Merino Half-zip Sweaters

Merino half-zip sweaters

A merino half-zip is perfect over a shirt for the office, and just as easy to throw on over a T-Shirt at the weekend. Like all men's merino wool sweaters, it feels soft against the skin and helps regulate your body temperature. Which one suits you best depends on the collar, the knit weight and the fit. In the table below you’ll find the differences between half-zips from the leading brands:

If you mainly wear it to the office, go for a fine knit with a tailored silhouette, like the merino half-zip sweater from Suitable. The Profuomo merino wool half-zips generally have a subtly shaped fit and come in a wide range of colours. Prefer more room? A Regular Fit from KING Essentials or Steppin' Out sits straight around the upper body. Also pay attention to the composition: the half-zips from Lyle & Scott and McGregor are a blend of cotton and merino wool.

How to wear a half-zip over a shirt or T-Shirt

A half-zip with a stand collar is usually worn at the office over a shirt, with the shirt collar tucked inside the stand collar. Leave the zip slightly open and the collar will sit neatly and sharp. A fine Slim Fit also layers well under a blazer, thanks to the tailored cut that sits close to the body. A merino zip with a crew neck, like the Crew Zip from Suitable, pairs easily in autumn with a T-Shirt and chinos for, for example, dinner. Fully zipped it looks like a classic sweater; worn open it instantly feels more casual.

Fine vs chunkier knit for autumn and winter

The fineness of a knit is indicated by the gauge (GG): the higher the number, the finer and thinner the knit. Suitable half-zips are knitted in 14 GG and feel light and smooth—ideal in autumn under a coat. Steppin' Out half-zips, by contrast, are knitted in 12 GG, making them slightly chunkier and more substantial. For cold winter days, textured sweaters are a great choice. The cable knit of Steppin' Out Lau Pull or the Heavyknit from R2 Amsterdam are good examples. For responsibly sourced merino wool, look for the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification.

Frequently asked questions about the merino half-zip

Is a merino half-zip the same as a merino quarter-zip?

Brands use both terms interchangeably. Strictly speaking, a quarter-zip has a shorter zip, ending halfway down the chest. With a half-zip, it extends further down. Suitable refers to all of these sweaters simply as half-zips for convenience.

Which merino half-zip can go in the washing machine?

It’s best to check the care label inside the sweater first. You’ll find specific instructions to help maintain the quality. Half-zips from most brands can be machine-washed at a maximum of 30°C, while others are explicitly intended for hand-washing in lukewarm or cold water. No merino half-zip should go in the tumble dryer!

Is a skipper sweater the same as a half-zip?

No, a skipper sweater is thicker and more rugged than a merino half-zip. If you’re looking for that kind of warm winter layer, explore our collection of skipper sweaters.