Best Full-Zip Sweaters for Men
Upgrade Your Fall Transitional Layering With These Full-zip Sweaters
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When fall finally rolls into town, bringing with it a welcome reprieve from the heat and the occasional (or more than occasional) breezy, blustery day, you need a full toolbox of men’s style essentials at your disposal. Sure, that includes a trusty trench coat and handy rain boots, but look to variety and versatility with the rest of your #OOTD: The best full-zip sweaters are a remixed version of the style you wore through the winter, with just as much form and function in the mix.
A full-zip sweater is a visual swerve from a crewneck or V-neck sweater, but works just as well in the same scenarios (at the office, out on a weekend park stroll or imbibing a happy hour Old Fashioned, for instance). It’s less formal than, say, a V-neck sweater, but not as rugged as the shawl collar cardigan: It’s assuredly another tool in your style toolkit this fall, and it’s also more polished than a hoodie.
The best full-zip sweaters aren’t quite jacket-weight, nor are they as lightweight as a linen cardigan — again, it’s a handy option when you want a slight departure from the norm. They can function as a grab-and-go layer atop a graphic tee or henley, but we say you should feel free to wear it with a crisp Oxford shirt at your 9-to-5 (or on your next Zoom call).
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Usually featuring stretch fabric and a few useful pockets, a full-zip sweater is also a reliable travel style move. Sold on another fall sweater? Here are some favorites to consider ASAP.
Todd Snyder Beachwood Full-Zip Sweater
Full-zip sweaters have both an easygoing sensibility and a touch of utility. Throw on one at home and you're ready for your next virtual meeting, or wear one as a layer beneath a blazer for an evening outing. Find one that can do both, and that’s all the better — Todd Snyder has you covered with a refined take on the style, complete with a comfortable 100% cotton fabric. The set-in sleeves should hold their shape over time, while the two-way zipper provides customized fit options.
Buck Mason Heritage Wool Zip Cardigan
Inspired by the good looks of the standard issue uniform of WWII-era USAAF solders, this cardigan looks more like a bomber jacket than a sweater, but the midweight merino wool and compact structure make it cool whether you wear it as a standalone or a layer. And with fall's fluctuating temperatures, that kind of versatility is priceless.
Pendleton Shetland Wool Full Zip Sweater
In need of supreme warmth for your next fall ensemble? Translate your trusty wool sweater for winter into a dependable full-zip option for fall, and rest easy knowing Pendleton makes some of the best sweaters on the planet. This textured full-zip has a bit of throwback appeal, the sort of sweater you could easily see fitting in at a Western lodge after a long day in the field. In the meantime, it looks every bit as cool for weekend style back home alongside dark blue jeans.
Amazon Essentials Full-Zip Fleece Jacket
Your favorite fleece half or quarter-zip sweater gets a slight upgrade, and at a highly affordable price via Amazon. Sometimes, you want a reliable full-zip sweater you can throw on for ultra-casual situations, all the while retaining warmth and comfort — this fleece jacket is the right move, and it comes in a vast array of colors and sizes. Of course, it’s also priced under $30.
Icebreaker Merino Full-Zip Athletic Sweater
The great thing about the best full-zip sweaters is the versatility of the style, especially when it comes to active pursuits. The front-zip design provides full coverage and yet mobility on the go, particularly as you hit the trail or pound the pavement on an early morning fall run. Icebreaker has a penchant for delivering highly functional pieces, as evidenced by the performance-focused merino wool, plus offset shoulder seams to reduce friction with other training layers.
Sport-Tek Full-Zip Sweater Jacket
Quality and comfort is the name of the game with this stretch-filled sweater jacket, complete with a simple stand-up collar and the sort of go-anywhere versatility you need when on the move. The simple gray color and front slash pockets provide easy going travel style and utility, while the sub-$45 price is practically unmatched as far as the best full-zip sweaters are concerned.
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