Oft associated with middle-aged dads or utilitarian golfers, the humble half-zip sweater is one of the most underrated menswear pieces. While we can understand the aversion to dowdy fleece and viscose iterations, some variations in fabric and new styling ideas make a case for the half-zip sweater as a transitional dressing staple. Long embraced by investment bankers, football club managers, scions, prime ministers, and low-tier royals alike, the half-zip sweater has enjoyed a mainstream renaissance thanks to its appearance as a veritable secondary character in Succession. Its slight sense of earnestness coupled with the coterie that wear it have elevated the half-zip sweater from a mere versatile garment to a status symbol.
Here, our guide to half-zip sweaters for men details how to wear one and the best ones to buy.
How to wear a half-zip sweater
The appeal of the half-zip sweater can be attributed to its seasonal and sartorial versatility. While other wardrobe staples may only lend themselves to a single season, the half-zip can be styled for a multitude of occasions and weather conditions. Perfect as a solo piece in spring, throw it over a t-shirt for a casual autumn look, or layer it under a heavy coat for winter.
Here’s how to style a half-zip sweater for any occasion.
Casual
Half-zip sweaters pair well with laid-back trousers like denim and chinos, allowing them to seamlessly work their way into casual getups. Ditch your jacket in favour of a dark (charcoal or navy work well) cashmere half-zip sweater. Team it with camel, mustard or khaki chinos, a crisp white t-shirt, and a pair of chukka boots for an elevated street style look. Alternatively, try a patterned or bold coloured half-zip with selvedge denim jeans for a statement-making look.
When the weather starts to cool down, throw a chore coat or shirt-jacket over your half-zip sweater, or opt for a gilet for a preppier vibe. For an athleisure look perfect for travelling or simply commuting to and from the gym in style, team a half-zip jumper with a t-shirt, drawstring jogging bottoms, and a pair of sneakers.
Smart casual
Zalf-zip sweaters can easily be taken to smart casual territory through the addition of structured outerwear. Opt for a woollen half-zip in a neutral colour (cream, beige, charcoal, navy, grey, camel) and pair it with slim-cut trousers, a tailored overcoat, and Chelsea boots or penny loafers.
Alternatively, style structured slim-cut dress pants with a half-zip jumper layered under a bulkier jacket and teamed with leather Chelsea boots for an elevated take on streetwear.
Semi-formal
Half-zip sweaters in fine materials like cashmere or merino wool make for ideal layering pieces; when worn under a jacket they’re perfect for semi-formal attire. For a semi-formal office look, try wearing a neutral coloured half-zip sweater over a dress shirt, layered under a slim-cut suit and teamed with horsebit loafers or derby shoes. Note: when wearing a half-zip over a dress shirt, never let the collar sit over the neckline opening.
The best half-zip sweaters for men in 2025
1. Peter Millar Excursionist Flex Wool-Blend Half-Zip Sweater
Channel Richard Gere in American Gigolo with this pink merino wool half-zip jumper from Peter Millar. Team with slim-cut linen trousers in a light shade and tan penny loafers.
Price: $350USD (approx. $563AUD)
Fabric composition: 93% merino wool, 7% polyester
2. Commonplace Cotton Zip
Ethically crafted in New Zealand from cotton, this fleece-lined half-zip jumper is cut slightly oversized, with a boxy fit. The cream hue is equally as at home paired with structured trousers as it is with athleisure. Opt for a tonal look by pairing it with cream or beige straight-leg trousers or chinos and tan boots.
Price: $156AUD
Fabric composition: 100% cotton+
3. Canada Goose Clarke Merino Wool-Blend Half-Zip Sweater
For the adventurers out there, Canada Goose’s Clarke half-zip is the way to go. Knitted in Italy from merino wool blend, it’s insulated with patented Thermolite panels that trap heart, keeping you toasty. Pair with denim jeans or chinos, a gilet or bomber jacket, and hiking boots.
Price: $525USD (approx. $845AUD)
Fabric composition: 100% merino wool
4. Loro Piana Treccia Mezzocollo Sweater
Italian made from baby cashmere, Loro Piana’s cable-knit iteration of the half-zip sweatshirt is a definitively luxurious one. Pair with olive green trousers, a white t-shirt, and chestnut brown wingtip boots.
Price: €2100 (approx. $3510AUD)
Fabric composition: 100% baby cashmere
5. Asket Merino Half-Zip Sweater
Knit from four-ply wool, the Asket Merino Half-Zip Sweater is both sturdy and breathable. The Swedish brand crafts its garments with longevity in mind, seen through details like a double-layer rib knit at the collar and hem for added durability. The style is available in varying lengths, allowing for a customised fit; we like this navy iteration paired with pleated odd trousers and hiking boots.
Price: $265AUD
Fabric composition: 100% merino wool
6. Luca Faloni Zip-Up
Italian menswear brand Luca Faloni knows how to make a good cashmere knit. Its half-zip sweaters are crafted with cashmere sourced from Italy’s prestigious Cariaggi mill, with either pure cashmere or cashmere and silk construction. The brand has an array of half-zip sweater styles in standard neutral and earthy tones; we’re particularly partial to the cable knit cashmere iteration above.
Price: from $590AUD
Fabric composition: 100% cashmere OR 30% silk, 70% cashmere
7. Artknit Studios The Merino Wool Half-Zip Jumper
The use of a fine-gauge knit lends the Artknit Studios The Merino Wool Half-Zip Jumper textural interest, while the breathable merino wool boasts a silky soft feel. The classic cut and weighty feel contributes to a refined knit that works well with heavyweight pleated or straight-cut flat-front woollen trousers, or selvage denim.
Price: €229 (approx. $382AUD)
Fabric composition: 100% merino wool
8. Aurélien Extrafine Merino Zipper Sweater
When it comes to knitwear, nascent luxury brand Aurélien’s calling card is merino wool with the softness of cashmere and the lustre of silk. Its take on the half-zip sweater is one that lends itself well to layering, thanks to its ultra-fine knit. We’d recommend wearing the Aurélien Extrafine Merino Zipper Sweater with a suit in place of a dress shirt.
Price: $335AUD
Fabric composition: 100% merino wool
9. Barbour Cotton Half Zip
While most half-zip jumpers come in woollen fabrications, a cotton half-zip makes for essential transitional wear. The aptly named Barbour Cotton Half Zip is ideally suited to rugged off-duty wear, with the heritage British brand imbuing the staple with its own signature flair courtesy of a tartan detail sewn onto the inner placket.
Price: £89.95 (approx. $182AUD)
Fabric composition: 100% cotton
Enjoyed this guide to half-zip sweaters for men? Check out our other men’s style guides here.
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Mr Porter
