We'll Say it: A Golf Quarter Zip Looks Great on and off the Links

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Take a look at any country club or practice green these days and you’ll notice a new preferred top among golf pros and weekend warriors. Enter golf quarter zips, which have taken over courses across America, and the success of this sporty sweater is easy to understand. To begin with, high performance fabrics have made the convertible turtleneck ideal for any number of athletic activities. Old fashioned wool and jersey cottons have been replaced with lightweight and stretchy fabrics that can either wick away moisture or lock in body heat. Even in warmer weather, there is a benefit to covering your arms and neck with a breathable fabric that can keep you cool while blocking out the sun.

From a style standpoint, the golf quarter zip occupies a convenient middle ground between the preppy American fashion that once ruled golf courses, and the modern athletic fashion that dominates the sporting world today. The best golf quarter zips provide far more sporting performance than dress shirts under v-neck sweaters or cardigans. By combining the well-established design of a quarter zip turtleneck with performance materials the country club look has evolved to meet the 21st century.

Many of our favorite men’s clothing brands have embraced the growing trend by making golf quarter zips that look as good as they perform. Various fabrics can keep you cool in the heat or warm when the temperature drops. There are subtle solid colors and bright sporty designs, capable of matching anyone’s preferred course style. While none of them can guarantee an improved short game, they all offer minimal friction and an ample range of motion. You can even get a couple extra pockets to keep your essentials handy.

Ottoman ¼ Zip Golf Pullover

One of the most versatile golf quarter zips out there comes from one of the most trusted names in golf equipment. Callaway designed a shirt that can handle temperatures from moderate to chilly and protect from the sun and wind. With a looser cut, you can layer your favorite golf shirts underneath or keep it light with just a t-shirt.

A small inset chest pocket is complete with a zipper closure to stash small items while you're on the green. This keeps the silhouette sleek to minimize interference. The contrast raglan shoulder design adds a little texture to your look without getting bold.

Cloud Quarter Zip 2.0

For maximum comfort on the course, try the Cloud Quarter Zip from Travis Mathew. Made out of a cotton and polyester blend fleece that is oh so soft—hence the name—this golf shirt feels more like loungewear than performance gear. Yet, the smooth minimalist design is formal enough for even the most buttoned up golf courses.

As light weight as it is soft, this quarter zip is surprisingly warm. When the neck is closed all the way up, it can handle brisk weather and blustery wind. The fabric is soft and warm enough that you'll want to keep the layering underneath to a minimum with a polo shirt or T-shirt.

Forge Performance Quarter-Zip

Modern golf quarter zips go hand in hand with the distinctively modern take on luxury apparel that Peter Millar is known for. So naturally, the Forge Performance Quarter-Zip is one of the best options out there. It features understated elastic cuffs and waist, a raglan shoulder, and hidden zipper. An angular sealed chest pocket completes a smooth athletic silhouette.

Most golf quarter zips are designed to work in every day life as well as for golfing. While that is true for Peter Millar's the Forge, it really does look at home on a course. Our editors couldn't help but get that pro golfer feel when test driving this one, not that it helped their swing at all.

Conquer 1/4 Zip Reform Long Sleeve

If pure comfort is your goal, then this is your new go-to golf quarter zip, and you don't even need to wear anything under it. This is the perfect alternative to a polo for warm-but-not-hot days on the golf course. It will breath and help mange sweat while protecting you from the sun.

Alo Yoga, one of our favorite athleisure brands, has a reputation for exceptional comfort. and this is one of the most comfortable golf shirts we've ever tried out, of any style. You can even wear it as a bottom layer under a spring jacket when the temperature starts to drop.

Quarter Zip Golf Pullover

Thanks to pros like Rickie Fowler, golf has embraced a flashier look in the modern game. That said, you still want to walk that line between flashy and classy. Bad Birdie has the ideal balance figured like this quarter zip pullover. Neon pink and fuchsia dots on a sky blue background sounds too loud for a country club, but Bad Birdie presents it delicately enough to respect the game.

We love this golf quarter zip because it sums up the modern evolution of golf style. Classic designs tweaked with bold colors and patterns are helping to make the game more fun and approachable.

Virtue Eco Pique Micro Stripe Mens Quarter Zip

Keep it simple with this slim-fitting golf quarter zip from Cutter & Buck. Micro stripes make for a subtle pattern that adds just a bit of texture to your outfit. Half of the spandex used in the fabric comes from recycled plastic bottles. A healthy dose of spandex is added for ample give. With no pockets and form fitting athletic silhouette, this shirt is designed for peak performance.

We like this golf quarter zip for warm weather because it breathes well, helps manage sweat, and protects your skin from the sun. As nice as a polo looks and feels, there is no replacing long sleeves and a high neck to keep those rays away.

Read more: Best UPF Clothing

DWR Quarter-Zip Pullover

Featuring a quilted pattern resembling the Adidas signature three stripe logo, this golf quarter zip is cushy and cozy. It is ideal for brisker days on the golf course. Elastic bands on the cuffs and waist help lock in your body heat. You can zip the neck all the way up for extra warmth.

Three colors are available, and while the black is really nice, we're loving the sea foam green. It is the perfect color to stand out without sticking out on the golf course. Layer it over a simple white polo, and you're good to go.

RLX Golf Luxury Jersey Pullover

Coming from Ralph Lauren, it is no surprise that this RLX golf quarter zip is so sleek and stylish. It borders on a high fashion look with the angular chest pocket and luxe fabric. The feel of the material is soft and supple, while providing plenty of stretch to not hinder your game.

A fun detail is that, other than white, all four colors have a contrasting interior color on the inside. So when the neck is unzipped, you can show off a flash of color, which works even better with the neck folded down. All four of these work best with a white or navy polo underneath to provide a clean base.

Dri-FIT Golf Hoodie

Nike's Tech Fleece hoodie has something of a cult following. So it just made sense to make a golf course approved version by combining it with a quarter zip design. The result is the Dri-FIT Golf Hoodie, a sporty take on the time-tested look. From the front, the look is similar to a standard terry quarter zip with elastic cuffs and waist. The twist is adding a hood with a high zip neck.

This is definitely a shirt for cold weather golfing. Layer a long sleeve polo shirt underneath and you can handle games well into the fall and early in the spring. A slightly baggy fit is super comfortable and the fabric is elastic enough to provide plenty of give.

Read more: Zip-up Hoodies

Sankaty Quarter-Zip

What you don't see on this golf quarter zip is what makes it so great. Vineyard Vines used an exclusive liner fabric on the inside of the shirt called HeiQ. It reacts to air and body temperature to keep you cool when it is hot out and warm when it is cold out. The texture is super soft as well, making it comfortable on many levels.

All five colors feature a micro-stripe pattern that creates an almost heather texture. It pairs nicely with bolder pattern shirts underneath. Of course, the inside is so soft and cozy that we recommend just wearing a light t-shirt under it.

½ Zip Golf Windshirt

Blending a quarter zip with a windbreaker, this light jacket from FootJoy works as a top layer for a wide range of weather. You can throw it over a polo if it is warm, but windy or a little wet. Wear it with a long sleeve t-shirt when the temperature starts to drop. Or, pair it with a sweatshirt when you're really pushing the season.

Velcro elastic cuffs can close up to keep your body heat locked in and your sleeves in place. Two large hand pockets provide far more cargo space than your typical golf quarter zip. That's why we love this one as a go-to golf top layer to keep handy for all seasons.

Storm SweaterFleece 1/2 Zip

If you're not the type to let a little rain stop your golf game, then the Storm Sweater Fleece 1/2 Zip is for you! This warm and water resistant golf quarter zip is built for those fall and spring days when you need to be prepared for any kind of weather. Although the fabric is sturdy, it is still lightweight and stretchy enough to not effect your swing.

Given the fact that it is designed for not-ideal weather, this golf fleece layers accordingly. A slightly baggier fit allows for a polo, tee, or long sleeve shirt to fit nicely underneath with out getting constricting. Six different color options allow you to match any wardrobe.

Ease Performance Half Zip Jacket

When it comes to golf quarter zips, it doesn't get any simpler and easier than the Ease Performance jacket from Vuori. Four solid colors in a super soft, light, and stretchy fabric work for any course in a wide range of weather conditions. Plus, it will match just about anything.

One unique feature that Vuori puts into a lot of apparel is small zip pockets placed in uncommon spots. The placement is always strategic to minimize shaking around when the pocket is full and the wearer is in motion. This clever tactic comes in handy when you're on the course and need to stash something like keys or an extra ball. In this case, the pocket is placed on the right hand side, just above the hip.

Golf Half-Zip Windbreaker

Weather on the golf course can be unexpected, so Lululemon made a golf quarter zip that will keep you covered. If the wind picks up or a little rain rolls in, this weather relent fabric will keep your upper-half warm and dry. It comes in a slightly oversized fit that allows for plenty of layering options.

Golfing in a jacket doesn't sound ideal, but the fabric is super light and stretchy so it will allow a full range of movement. The muted colors are simple and easy to pair with any golfing attire. Go bold with a flashy polo underneath.

Atlas Half-Zip

Designed to fit loose in all the right places and slim in all the right places, this half zip from Mack Weldon provides athletic performance in an every-day package. The look is simple and easy to style, but the features make this golf shirt super functional. Two hand pockets allow for plenty of room to carry your stuff or warm your hands, while the fabric is water resistant if a little rain kicks up.

We're fans of this golf shirt because it works just as well off the links. You can wear it for a low key off-duty look or even a relaxed business casual look.

What to Look for in Golf Quarter Zips

Fabric: Look for sporty fabrics that are lightweight, soft, and have plenty of stretch. Wool, cashmere, and terry quarter zips look nice but don’t offer the performance you need on the golf course. Stick to nylon, polyester, tencel, and other synthetic fabrics that are commonly used in athletic gear. Getting a healthy dose of elastane is also a good idea.

Weight: The weight of the fabric you want depends on the climate and season in which you plan on golfing. Ideal weather for a round is somewhere in the mid 70s with sunny skies and minimal wind. Any time you can catch that set up, you’ll want a thin and breathable golf quarter zip that can wick away moisture and keep the sun off of your skin.

For colder days, especially in the spring and fall up north, you’ll want a little more weight to your golf quarter zip. In this case, look for a light thermal layer that can lock in your body heat without restricting movement in any way.

Pockets: The best golf quarter zips are streamlined and lightweight, which often means minimal pocket space. However, it is convenient to have an extra pocket or two while you’re on the course. Many mid-weight options provide two hand pockets where you can stash a golf ball or score card. On lighter weight golf quarter zips, small breast pockets are becoming common. These are often discrete and have a zip closure.

Color: Golfers tend to go one of two ways with their outfits. If you’re a traditionalist, stick to solid darker colors like navy, olive, and gray. These will adhere to just about any club rules and maintain a respectable aesthetic for the occasional “business outing.”

On the other hand, you have the stylistically daring golfers who prefer vibrant colors and flashy patterns. This set is growing as the sport expands exponentially each year. For a bolder look, go with pastels and neons. However, when going bold, it is best to stick to no more than two colors on your golf quarter zip. For instance, a green with neon yellow stripes, or a blue with a pink floral pattern. This will allow you to stand out without sticking out.

How We Selected

Brad Lanphear is a style pro with more than a decade of experience testing and styling menswear essentials, including golf quarter zips. For this story, he and Senior Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson tested over 25 quarter golf zip-ups and evaluated their construction, comfort, and just how great they looked. They also combed through hundreds of five-star reviews from e-commerce sites they trust, and also scanned through countless Reddit threads like r/malefashionadvice, for unbiased opinions on the best golf quarter zips. Lanphear and Thompson wear most of these sweaters on and off the course.

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