Quarter-zip training tops

Quarter zip, half zip and 1/4 zip tops – the same idea

Quarter zip, half zip and 1/4 zip top are all names for the same kind of training top with a zip: a top without a full opening, where the zip runs from the collar part of the way down the chest. Some brands call it a half zip when the zip goes a little further down, but in practice the terms are used interchangeably. Zip it up and you get a high collar that keeps the wind off your neck. Unzip it and the heat escapes without you having to stop and pull the top over your head.

That makes it a classic mid layer. It sits between your T-shirt and a jacket, and it is ideal for warming up, easy runs on chilly mornings, cycling to the sports hall and time on the bench after the match.

Choose a fabric that dries quickly

For training, a light, breathable synthetic fabric such as polyester, ideally with a little elastane, is the safe choice. It wicks sweat away from your skin and dries quickly, so you don't get cold when the pace drops. Cotton feels soft, but it soaks up sweat and turns heavy and cold if you stop halfway through a run. In winter, a brushed inner face adds extra warmth, while a thin, smooth fabric suits spring and early autumn better.

Check the seams too. Flat seams chafe less under the arms and on the shoulders, especially when you are wearing a running vest or a backpack.

Fit and sizing for a mid layer

A quarter zip needs to go over a T-shirt and under a jacket. It should therefore be snug enough not to bunch up under the outer layer, but leave room for you to lift your arms freely. The sleeves should reach your wrists, even when you stretch your arms out in front. The collar should zip all the way up without rubbing your chin, and a small flap of fabric over the top of the zip helps.

Measure your chest and compare it with the measurements in the size guide. If you are between two sizes and want room for an extra layer underneath, go for the larger one.

Layering for changeable weather

The weather can change quickly, and the wind is often worse than the temperature. Think in three layers: a light base layer against your skin, a quarter-zip training top in the middle and a light jacket on the outside when it is windy or raining. A quarter zip is not designed to keep the rain out, so bring a jacket if showers are forecast. As a rule of thumb, dress so that you feel slightly cold for the first few minutes – your body warms up quickly once you get going.

Designed with artificial intelligence

Every Zilenzo design starts with a sport and a mood. We ask artificial intelligence for a wide range of patterns and colours, pick the few that work and refine them until they suit the cut and the movement. That is how our T-shirts are made, and it is how we are working on what comes next. Until then, you will find 21 T-shirts with a design for every sport, from running and football to padel and table tennis.