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It’s true! Half-zip sweaters started off as preppy staples for college-going individuals. In time, their versatility and trendiness have made them some of the most versatile fashion staples. From their ability to retain heat to their functionality, a quality half-zip sweater will last for years (and memories!) to come.
With so much demand across the online marketplace, it can be hard to tell if you’re getting only the absolute most out of your money. To help you out, we’ve curated this guide of the leading half-zip sweaters of 2024!
The Leading Half-Zip Sweater of 2024 in Detail
PrettyGarden — Editor’s Choice
This women’s long sleeve half-zip rib knit sweater by PrettyGarden is made of an extremely lightweight, stretchable material that’s comfortable to wear. Also skin-friendly and breathable, the material is derived from a unique blend of 45% viscose, 28% polyester, and 27% polyamide.
Coming to you in minimalist and earthy tones, you can pick from fun fabrics like apricot or black. All of them can be matched with casual pants, leggings, or overalls. And when it comes to styling PrettyGarden can even be layered with an overcoat or jacket, depending on the occasion.
Available in small, medium, large, and extra large it’s great for indoor wear as well as outdoor occasions!
Pros
- High-quality rib knit
- Soft, breathable material
- Does not stretch or wrinkle
Cons
- Easy to snag
Carhartt — Most Functional
Leading with its unique blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, this men’s hooded sweatshirt by Carhartt is the ultimate half-zip sweater! Its fabric comes with a water-repellent finish, and to promote functionality the half-zip mock collar goes down eight inches. Finished off with an antique zipper, the cuffs and waistband of the sweater are rib-knit and reinforced with spandex to keep the cold out and the wearer warm and toasty.
Featuring a lined hood that can be adjusted with a draw cord, those who live in a cooler climate will appreciate warm front pockets that feature an additional hidden security pocket.
Pros
- Heavy weight and extremely warm
- Capable of repelling water
- Durable, lasting fabric
Cons
- Can feel slightly rigid
- Can feel bulky
Vineyard Vines — Most Durable
Vineyard Vines Collegiate Pullover for men is a quarter-zip pullover sweater made of 100% cotton. Soft as it is durable, it’s lightweight enough for cool days yet lined enough to keep you warm even on the chilliest of spring nights.
The pullover also comes with a Vineyard Vines logo, as well as a soft, fabric collar. To style, pair it with a simple short sleeve shirt for casual outings or with a buttoned formal shirt if you’re hitting the office or a formal occasion.
Available in white, charcoal, gray heather, navy blue, and Americana Vineyard Vines’ extended size range also accommodates plus size!
Pros
- Light and breathable
- Sourced from durable fabric
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Goodthreads — Most Comfy
Goodthreads fleece half-zip hoodie is made of 100% polyester and comes with a fleece interior. In addition to the zipper at the center front, it also has a kangaroo pocket to keep your hands warm, a draw cord that allows you to adjust the hood, and a ribbed trim at the hem and cuffs to keep the cold out.
What’s especially great about this item is that it is made with lower environmentally-friendly materials and comes with sustainability certifications that highlight Goodthreads’ commitment to playing an active role in preserving Mother Nature.
Available in fun colors like olive and charcoal, its size range accommodates petite and plus sized frames!
Pros
- Warm, comfortable interior
- Designed to keep the cold out
- Eco-friendly material
Cons
- Size chart can be confusing
Columbia — Most Variety
This 100% polyester sweater range doesn’t just offer half-zip versatility. To promote practicality, it also comes with a layer of microfleece. Perfect for those who live a busy lifestyle, it offers warmth but also just enough mobility to allow you to move freely and without restrictions.
Its light as a feather material makes it ideal for a chilly hike or warming up after an early morning jog. If lounging is your intention, you can also just wear it around the house!
Its lightweight material doesn’t make it any less durable, and to promote longevity Columbia sourced their fabrics from quality materials. Pairing this with some excellent craftsmanship, what you get is a comfortable, stylish, and reliable piece of clothing that will last you for many years to come.
Columbia’s men’s Klamath range of half-zip sweaters are available in extended sizing and colors, including essentials like black and white.
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Lightweight, yet durable and warm
Cons
- Fabric is slightly shiny
How to Find a Quality Half-Zip Sweater: A Buyer’s Guide
This half-zip pullover sweater is perfect for almost every occasion. Trendy as it is comfortable, this fashion staple is formal enough for work meetings yet casual enough for a night out with your friends.
To promote a flawless styling experience, here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing:
How to Wear a Half-Zip Sweater
Smart
These half-zips are thin yet light enough to be worn under a formal jacket. So if you’re going to work or headed to a business meeting but don’t want to pull out a coat, they are an excellent alternative.
Leave your jacket undone to show off your sweater. You could even pair it with a shirt and tie.
Smart-casual
This is the most sought-after look with these kinds of sweaters. They look especially great with overcoats when you’re headed for a night out. Navy and gray are two of the most suitable colors for half-zips when going for a smart-casual look, but more neutral and softer tones could also work if you’re going for a little more contrast in your look. When paired with formal clothes, the half-zip downplays the formal side of your outfit.
Casual
For this look, pair your half-zip with either chinos or some denim. With either choice, a darker color would be more suitable to avoid a more formal look. If you want to change things up a bit, an overshirt or jacket over the sweater could work too!
Types of Half-Zip Sweaters
Heavyweight or lightweight
While half-zip sweaters are usually available in different weights they tend to be less common when it comes to bulkier outwear. If you’re planning on wearing the sweater on its own, try to go for a lighter material.
Patterns and colors
These kinds of sweaters typically come in a lot of different patterns apart from cable-knits. As another style plus, they also offer a wide variety of colors to pick from. You’re going to want to go for something like a solid monochrome, especially if you’re going to be layering.
With layering, lighter colors work best.
Zippers or buttons
Most sweaters with neck openings that don’t go all the way down are typically zippered. On the other hand, buttoned openings may be easier to fix than a damaged zipper.
On the downside, buttoned varieties don’t offer the same business-casual look that zippered ones do.
What to Expect
Adjusting a sweater once you’ve bought it can be a bit of a challenge. With these kinds of sweaters, you can’t expect the taper around the waist area that you get with shirts and t-shirts.
That said, to promote a perfect fit you should focus on the shoulder areas and sleeve length. Also, be sure to keep in mind that woolen sweaters tend to shrink in the wash.
