Hole 15 · Since 1950
Golf quarter-zip pullovers: the zip-neck midlayer
Mid-20th century to now: sportswear that moved into golf and the office
A golf quarter-zip pullover is a light sweater (jumper) with a zip from the neck to the chest, worn over a polo when it turns cool. Open the zip when you warm up and close it when you don't.
What it solved on the course
Getting layers wrong makes it hard to swing properly and makes 18 holes miserable. A quarter-zip keeps your core warm over a polo, and the zip lets you adjust the temperature without taking anything off.
History
The quarter-zip began as sportswear in the middle of the 20th century. It is a sweater with a zipper from the neck to roughly the chest, about a quarter of the way down, and the point of the zipper was to open the collar and cool off.
The old version was a thick wool sweater with a zip collar. Most golf midlayers now are largely polyester, and how much spandex or elastane goes in decides how close they fit. Brands sell their own fabrics, such as Puma's soft, stretchy Cloudspun, and add four-way stretch, side vents, longer back hems and even thumbholes on the sleeves.
Peter Millar, now one of the most sought-after golf clothing brands, was founded in 2001 with a single cashmere sweater. The name comes from the inscription on a vintage lawn bowling ball that co-founder Chris Knott found.
In the 2020s the quarter-zip left sport behind as well. It counts as smart casual, and as offices have relaxed it has started to replace the business suit.
Who wore it best
Michael Malone
The Denver Nuggets coach, known for coaching in a suit, was photographed in quarter-zips of various colors on the sideline through his team's NBA title run.[4]
How to wear it now
- Wear it over a polo with the zip half open on a mild day and closed to the chin when the wind gets up.
- Make a full turn in the fitting room. If it pulls across the back or the hem rides up, go a size up.
- Navy, gray and black go with nearly everything. A bright one is the cheerful choice for a gray morning.
- Plain pants or trousers and a leather belt keep it smart enough for the clubhouse after the round.
- On its own it's good to about 50°F. Colder than that, add a vest or a waterproof shell over the top.
- If the sleeves are long, push them up rather than let them sit over your glove.
Where to buy
New
Vintage
Links open the shop's own site. Some may earn us a commission.
Sources
- Quarter-zipper, Wikipedia. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- These 5 Stylish Mid Layers From The Likes Of Nike, adidas and Puma Are Now Under $50, Golf Monthly. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- Peter Millar - National Golf Foundation, National Golf Foundation. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- Golf Quarter Zip - The New Office Uniform, The Classic GC. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
- Best golf mid-layers 2026, Today's Golfer. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
Updated .