Cortez

compare half-zip

Examples of quarter-zip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The quarter-zip sweatshirt gives the outfit a sporty feel, while the relaxed pants make sense for flights, errands, and everything on the itinerary afterward. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026

These days, Sand’s quarter-zips and button-down shirts are a bit more gubernatorial than what’s seen on the runways in Paris and Milan—his midwestern flair is certainly miles from the likes of Haider Ackermann’s Tom Ford. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

The Geyser quarter-zip fleece adds another cozy layer, taking a cue from the park's otherworldly geothermal landscape, with vibrant prints that are practically as memorable as the real thing. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026

Suuksess Cashmere-Blend Quarter-Zip Sweater My favorite tops to layer included a classic button-up shirt, a dressy short-sleeve blouse for warm days, and a cozy quarter-zip sweater that proved its value on the breezy coastline. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above