The golf quarter zip should be a staple clothing item in any golfer's wardrobe. Delivering warmth, comfort and style, quarter zips can be worn all-year-round for any kind of temperatures. From those sub-zero days on the course, for that chilly twilight round in the spring; having a good quarter zip can help you both look good and feel good on the golf course. Akin to some of the best golf tops or best golf sweaters most quarter zips are also versatile enough that they can be worn off the golf course in social settings, adding either a sporty or a smart look to any outfit.
Particularly in colder conditions though, these mid layers can deliver a very handy extra layer of warmth that'll keep you feeling comfortable on the course. Additionally they also work well on those days when it is too hot for a thicker sweater, and too cold to just wear a polo.
Here at Golf Monthly, we've been lucky enough to test out a few of the best quarter zips on the market and in this guide we'll be bringing you a list of some of the top models you can buy right now. If you're in the market for some new warm golf gear though, you should also be sure to take a look at our guides on the best golf beanies and best golf base layers.
Best Golf Quarter Zips
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Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: 1
+ Very warm
+ Smart look
+ Zip pockets
- Poppers instead of zip or button-up collar
An extremely warm pullover, this quarter-zip from adidas features a classy aesthetic with a strong collar. Designed to keep you warm in colder conditions, the fabric is made with WIND.RDY technology to shield your body from gusts on those windy days and it is also water-repellent. It comes with a slight stretch in the fabric but could be more flexible. It is still perfectly fine to play golf in though.
A great addition are the two pockets, which are lined with a soft inner and come with zips. The hem is adjustable with an elastic drawcord and the wrists are also elasticated for a comfortable fit. If we were to criticize, we’d say it could be a little more stretchy and the popper system on the collar might please some but a zip would have been easier.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3
+ Snug, flattering fit
+ Stylish print design
- Not the warmest mid layer
One of our favorites, the Dri-Fit Tour ADV from Nike is designed for the milder days out on the course. It has become our go-to for all but the coldest rounds as it does an excellent job of taking the edge of those chilly early mornings, yet when the sun comes up and the temperature rises, we didn’t find ourselves overheating and having to take it off.
A lot of thought has gone into the fit of this garment, It felt snug and looked the part, but the flexibility of the fabric ensured we could swing completely unrestricted. As for the looks, the print pattern on the front may not appeal to everybody, but we found that modern styling very much suited our tastes in all three color options.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3
+ Excellent temperature control
+ Minimalist design will go with anything
- Comes up slightly small
The minimalist design of this Waffle Fleece quarter-zip will go with a variety of outfits both on and off the golf course. Available in three block colors, there is a design for most golfers and the darker finishes will suit winter months when the wet ground conditions cause mud to be thrown up.
I should note it is slightly snug across the chest but this is only a small issue, and it is easy to go up a size to avoid this. Where this garment stands out is in the temperature control, with it performing excellently in cold, autumnal conditions. It does this via something called WarmCell technology and, in testing, it did a top job of keeping the heat in when the wind was blowing and the temperature dropped.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 9
+ Perfect for warm and cold days
+ Loads of colors to choose from
- Can be a touch tight
The extremely lightweight polyester fabric of this top from Zero Restriction makes it ideal as a thin layer on warmer days, and works well when paired with a vest, rain jacket or more layers as well. Available in lots of colors and sizes, it looks simplistic but I really liked it as it went with a variety of outfits.
It can be a touch tight but it still stretches nicely so your swing isn’t impeded, and I like the design elements like the reflective taping, anti-chafe chin design and the Z-strap loop to hang it up. Overall it looks great, feels good on the skin, and delivers in every way a quarter-zip should.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 4
+ Stylish understated design
+ Very Soft stretchy fabric
- Non-elasticated cuff
This super soft Quarter Zip is very much at the understated end of what G/Fore produces with no bold prints and just a subtle but eye-catching G/Fore logo visible on the zipper when it is pulled up. There are plenty of more striking options available from G/Fore but those who like a simple look will love this mid-layer.
The material stretches as you move so it does not restrict your swing in any way. It's super lightweight yet still offers good levels of warmth so it can easily be worn year round as part of a layered outfit. One ever so slight criticism would be that the sleeves are not elasticated at the end, so the fits can be a little hit and miss depending on your arm length.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 1
+ Incredibly stretchy
+ Luxurious look and feel
- Only one color option
If you are after a sophisticated look on and off the golf course than this Textured Quarter-Zip from PXG is well worth your consideration thanks to the flocked dot-textured material which looks great everywhere.
In testing I really noticed the flexibility in the material, which meant I could swing with complete freedom despite the cold, early morning tee time. The banded cuffs ensure the sleeves stay in place and there are no distractions over the ball while the logo patch on the back of the collar is a really nice visual addition. Coming in a relaxed but flattering fit in one color option, this pullover has been a pleasure to wear.
Sizes: S - XXL
Colors: 4
+ Comfortable
+ Stylish
- Slightly generous sizing
A brand that recently came onto our radar that makes high-quality golf apparel is Johnnie-O, and one of our favorite pieces is the Griggs Pullover. Made from a special 4 way stretch performance fabric that has a bit more weight to it, it is perfect for those mornings when you need a little extra warmth without the inconvenience of too many other layers.
It comes in 4 different base colors which are understated and yet work just about anywhere but I should also acknowledge that the sizing does feel a little generous so the Griggs may come up a little larger than your normal size. However I firmly believe this is one of those tops that will be your go to slip ons whatever the occasion both on and off the course.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2
+ Stylish look
+ Flexible
+ Warm
- Sizing isn’t accurate and comes quite small
I am loving J Lindeberg golf apparel at the moment and one such top which is one of our favorites is the Luke Deboss. It features the JL logo throughout which some will like, some won't, but it certainly stands out despite the muted colors.
The sizing is immediately noticeable and requires a strong consideration to size up, because regular sizing makes for an extremely tight fit on the torso and arms. Therefore we just recommend going a size up to make sure you aren't restricted during the golf swing. A feature that would be positively noticeable if fitted correctly because of its flexible inner arm mesh lining. Aside from that, the brushed inside provides a noticeable sense of warmth and comfort appropriate for a winter mid-layer.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3
+ Provides warmth
+ Classic look
- Slightly small in sizing
Next up we have the Camber from Oscar Jacobson which features an understated design with a couple of color flourishes on the logo and the zip. From a design perspective, its traditional approach once again allows this mid layer to be appropriate both on and off course, with its tailoring being versatile to suit both performance and lifestyle.
Overall in our testing I thought this is a reliable and comfortable top. It is a slightly tighter fitting mid-layer so it requires a sizing up. But once finding the appropriate size, its fit does offer the right flexibility for a golf swing whilst simultaneously providing warmth and comfort.
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 8
+ Stylish modern design
+ Lightweight but very warm
- Relatively snug fit
Galvin Green make some of the best winter golf gear on the market and the Dave is a continuation of that theme. It is constructed with the brand's INSULA fabric that will reduce your need for additional layers on cold, dry days. The combination of the soft, stretchy fabric and relatively snug fit creates a cosy feel that I loved.
I should note it is also made from 90% recycled polyester which is great to see, and this fabric is lightweight too. The stretch was sufficient when wearing the top out and about, and it performed during the golf swing too which is vital. The smart, modern design also makes this fashionable enough to happily wear off the course too. We tested the eye-catching navy and red version but there are also some more simple navy and black designs for those looking for more versatility.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2
+ Stylish, versatile design
+ Stretchy material allows for free swinging
- May come up short in the arms for some
Original Penguin's Heritage Block top is proof that warm quarter-zips don't have to be bulky and cumbersome. Despite its lightweight and stretchy fabric, the material offered warmth and thermal qualities that make it ideal for those colder rounds.
The pattern on the shoulders and arms certainly adds some visual appeal while the collar provides some additional protection from the elements. The arms came up a little short, which is something you may also experience if you’re a tall golfer with long levers. That said, this mid layer is ideal for golfers looking to take away the chills from mild outings.
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 4
+ Warm and flexible
+ Use of recycled materials
- Wouldn’t wear this off course
The Whister Fleece is a warm, comfortable garment thanks to the use of a stretch fleece fabric. The design is understated, using a single color throughout (four to choose from) with a striking chevron pattern on the front and back. There is also a Ping logo on the front shoulder and the back of the neck neck. It is made from 98% recycled polyester and 2% elastane and is also water resistant, meaning you don’t have to reach for another layer in light showers. All in all it’s a solid mid-layer which will keep you warm and work well as part of a layered outfit as it’s flexible enough not to impede your swing. Personally, I wouldn’t wear this off the course but it works well during a round.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3
+ Simple good-looking style and design
+ Brushed interior finish has a warm feel to it
- Limited stretch properties in the shoulder area due to the front fabric
Having tried several tops from the Stuburt A/W collection at the same time as part of our comprehensive testing program, the size and fit can vary a little from one garment to another and this is certainly one top where you will probably wish to consider going up a size. The top itself does have stretch properties however, and I really liked the brusher interior finish as well which offered a warm feel to it. Overall despite the small sizing issue, and the limited stretch in the shoulder area, it looks good, feels nice to wear thanks to the brushed finish on the inside and won’t break the bank.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 3
+ Smart-looking garment
+ Provides ample warmth
- Not the most breathable
The ProQuip Levante Technical mid-layer’s greatest strength is the warmth it provides. Even on cool autumn days, you may only need the Levante and a polo shirt, such are its thermal properties. In the height of winter, it’ll serve you brilliantly as the second layer of three or four. Often, warm garments can be quite bulky and restrict your freedom of movement, but that’s not the case here – the four-way stretch means you can swing with power and without restriction. The two-tone styling looks the part and, conveniently, you can wash the Levante Technical mid-layer in the washing machine. It’s not the most breathable and the collar does rub underneath your chin, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Sizes: S-2XL
Colors: 3 (Grey Cliff, Navy, Storm)
+ Sits perfectly over a polo
+ Extremely light
- Provides little in the way of warmth
We enjoyed the simplicity on offer here. There’s nothing complicated about this garment – it’s a lightweight mid layer that can be put on and stored away in the bag with the minimum of fuss. It’s ideal for when the sun moves behind the clouds, or for those early morning tee times when there's a little chill in the air. It's extremely lightweight which is a positive, but for some it could be viewed as a bit of a negative too as it isn't the warmest.
So while it's not ideal for the winter, it’s perfect for when you’re just starting to feel a bit of a chill. The fact that it’s so light and stretchy means you can also forget that you have it on as it doesn’t restrict your swing at all. You could argue that the colours are a little safe, but ‘Storm’ is a really smart blue.
Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: 2 (Caviar and Peacoat)
+ Eye-catching design
+ Stretch fabric allows for complete mobility
- A little short in the arms
This quarter zip top not only looks great out on the course but it also delivers premium performance. The material is extremely lightweight and provides excellent mobility throughout the swing as well as when just walking around the course. The fabric is great quality, and the design stands out thanks to the bold print on the arms of the garment.
The Odyssey and Callaway branding gives it a premium feel, and it's quick and simple getting it on and off as weather dictates. This product can be paired with a range of different coloured polos and trousers, making it a staple piece for any golfer’s spring/summer wardrobe.
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: 5 (Black, Grey, Blue, Red, Dark Grey)
+ Extremely comfortable
+ Versatility to wear anywhere
- Runs slightly long on length
As you can imagine from the name, the Cloud quarter zip 2.0 is one of the softest and most comfortable quarter zips on the market. It features an extremely soft fleece fabric that remains extremely breathable. The Cloud 2.0 has a modern fit, one that is not too tight, yet not baggy and acts as a stylish option for a cool day on the course.
The Cloud quarter zip 2.0 optimizes what the Travis Mathew golf range is about, clothing that is performance enhancing, yet stylish enough to be worn anywhere. This quarter zip is fairly light for how much warmth it provides and we are fans in particular of the enclosed zip and simple logo detailing. A mainstay in The Masters champion Jon Rahm's tournament attire.
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colors: 1 (Blue)
+ Lightweight yet warm material
+ Superb four-way stretch
- Can’t currently be shipped outside the U.S
The Torrance Pullover is one of the most versatile quarter zips we have worn this year. It’s smart-casual style, with only one embossed logo sitting under the collar at the rear, this piece wouldn’t look out of place away from the course. The MadeFlex performance four-way stretch allows you to move athletically on the course and the moisture wicking fabric keeps you cool when things heat up.
The Torrance comes in an athletic fit that we particularly enjoyed and the additional zip pocket on the chest is a nice detail. We love the blue color of this quarter zip but more color options needed, and for this product to be available for those wishing to purchase outside of the U.S. For more excellent golf mid layers, check out our best golf tops guide!
How we test
We test golf quarter zips in the same manner as we do all other pieces of golf apparel and equipment - comprehensively. In relation to the apparel, we put products to the test out on the golf course to see if the design works as it should when having to play in different conditions and play different shots. This is a good way of seeing if a model interferes with the swing at any point too. We then try and use the top off the course as well to see if they are versatile enough to be worn in a social setting. The final point we wanted to mention here is no manufacturer can pay for a good review because our thorough testing team tells it how it is.
How to choose a golf top
What are some of the things to consider when buying a golf quarter zip? Let's take a look.
Type
Depending on your style preferences, there are a range of different kinds of quarter zips available to you! Perhaps you might want a sporty option that will expand and stretch as you play, or why not get yourself a smarter option, that you may also want to wear in social situations. There are a variety of kinds of mid layers available, each offering different attributes - so pick the right one for you!
Material
Linking with the above point, knowing what you are after will help you decide what material to go for. The fleece models above will keep the cold at bay whilst ones with more spandex in them will help you move easier and won't restrict the golf swing in any way. Additionally we have found the models with cotton in them are often the best for wearing out and about as well, and they are very easy to wash.
Movement
Ultimately this comes down to making sure you get the right size because you don't want something that is too baggy which could catch your hands during the swing, and you don't want something too tight either because that will restrict the swing. As such, we would recommend trying on models and taking swings in them to see if you still offer the same range of movement.
Looks
This is an important factor to consider. Do you want to stand out or just have a more understated look? We think there is something for everyone above.
Versatility
This is another important thing to consider. Do you want to use the quarter zip just on the golf course, or be able to use it anywhere? Many of the models above can do both which is a good way of getting more for your money.
Budget
Finally be aware of your budget so you can find a top that fits into it nicely. Importantly there are models above which come with premium, and value price points so there is something for everyone.
For more apparel buying advice, why not check out our guides on the best golf hoodies, best golf rain pants or the best golf windbreaker.
FAQs
What makes a good golf quarter zip?
Quarter zips need to offer warmth and mobility by not being too constricting on your golf swing. The best mid layers will act as a great layer that you can pack under a lightweight golf jacket for example and add an extra level of warmth for those colder days on the course.
Should mid-layers be tight?
That depends on the fit you're looking for. Ideally, a golf mid-layer should offer ample stretch to allow you to comfortably swing the golf club. Most manufacturers build their mid-layers out of a stretchy polyester material that can offer a tight fitting look.
Should I buy a cotton or synthetic quarter zip?
That comes down to your preference as a golfer and there are positives and negatives to each. Cotton is a much warmer material than most and offers a very smart style - yet when it gets wet it can be hard to dry again and will leave you feeling cold on the course. Synthetic materials do the opposite, more often than not they come with moisture wicking technology that will dry quickly, and can be a little more comfortable than cotton.
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