[Sankyung Today = Reporter Han Seung-su]
Samsung C&T Fashion Division has crowned the quarter-zip the must-watch piece for 2026.
As buzz around zip-up styles grows both at home and abroad, the company said on the 8th that the quarter-zip is the first item poised to lead next year’s fashion trends.
The quarter-zip refers to a knit or sweatshirt with a zipper that runs about a quarter of the garment’s length — from the collar to the upper chest. A half-zip, by contrast, has a zipper that reaches roughly halfway down the chest.
Zip-up pieces have long been staples in sporty and business-casual wardrobes, especially among older men. Recently, though, their practical comfort and styling versatility have pushed them into mainstream popularity across genders and age groups worldwide.
Samsung Fashion Research Institute’s in-house survey shows interest in zip-ups climbed sharply last fall and winter. Naver Data Lab also recorded a big uptick in searches for “quarter-zip” starting in November 2025.
On Samsung C&T’s online platform SSF Shop, searches for “half-zip” and “partial-zip” grew more than 20% year over year last December, while searches for “quarter-zip” exploded — up 2,950% from the same period a year earlier.
That surge suggests the previously niche term “quarter-zip” is quickly becoming the go-to label for these styles.
You can see the quarter-zip’s rise playing out globally, too.
Viral short-form clips of celebrities in quarter-zips and luxury brands featuring zip-up silhouettes in recent collections have amplified the trend, showcasing a range of shapes and layered moods.
Samsung C&T predicts zip-ups — from casual everyday looks to office-ready outfits — will be a major focus this year and highlighted selections from 8Seconds, Beanpole and GLXY (Galaxy Lifestyle).
8Seconds’ Knit-Like Half-Zip Sweatshirt stands out for its cozy texture and clean silhouette. Pieces like the fleece half-zip graphic sweatshirt and the ribbed half-zip pullover are also go-to options for creating polished, stylish looks.
Beanpole Men introduced refined pieces such as the Casual Soft Cotton Big Quarter-Zip Pullover and the Barrelby Half-Zip Knit, while Beanpole Ladies offered a 100% wool Wool Cable Quarter-Zip Pullover with a distinctive cable pattern.
GLXY (Galaxy Lifestyle) has earned praise by offering casual yet polished options — like the Chenille Half-Zip T-Shirt and the wool-blend half-zip sweater — that bridge business-casual and everyday wardrobes.
“We’re seeing consumer interest in the quarter-zip not only overseas but at home as well,” a Samsung C&T fashion official said. “Pairing quarter-zips and half-zips with different items lets people craft trendy, standout looks.”
