When it comes to men's versatile clothing items, the quarter-zip is at the top of the list. If you don't have multiple Q-Zips in your closet, you are missing out. With the right quarter-zip, you can look sharp with any look. Let's name a few:
- To and from the gym: ✔
- At work with a button up underneath: ✔
- On the golf course: ✔
- At your kids soccer game: ✔
- Running errands: ✔
- Throw something on for an unexpected Zoom call: ✔
- An extra layer for a summer night dinner: ✔
So, what makes a good Sport Q-Zip? This item should have good stretch, durable material, and should keep shape over time. You wear this item to be active, so it needs to handle some wear and tear. (Writers Note - the shape is key here. A good sport Q-Zip has a good collar (not too high), a comfortable sleeve cuff, and a waist band that can stretch and always return to the original fit.)
This is another deep category with a number of brands that make really good items. Because of this, guys tend to find one brand and stick to it. The old "If it ain't broke..." I am guilty of this with the Peter Millar quarter-zips. This blog gave me the opportunity to try out some other brands that I have always wondered about.
P4G REVIEW
As a reminder, here at Picks4Guys we pick FOUR (2 staples, 1 discount, and 1 new kid) products in one category and review the items for price, fit, materials, and x-factor. We score the items and pick a winner. Without further ado, let's review:
The Quarter Zip:
- Staples (Peter Millar, Rhoback)
- Discount (Three Sixty Six)
- New Kid (Straight Down) - Reminder this is new to me, not necessarily a new brand.
Let's work left to right on the picture (Peter Millar, Straight Down, Three Sixty Six, and Rhoback)
Peter Millar Perth Performance Q-Zip - Retail $125 - Let's get this out of the way, this is hands down my favorite item Peter Millar makes. I'll do my best to sideline the bias. The Perth Q-Zip has the trifecta of great looks, durability, and versatility. I have a couple of these pullovers that are going on 8 years old and still look great. Peter Millar has many styles and versions of this item. Nothing else to say here, I highly recommend this item. Overall Score - 3.60 (out of 4.00) Buy Here
Rhoback The Hazard Q-Zip (bottom picture) - Retail $114 - Rhoback is an active brand with a casual look. They started with a polo, but their quarter-zips are a staple of the brand. This was my first experience with Rhoback and I am impressed. I like this item. The material is slightly softer than Peter Millar, but still feels durable. I like the fit of the quarter-zip as well. My only knock on these Rhoback quarter-zips is the front logo. I actually really like the logo (it is an outline of an Rhodesian Ridgeback dog head), but I feel like it limits the versatility of this clothing item. Due to the noticeable front logo, I don't think I would wear the Rhoback Q-Zip in the office. (Writers Note - Peter Millar only has a logo on the back of this shirt for this purpose.) However, If you are looking for a casual or sporty pullover, this is a great option. Overall, this is a good item at a slightly lower price than Peter Millar. Overall Score - 3.55 Buy Here
Straight Down Ballard Q-Zip - Retail $104 - Straight Down is the "New Kid" this week. Straight Down is a family owned business that started in 1989. What started as a small t-shirt company has grown into a full-range golf and lifestyle apparel brand. I stumbled upon this brand in a pro shop in Nantucket and have followed them for the last couple of years. I don't know about their other items, but this quarter-zip is awesome! The Ballard has a soft feel with good stretch. The fit is a bit trimmer than PM and Rhoback, so keep that in mind. Like PM, there is no logo on the front (and only on the back at the top). With the soft material and less shine, this Q-Zip pairs well with any type of pants. And with the soft material, you can wear this Q-Zip all day and feel comfortable no matter what you are doing. My only critique on the product is the zipper length. It is a bit long, but it doesn't really bother me. Overall Score - 3.65 Buy Here
Three Sixty Six Lightweight Dry Fit Pullover - Retail $45 - This is a great discount option. This Q-Zip is light weight with a good stretch. The front logo is subtle, and out of the box it looks similar to the higher priced brands. One thing to note is that this Q-Zip does have pockets. This seems unnecessary, but might be good for those brisk mornings in the spring or fall. The sizing runs a bit larger than the other brands, so keep that in mind. This Q-Zip has an athletic look, but is a good item overall. If you are looking for a Q-Zip to throw on while you run errands or head to and from the gym, this fits what you're looking for. Overall Score - 3.40 Buy Here
And the winner is... Straight Down's Ballard Quarter Zip! I was really impressed by the soft material, slightly tailored fit, and the overall look of this item. I feel that this item is slightly more versatile than the Peter Millar Q-Zip. I still really like the Peter Millar and Rhoback quarter zips. As I said in the beginning, this is a deep category with a lot of great brands.
I hope you found the blog helpful. Do you disagree with the blog? Did we miss your favorite t-shirt brand? Let us know at comments@picks4guys.com
How I Scored It - The below scores are my opinion with a max score of 4.00
