How to Style a Quarter Zip: Fashion for Short Men (2024)

For a long time, the quarter zip sweater was the standard for professional situations where comfort was as important as style. But in recent years, the quarter zip has gained traction in the casualwear space as well, becoming more prevalent in business casual settings — and for good reason. The pieces are comfortable, fashionable, and easy to style, making them a great go-to piece for every short men’s wardrobe.

So how should you style quarter zip sweaters for short men? First, when it comes to fitting a quarter zip, the length should fall just past the waist, and should fit comfortably around your hips without pulling or bunching, but close enough to not look like it’s swimming on you. The sleeves should end just before the wrist, and should be loose enough that they can easily be pushed up to the forearm without pulling.

Once you have the perfect fit, now it’s time to style it.

How to Style a Quarter Zip: Fashion for Short Men (1)

Men's Fashion: How to Style a Quarter Zip

The Casual Quarter Zip Sweater
The quarter zip sweater is a perfect layer piece for throwing on over a t-shirt and pairing with jeans for running out the door to do errands. It is comfortable, lightweight enough to not be hot or stifling, and adds an element of sophistication to your look without much effort. You can also toss a quarter zip over a polo shirt for a more business casual look that is a step up from the t-shirt, but can still be easily paired with jeans for a casual look.

The Professional Quarter Zip Sweater
There is a reason quarter zips are popular on college campuses — it is the perfect blend of casual comfort and professional style. Pull it on over a button-down shirt, with the collar coming our around the neck, and the sleeves of the button-down showing around your wrist. Depending on how professional or casual the environment, you can even roll the combined sleeves up a bit to expose part of your forearm for an effortless appearance. Instead of jeans, pair this combination with chinos or khakis to elevate the look, and don’t be afraid to use contrasting colors, such as a dark sweater and a light button-down shirt in similar color family or pairing a patterned sweater with a solid button-down. This is where you can add some personalization to the look.

Layering Quarter Zip Sweaters
While the quarter zip sweater for short men is great alone or as the top layer, you can also wear it as a middle layer, with a parka or jacket over the top, especially in colder months. In this case, you’ll want a piece that is loose enough to be worn over the sweater, but fitted enough to follow the lines of your body. In general, you don’t want it to look like you’re adding a lot of bulk to your frame — you want the final layered look to highlight your shape, not hide it.

How to Style a Quarter Zip: Fashion for Short Men (2)

The Ash & Erie Collection of Quarter Zip Sweaters for Short Men

So now that you know how versatile a quarter zip can be, you’ll want to add a few different colors to your wardrobe to compliment a range of outfits. Here are a few options to consider:

Burgundy Quarter-Zip Sweater
This bold burgundy color looks great on a number of skin tones, and is a perfect choice for pairing with a patterned shirt in a contrasting color for a unique and stylish statement. It is made of a made of soft merino wool for maximum comfort, and is designed to fit men 5’8” and under, so it has properly scaled sleeves and body length.

Charcoal Quarter-Zip Sweater
Made to the same specifications and from the same merino wool for a soft, comfortable fit you can wear all day, this dark charcoal color is a great neutral piece that can be worn with a light-colored shirt, a pattern, with jeans, with chinos, or anything in between. For those looking to try the style, this is a versatile piece that will complement almost any wardrobe.

Bonus: The Grey Lightweight Stretch Chinos
Sure, you can pair your quarter zip sweater with jeans or khakis, but that doesn’t mean those are the only options. Consider these soft grey chinos as an alternate — they pair perfectly with the charcoal or burgundy sweaters, and can easily be worn to both casual or more professional occasions without missing a beat. They are versatile pants that will become your go-to when getting dressed.

Quarter zips are one of those pieces that every short man should have in their closet — they are versatile, easy to wear, pair with a wide range of shirts, jackets, and pants, and can easily be worn casually or in more professional situations. They are a great item to keep on hand for those days when you’re just looking for a quick grab-and-go outfit while still walking out the door stylish and ready to take on the world.

Pair our sweaters with any of the Everyday Shirts below!

As a seasoned fashion expert with a deep understanding of men's style, I've been closely following the evolution of fashion trends, especially in the realm of casual and professional wear. I have hands-on experience in advising individuals on how to curate a wardrobe that seamlessly combines comfort and style, ensuring that each piece serves its purpose in various settings.

Now, delving into the specifics of the quarter zip sweater, I can affirm that its transition from a standard professional garment to a casualwear staple is not only a trend but a well-founded evolution in men's fashion. The quarter zip's versatility has made it an indispensable item, particularly for short men, where fit and style nuances are crucial.

The key to styling quarter zip sweaters for short men lies in achieving the perfect fit. The length should extend just past the waist, ensuring it sits comfortably around the hips without being overly loose or tight. The sleeves, crucial for maintaining a polished look, should end just before the wrist, allowing for easy pushing up to the forearm without any unsightly pulling.

Moving on to styling, the article adeptly covers various scenarios:

  1. Casual Quarter Zip Sweater:

    • Ideal for throwing on over a t-shirt and pairing with jeans for quick errands.
    • Lightweight and comfortable, adding a touch of sophistication effortlessly.
    • Can be layered over a polo shirt for a business casual look, still versatile enough for jeans.
  2. Professional Quarter Zip Sweater:

    • Perfect for achieving a blend of casual comfort and professional style.
    • Combine with a button-down shirt, allowing the collar to peek out, and the sleeves showing around the wrist.
    • Depending on the formality, roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed appearance.
    • Pair with chinos or khakis to elevate the look, experimenting with contrasting colors for personalization.
  3. Layering Quarter Zip Sweaters:

    • The quarter zip works well as a middle layer, especially in colder months.
    • Choose a piece that strikes a balance between being loose enough for layering and fitted enough to highlight the body's shape.
    • Avoid adding bulk to the frame; instead, create a layered look that complements your physique.
  4. The Ash & Erie Collection:

    • Offers a range of colors, including a bold burgundy and a versatile charcoal.
    • Designed specifically for short men (5'8" and under) with properly scaled sleeves and body length.
    • The materials, such as soft merino wool, ensure maximum comfort throughout the day.

The bonus mention of the Grey Lightweight Stretch Chinos demonstrates an understanding of how to pair quarter zip sweaters with different bottom options, highlighting the article's comprehensive approach to men's fashion.

In conclusion, the quarter zip sweater is presented as a wardrobe essential for short men, emphasizing its versatility, ease of wear, and compatibility with various outfits. The provided style tips and product recommendations reflect a nuanced understanding of both fashion trends and practical considerations for the target audience.

How to Style a Quarter Zip: Fashion for Short Men (2024)

FAQs

How do you look good in a quarter zip? ›

Quarter zip sweaters are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. They are perfect for business casual settings with chinos and a collared shirt. For more relaxed events, such as casual outings or informal gatherings, pairing them with jeans and a t-shirt creates a comfortable yet stylish look.

Should a quarter zip collar up or down? ›

If you're going casual, maybe leave the collar popped like a devil-may-care son of a gun, especially if your quarter-zip is made of a material on the stiffer end of the flaccidity scale. If you're going for a smarter fit, leave the zip open and fold that collar down to expose your base layer.

Can I wear a quarter zip with shorts? ›

Quarter-zip jumpers look great with shorts because even though they're a reasonably classy jumpers, they're certainly not formal. So, if you're the type who loves wearing shorts for most of the year, you can easily pull off a combo with a nice quarter zip jumper.

Should I wear a shirt under a quarter zip? ›

Pair With a Shirt and Tie

With a shirt, tie, and pants, a solid quarter-zip will transition from casual to classy and be more than work-appropriate. Tie it, but make sure it stays inside the sweater when you do. Ensure the tie and shirt collars are visible and do not completely zip up the collar.

Are quarter zips fashionable? ›

Even street style favourites such as JW Anderson, Coperni and Stone Island all feature quarter-zippers in their latest collections. British GQ's fashion editor Angelo Mitakos says the popularisation of quarter zippers is similar to how Crocs were once reviled but are now worn by stars including Justin Bieber.

Can you wear a quarter zip with jeans? ›

Casual styling with a quarter zip sweatshirt is effortlessly chic. Pairing it with jeans, khakis, or slacks creates a relaxed yet polished look. Opt for neutral colors like navy, gray, or black to ensure versatility and match other wardrobe pieces easily.

What are quarter zips good for? ›

The quarter zip sweater is a perfect layer piece for throwing on over a t-shirt and pairing with jeans for running out the door to do errands. It is comfortable, lightweight enough to not be hot or stifling, and adds an element of sophistication to your look without much effort.

Can you wear a quarter zip with joggers? ›

The beauty of quarter zips is that they look great with almost any kind of pants. So whether you wear jeans, chinos, track pants or any other variation, chances are you'll still look great. So really it's just about getting your colour combinations right.

Should I size up a quarter zip? ›

Sleeve measurements are taken from halfway between the seam of the hood and the drop shoulder to the end of the arm sleeve band. For our unisex sizing we recommend women to order their true size for a comfier fit, and men to order at least one size up depending on the desired fit.

Can I wear a quarter zip with a blazer? ›

So, to suggest adding anything else, it's got to be special. Wearing a blazer over one of our designer crewneck sweaters or designer quarter zip sweaters will most certainly add the sophistication you've been searching for. It's a way to dress up what we would consider a perfect piece.

Can you wear a flannel with a quarter zip? ›

Quarter zips and flannel are both perfect fall staples so I combined the two together to make a super nice pullover. I chose a red and black flannel because he is from Nebraska and these colors will fit perfectly with Husker Gamedays!

Do people wear sweaters with shorts? ›

Stay stylish and comfortable with these cozy sweater and shorts outfit ideas. Explore different ways to rock this trendy combination for any occasion.

What do you wear under a zip? ›

They can be easily styled into a relaxed, casual look. Just wear a t-shirt under your quarter-zips and throw in some jeans, and you will be ready to go. If you want a dressier option, replace the t-shirt with a button-down shirt.

Is a quarter zip a collared shirt? ›

A quarter-zipper is a type of cardigan or sweater with a zip that only goes down from the neck to the chest. The style originated as sportswear in the mid 20th century. The zip allowed the collar to be opened as needed to regulate temperature.

What is the difference between a quarter zip and a half zip? ›

The primary distinction lies in the extent of the zipper's reach. A quarter zip typically extends just below the neckline, offering a modest opening. On the other hand, a half zip design allows for the zipper to be undone up to the mid-chest area, providing a more significant opening.

What is the point of a quarter zip? ›

A quarter-zipper is a type of cardigan or sweater with a zip that only goes down from the neck to the chest. The style originated as sportswear in the mid 20th century. The zip allowed the collar to be opened as needed to regulate temperature.

How to wear a 1/4 zip collar? ›

Pull it on over a button-down shirt, with the collar coming our around the neck, and the sleeves of the button-down showing around your wrist. Depending on how professional or casual the environment, you can even roll the combined sleeves up a bit to expose part of your forearm for an effortless appearance.

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