A quarter-zip sweatshirt is an excellent compromise between a zip-up and a traditional pullover. It lets you maintain the ventilating benefits of zip-up without removing the option of a front pouch pocket to keep your hands warm. They also come with a wide variety of necklines and styles. The best ones look stylish and are built to last.
The Carhartt Women's Clarksburg Half-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt is a top pick because it maintains an excellent combination of design, functionality and durability.
Quarter-zip sweatshirts have various silhouettes and necklines. They are much like a classic pullover but have a zipper at the front of the neck.
Instead of zipping down to the bottom, the zipper can only be lowered to the center of your chest. They are also commonly referred to as half-zip sweatshirts.
While sweatshirts and sweaters have similar shapes, they are made differently and serve different purposes.
A sweatshirt is a thick shirt that comes in various lengths and styles. Due to their durable, tight-knit and relaxed aesthetic, they are ideal for casual wear. They are great for the gym or anywhere that doesn't have a dress code.
While a sweater can also be considered a type of thick shirt that comes in various lengths and styles, they are made from a looser knit or crocheted material that is far more fragile than a sweatshirt.
Due to their craftsmanship and the more delicate materials used to construct them, they are typically considered dressier than sweatshirts. Thus, they can be worn to work or more formal events when paired with other dressier pieces.
Quarter-zip sweatshirts are usually found in fleece and terry knits. Most are made from cotton, polyester or a blend of both with some added stretch from spandex or modal.
Quarter-zip sweatshirts come with various necklines. To get the one you want, you should know what styles exist. There are five common considerations:
Quarter-zip sweatshirts come in several styles that have various shapes. There are five standard silhouettes to consider:
Pockets can make your life easier. They let you take your essentials, such as your keys and wallet, on the go without needing a bag. You can typically find pockets at the hips or on the front in the shape of a pouch. The best quarter-zip sweatshirts have a separate pocket for your phone to keep your device safe and secure.
Depending on the brand, style and details added to the sweatshirt, prices range from $15-$100.
A. It is always good to check with your sweatshirt's wash instructions on the label first. However, when you wash your clothes inside out with like colors on a delicate cycle and dry them on low heat, they tend to last longer.
A. Yes. Consider investing in a fabric shaver that quickly and efficiently removes excess fuzz, lint and pilling.
Carhartt Women's Clarksburg Half-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt
What you need to know: This is a well-made sweatshirt that is comfortable and built to last.
What you’ll love: It's made from heavyweight fleece to keep you warm. It has a pouch pocket in the front and a hidden media pocket to secure your phone. It comes in three colors and sizes XS to 2XL.
What you should consider: This sweatshirt might be a little too pricey for some people.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Daily Ritual Women's Relaxed-Fit Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
What you need to know: This is a classic, comfortable zipped pullover with a flattering fit.
What you’ll love: This is a slightly flowy but classic-fit sweatshirt with a mock neck. It's made of a soft terry knit, and its hem lands at the hip. The zipper is durable, and it has pockets at the sides. It also comes in six colors and sizes XS to 2XL.
What you should consider: The material might be a little too thin to keep you warm in cooler months.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Carhartt Men's Quarter-Zip Mock-Neck Sweatshirt
What you need to know: This smart sweatshirt isn't just for looks; it's also ultradurable.
What you’ll love: This traditional pullover has a mock neck with inner ribbing. It is made with sweat-wicking material to keep you cool and dry. It is also stain resistant, has a front pouch pocket and comes in sizes S to 4XL in three colors.
What you should consider: Some might prefer a sweatshirt that has individual pockets placed at the hips.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Ella Scott writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.