How To Wear A Half-Zip Sweater

Casual

Reiss

At the far casual end of the spectrum, there’s clear harmony between a half-zip sweater and denim or chinos, both of which should be kept dark in colour to avoid treading in off-duty CEO territory.

Working it in with those kinds of trouser options will set up a relaxed weekend look that can be smartened up easily if need be. If that’s not your vibe, you throw on a roomy overshirt or suede jacket, or even a gilet for a workwear-inspired look.

Smart-Casual

Reiss

Half-zips look particularly good when worn beneath a tailored overcoat, in shades of navy and grey, on weekends or nights out. Because a large proportion of half-zip sweaters come in those reliable colours, it can help create a tonal look that’s hard to fault.

Alternatively, there are lots of neutral and soft tones out there, so if you’re wanting to add a bit of contrast to your look, you know what to do. When worn with formal garments, a half-zip sweater will downplay the dressy side of things due to its inherently casual nature. This makes it a particularly useful option in this day and age considering dress codes are becoming more relaxed.

Smart

Reiss

Half-zips are generally thin enough to be worn under a jacket, so if you’re heading to work and don’t want the fuss of taking a coat with you, it’s an alternative. When left undone, the half-zip can still show that you’re dressed smart and are wearing a shirt and tie – if your office requires it – but if the temperature is biting-cold, you can zip it up and keep your neck warm.

Key Brands For Half-Zip Sweaters

Ralph Lauren

If you were to single out one thing Ralph Lauren has always done well, it would be the basics and the touch of casual elegance that comes with them. Across its portfolio – from its entry point of Polo to its top tier, Purple Label – half-zips can be found in a range of price points and materials, which partly explains why customers keep going back to the brand time and time again.