# Why men can't stop wearing quarter-zips

> The quarter-zip has become the ultimate power move for professional men who want to look competent without trying.
- Title: Why men can't stop wearing quarter-zips · Business Insider
- Summary: The quarter-zip has become the ultimate power move for professional men who want to look competent without trying. The quarter-zip dominates men's workwear…
- Keywords: quarter-zip, men's fashion, workwear, professional dress, fashion trends, brooks brothers, ralph lauren, peter millar, dress code evolution, casual professionalism, fashion psychology, business
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/quarter-zip-mens-workwear-trend-2026-9
- Author: Samuel O'Brient
- Published: 2026-09-16T17:07:46.547+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: quarter-zip, men's fashion, workwear, professional dress, fashion trends, brooks brothers, ralph lauren, peter millar, dress code evolution, casual professionalism, fashion psychology, business
## The quarter-zip is everywhere
Google Trends shows searches for men's quarter-zips have risen over 300% in five years, with dramatic spikes in 2026. Brooks Brothers just featured one in its Spring/Summer 2027 collection.
## It's the effort sweet spot
A blazer says you tried. A hoodie says you didn't. The quarter-zip says you didn't try and still look better than everyone else, which is exactly what modern workers want.

> A blazer says I tried. A hoodie says I didn't. The quarter-zip somehow says, 'I didn't try and still look better than you.'
## Dress codes have completely changed
Brooks Brothers creative director Michael Bastian says there's no longer one definition of how to dress for work. Younger generations are drawn to the brand's reliability in this uncertain landscape.

> It used to be you would wear a suit and tie to go to work, now there's no one definition of how to go to work.
## It works everywhere, always
The quarter-zip transitions from weekends layered over a tee to work paired with trousers to dinner under a jacket. Peter Millar has built its brand strategy around this piece for 25 years.

> It's one of those rare pieces that moves effortlessly between sport and everyday life, equally at home on the course, in the office, or off-duty.
## Major brands are all in
Ralph Lauren dominates quarter-zip searches, with Alo Yoga catching up. Even Adidas offers a $220 quarter-zip sweatshirt. It's become a category that every brand wants to own.
## It's become a cultural symbol
The quarter-zip is now self-aware. It's associated with the finance bro stereotype, ambition, and upward mobility. People joke about it, but those jokes actually reinforce its status.

> The 'finance bro' stereotype exists because the garment became associated with ambition, professionalism, and upward mobility.
## Gen Z keeps it going
TikTok personality Jason Gyamfi's video helped spike searches. Younger generations continue driving demand, proving the quarter-zip appeals across age groups and will stay relevant.
## Key takeaway

The quarter-zip dominates men's workwear because it signals competence and professionalism while requiring minimal effort, making it the perfect garment for today's relaxed dress codes.