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

Turner, for one, donned a utility workwear coat with a quarter-zip sweater, black jeans, and hiker-style boots. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Plus, shop discounts on quarter-zip pullovers and flannels in multiple colors to consider Dad sorted. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Nordic knits Interest in half-zip and quarter-zip sweaters is on the rise, thanks to the Chanel Métiers d’Art show. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026

The set comes with a cozy quarter-zip sweatshirt and a pair of wide-leg bottoms, making for a complete travel-ready outfit that takes no effort at all. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above