The Quarter-Zip Trend Is Taking Over Every Cool Girl’s Closet in 2026
They're going strong—and getting stronger.
While mindlessly scrolling through TikTok a couple of months ago, I came across a viral video of a 21-year-old content creator named Jason Gyamfi. Dressed in a navy blue quarter-zip sweater and carrying a frothy matcha latte, the influencer declared: “We don’t do Nike Tech. We don’t do coffee. It’s straight quarter-zips and matchas around here.”
For Gyamfi and the millions of people who watched his clip, choosing a pullover over a sporty fleece jacket was less business-casual, more aspirational. At the time, though, I thought the quarter-zip trend was just for the guys. But the latest runway collections prove that this preppy style is for everyone.
During Chanel's Métiers d'Art 2026 show in New York, for one, artistic director Matthieu Blazy styled a city-chic zipped knit with a pair of baggy jeans and cap-toe heels. Several months prior, designers like Sandy Liang and Tory Burch co-signed the look in their own distinctive ways for Fall 2025.
Quarter zips had already started to infiltrate the street style set, after Miuccia Prada sent some down the Miu Miu Fall 2024 runway. One of my personal favorite outfit formulas I've seen? A quarter-zip with a midi skirt, a woven handbag, and a pair of pointy slingbacks (pictured above), putting a subversive twist on the menswear staple.
I already own several quarter zips, but I’ve felt inspired to expand my collection as the trend continues to gain traction. Scroll on to discover all the pieces I'm coveting this season, from cool-girl brands like Everlane, J.Crew, and Guest In Residence.
Shop the Quarter-Zip Trend
For those in search of a simple zip-up, look no further than Quince. With its sleek construction and neutral hue, it’s the type of layer you'll wear on repeat.
Ask me about my latest color trend obsession, and I’ll wax poetic about burgundy. This rich-looking shade has been on the rise for months now, and it’s not going anywhere in 2026.
Marie Claire editor Julia Marzovilla just ordered Guest In Residence’s zippered jumper, and I plan on following suit. I'm falling head over heels for this blue-brown combination.
This pullover from Gap isn’t your ordinary quarter zip: Look closely, and you’ll notice that it’s crafted with a hood for extra coverage.
I’m obsessed with chocolate brown, so I can’t resist this delectable Zella sweater.
Priced under $100, Lands’ End’s Drifter Shaker Wedge Quarter Zip won’t break the bank. Opt for this style if you’re on a budget.
The cable-knit design and ribbed edges on this chunky Polo Ralph Lauren quarter zip add fun texture to your knit rotation.
Allow this striped design to steal the spotlight by wearing it with pared-down separates—like plain jeans, a streamlined wool coat, and black boots.
Don’t you just love the piping detail on English Factory’s ribbed knit? It’ll certainly make you stand apart from the rest.
One glimpse at this vibrant top, and my mind immediately conjured up thoughts of Miranda Priestly’s cerulean blue monologue from The Devil Wears Prada. In a good way.
For all you sporty girls out there, this one's for you. Pair Athleta’s Forever Fleece with matching leggings and sneakers for an athleisure getup that’ll effortlessly cycle through your outfit rotation.
I’m not a maximalist—in fact, quite the opposite. However, I do believe that every capsule wardrobe should have at least one statement piece. My bold look of choice? Staud’s Hampton Knitted Cotton-Blend Sweater.
More like a shirt than a sweater, Cos’s zip-up is ideal for those moments when you’re in need of a light layer. Come springtime, this comfy style will fit right into your transitional wardrobe.
Steal a page from Sandy Liang’s style playbook and coordinate this cozy fleece with a matching mini skirt.
