Q: What layer has the simplicity of a crewneck, the collected vibes of a polo shirt, and a cool cardigan? A: Zip-up jackets. Especially now that they – and their extended family members, half-zip and full-zip jackets – have undergone some light image rehabilitation.
You see, when I was growing up, I viewed quad-zip jackets as something that came free with a mortgage and quiet suburban desperation. They seem to go best with baggy jeans and “comfortable shoes” or instead of a blazer for a casual business lunch in the Financial District. They were the class of choice for cool parents and corporate dweebs—two unlikely sources of fashion inspiration. Key word: “they were”.
Because in 2024, the quarter-zip jacket has reinvented itself. Great approved posters have been hacked like Our heritage, mvpnand Nicholson Studio. Suddenly, the zip-up jacket was everywhere, from downtown clubs to fashion shows to… Feverqueen Offices.
So how could a fabric that once so powerfully symbolized fatherhood make its way into the wardrobes of tastemakers and creatives? You can point the finger at a few fashion trends: the rise of the slightly ridiculous corporate core (now that we’re all mostly working from home); The ancient money inspirations behind the whole hidden wealth thing succession direction; Logical extensions of what happens when dad sneakers, dad jeans, and 90s dad clothes shine the spotlight.
Maybe we pretend to be office workers with big portfolios or just longing for early retirement. Or maybe we realize that a zippered jacket – whether full or partial zip, take your pick – can be more than just practical. Zip at the neck and is a sporty type of turtleneck; An open quarter zip is a polo with teeth (literal and figurative). It’s no coincidence that the last sports jacket leads us to its grown-up friend, the full-zip jacket.
Let’s talk about brass tacks. The coolest sweaters are made from fine wool or thick cotton yarns and have a full collar for maximum styling options. The fit is a little cooler than your investment banker brothers’ Brooks Brother Compression Jacket: larger, but a little short, so it will work just as well with a loose T-shirt and jeans as it will under a cropped jacket and airy dress pants. They’re endlessly layerable and infinitely flexible, which is all the more reason to add one to your collection.
I’ve rounded up a few gorgeous sweaters (from all fractions) for my benefit as much as yours. It’s time to join the zip-up jacket squad, even if I’m not close to retirement.
