Custom Quarter-Zips Guide for Your Business

Quarter-zips hit that sweet spot between professional polish and everyday comfort, making them perfect for businesses looking to outfit teams, create memorable client gifts, or develop branded merchandise that people actually want to wear. Whether you need a handful of executive layers for board meetings or hundreds of customized pullovers for a company event, the key is understanding which styles work best for your specific needs and how to customize them effectively.

This guide breaks down the top quarter-zip brands for business use, explores customization strategies that maximize your branding impact, and helps you navigate the details that separate good corporate apparel from great corporate apparel.

Why Quarter-Zips Are Ideal for Business Apparel

• Polished yet casual appearance - Quarter-zips strike the perfect balance between professional and approachable, with their structured collar and partial zip creating a more refined look than hoodies while maintaining the comfort of casual wear. They work equally well in modern office environments and client-facing situations.
• Versatile layering for all seasons - The partial zip design allows for quick temperature adjustments throughout the day, making them ideal for varying indoor and outdoor business activities. They layer beautifully over dress shirts for cooler weather or work as standalone pieces during moderate temperatures.
• Unisex appeal with tailored options - Most quarter-zip styles offer both unisex cuts and women's fits, simplifying ordering for diverse teams while ensuring everyone gets a flattering fit. This versatility makes them perfect for company-wide initiatives and mixed-gender departments.
• Professional mobility and comfort - Performance fabrics with stretch properties allow unrestricted movement during active workdays without sacrificing the polished appearance business environments demand. Employees can move confidently from desk work to presentations to off-site meetings.
• Decoration-friendly design - The clean front panel and stable collar construction provide excellent surfaces for embroidery and printing, while the sophisticated style elevates any logo placement. Quarter-zips make custom branding look intentional and premium rather than promotional.
• Easy care and durability - Most business-appropriate quarter-zips feature wrinkle-resistant fabrics and simple care requirements, making them practical for busy professionals who need reliable workwear. Quality construction ensures they maintain their professional appearance through repeated washing and daily wear.
• Temperature regulation without bulk - Modern quarter-zips offer moisture-wicking and breathability features that keep wearers comfortable during long workdays, while their streamlined fit prevents the bulky appearance that can undermine professional credibility.
• Transition seamlessly between settings - Quarter-zips work equally well for internal team meetings, client presentations, company events, and business travel, making them one of the most versatile pieces in corporate wardrobes. This adaptability maximizes the value of your branded apparel investment.

Best Use Cases for Custom Business Quarter-Zips

• Executive team outfitting and leadership apparel - Quarter-zips provide the perfect balance of authority and approachability for C-suite executives, department heads, and management teams. Their polished appearance conveys professionalism while the comfortable construction ensures all-day wearability during long meetings, presentations, and travel.
• Client-facing roles and sales teams - Sales representatives, account managers, and customer service teams benefit from quarter-zips' professional yet personable appearance that builds trust during client interactions. The branded visibility during handshakes and meetings creates subtle but effective marketing opportunities.
• Corporate gifts and client appreciation - Premium quarter-zips make memorable gifts for high-value clients, business partners, and key stakeholders because they're practical enough to be used regularly while being sophisticated enough to reflect your brand's quality standards. Recipients actually wear and appreciate these thoughtful, useful presents.
• Company events and team-building activities - Quarter-zips work beautifully for corporate retreats, company picnics, and team-building events where professional appearance matters but comfort is essential. They create visual unity for group photos while allowing participants to stay comfortable throughout various activities.
• Trade shows and conference staff - Event staff wearing branded quarter-zips stand out professionally from the crowd while remaining comfortable during long days on their feet. The elevated appearance helps establish credibility with potential clients and partners at industry events.
• New employee onboarding and welcome packages - Including a custom quarter-zip in new hire welcome kits immediately makes employees feel part of the team while providing practical workwear they'll use regularly. It's a tangible way to reinforce company culture and brand identity from day one.
• Employee recognition and milestone rewards - Quarter-zips serve as excellent recognition gifts for work anniversaries, promotions, and achievement awards because they feel substantial and valuable while providing ongoing brand visibility. The premium feel makes recipients feel genuinely appreciated.
• Seasonal uniform updates and casual Friday programs - Many businesses use quarter-zips to refresh their uniform programs or create designated casual Friday attire that maintains professional standards while increasing employee comfort and satisfaction.
• Field teams and off-site work environments - Construction managers, site supervisors, and outdoor service teams appreciate quarter-zips that provide professional appearance for client interactions while offering the durability and comfort needed for demanding work environments.

Popular Quarter-Zip Brands for Business

Each brand brings distinct strengths to the quarter-zip market, from premium luxury positioning to budget-friendly volume options. Understanding these differences helps you match the right brand to your specific needs, budget, and brand image. Here's how six leading quarter-zip manufacturers serve different segments of the business apparel world.

Nike

Nike is renowned for its sleek, athletic apparel that has made a mark in the world of corporate fashion. Nike quarter-zips blend modern styling with performance fabrics like Dri-FIT, offering moisture-wicking comfort and a streamlined silhouette that appeals to professionals seeking both form and function. These pullovers are especially popular as branded business wear at events, meetings, or on the golf course—a testament to both style and utility.

Example: Nike Dri-FIT Corporate 1/2-Zip (Style: NKFD9892)

Crafted from 8.3oz Dri-FIT polyester (at least 75% recycled), this cover-up pairs sweater-like style with high-tech performance. Key features include a cadet collar, reverse coil zipper with faux leather pull, rib knit cuffs, and a contrast Swoosh logo. Suitable for XS–4XL, this option sits in the premium pricing tier and comes in several business-appropriate colors. Its blend of comfort, eco-conscious manufacturing, and athletic style makes it an outstanding choice for elevated branded apparel.

Adidas

Adidas brings bold branding and breathable design to quarter-zips, making them a staple in active corporate apparel collections. Known for the iconic three stripes and forward-thinking materials, Adidas offers comfortable, lightweight layering perfect for branded team gear and travel. Their quarter-zips project a professional yet sporty image, popular for employees and business teams.

Example: Adidas Recycled Quarter-Zip Pullover (Style: A401)

The A401 is made from 100% recycled polyester (6.1oz), featuring a hydrophilic finish for moisture management, UPF 50+ sun protection, and a self-mock collar. A contrast Adidas logo accents the sleeve, and the adult sizes span S–XL, with availability in multiple colors. This pullover falls into the moderate pricing tier, making it a sustainable and budget-conscious pick for branded orders.

OGIO

OGIO is a leader in tech-forward, modern apparel, merging slick silhouettes and advanced fabrics. Their quarter-zips are favored by businesses for their edgy style and detail-driven construction, perfect for making a statement at company events or casual business functions. OGIO garments exude a high level of functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Example: OGIO Limit Quarter-Zip (Style: OG139)

The Limit features a 5.6oz cotton/poly/spandex jersey for flexible movement and stay-cool wicking. Details include self-fabric cadet collar, exposed coil zipper, side vents, and subtle branding, with sizes XS–4XL available in multiple staple colorways. This product fits in the moderate pricing tier, offering tech style and everyday comfort — ideal for team branding that stands out.

Peter Millar

Peter Millar sets the standard for premium, executive business attire. Their quarter-zips are a symbol of luxury, combining polished style with technical excellence, ideal for high-level corporate gifting and office wear. The brand earns acclaim for its refined fabrics and elegant fits, making it popular among executives seeking sophisticated branded apparel.

Example: Peter Millar Perth Performance Quarter-Zip (Style: ME0EK40)

Made of 89% microfiber polyester/11% spandex with stretch French terry, the Perth offers four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, and sun protection. Available in classic, versatile colors from S–3XL, this pullover is decidedly premium-tier in price, delivering the ultimate in comfort and prestige for professional environments.

Port Authority

Port Authority is trusted for budget-friendly, bulk-ready solutions in corporate apparel. Their quarter-zips deliver consistent quality and easy customization, making them a go-to for large teams, events, and everyday staff wear without breaking the bank. Known for practical comfort and durability, they suit a broad range of business needs.

Example: Port Authority Microfleece Half Zip Pullover (Style: F224)

Constructed from soft, lightweight microfleece, this half-zip pullover provides warmth without bulk. Details include a non-bulky fit, easy layering capabilities, and a wide color range, covering sizes to fit most teams. Budget pricing tier with many hues available makes it an excellent choice for cost-effective and stylish branded apparel.

Team 365

Team 365 specializes in dependable, budget performance gear ideal for businesses wanting affordable and reliable apparel. Their quarter-zips are perfect for everyday wear, promoting teamwork and branded identity through simple yet smart design choices.

Example: Team 365 Zone Performance Quarter-Zip Pullover (Style: TT31)

This performance layer is made from lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester, promoting all-day comfort and easy movement. Offered in a solid spectrum of colors and sizes to fit most teams, it resides in the budget pricing tier. With its dependable fit and low-cost customization, it’s a pragmatic selection for bulk business orders.

Customization Options for Business Quarter-Zips

Quarter-zips offer excellent customization potential, and after decades of experience decorating thousands of these garments, we've learned what works best for different fabrics, placements, and business applications. The key is matching the right decoration method to your specific quarter-zip style and brand goals, while working with the garment's natural construction and design elements.

Embroidery

Embroidery remains by far the most popular customization method for quarter-zips, and for good reason—it delivers elevated branding that perfectly matches these garments' professional positioning. The raised texture and dimensional quality of embroidered logos complement the refined aesthetic that quarter-zips are known for, creating a premium look that justifies the investment. While embroidery typically works best with minimal designs that limit fine details and color count, this restraint actually enhances the sophisticated appeal by letting the thread's natural texture do the talking. Keep in mind that embroidery is heavier than other decoration methods and requires backing material, which can affect the drape and breathability of lightweight or performance fabrics—making it less ideal for ultra-thin materials designed for athletic use.

Screen Printing

Screen printing sees less use on quarter-zips compared to other garments, but it remains a valuable option in specific situations. It's the most cost-effective choice for large bulk orders where budget efficiency matters, and it's absolutely the go-to method when you need larger designs—think substantial logos or graphics on the back panel that embroidery simply can't accommodate at that scale. However, screen printing faces some limitations with quarter-zip construction, particularly on synthetic materials, textured fabrics, and garments with structural elements like contrast panels or technical features that can interfere with the printing process.

DTF (Direct-to-Film)

DTF printing has gained significant popularity in the quarter-zip market due to its exceptional durability, sharp clean lines, and ability to print on virtually any fabric type. This versatility makes it ideal for thin, stretchy performance materials where embroidery might pucker or distort the fabric's natural properties. DTF excels at reproducing designs with full-color elements, smooth gradients, and photographic details that other methods struggle to replicate, making it perfect for complex logos or branded graphics that need precise color matching and fine detail reproduction.

Heat Press Patches

Heat press patches offer an excellent alternative to direct embroidery, especially on heavier fabrics or textured materials where traditional needlework might struggle. The best patches come in various styles and textures—including embroidered patches, rubber patches, leather and faux leather options, and even 3D raised designs—creating unique branding opportunities that stand out on their own merit. Patches work on any material type, and they provide exceptional consistency since the same patch design can be applied across different product categories like shirts, bags, and hats for cohesive brand presentation. For bulk orders, patches can be more cost-effective than individual embroidery, particularly when you need the same design across multiple garment types.

Print Location and Placement Tips

Left Chest

The left chest remains far and away the most popular placement for quarter-zip logos, typically sized at 3-4 inches or smaller to maintain the garment's professional proportions. Minimal designs like simple company logos prove remarkably effective at these smaller dimensions, especially when executed in embroidery where the raised texture makes the branding feel like an integral part of the garment rather than an afterthought. Most quarter-zip manufacturers wisely leave this prime real estate open for customization, though some brands like Nike place their swoosh here—in those cases, simply move your logo to the sleeve or upper back/yoke area.

Sleeve

Sleeve placement offers an excellent alternative to left chest positioning, accommodating designs typically ranging from 1 inch up to a 3-inch maximum depending on the garment's construction and sleeve width. This location particularly suits subtle, minimal designs that complement rather than compete with the quarter-zip's refined aesthetic, and it's frequently used for additional customization layers—for instance, featuring an event name on the left chest while adding a company logo to the sleeve for comprehensive branding without visual clutter.

Upper Back/Yoke

The upper back or yoke area represents the most subtle print location available, perfect for businesses wanting their quarter-zips to look less like company uniforms and more like premium casual wear. Designs here typically stay small at just 1-2 inches, creating understated brand presence that appeals to recipients who prefer minimal branding. Always make sure your chosen quarter-zip doesn't feature structural elements or manufacturer logos in this area before finalizing your design placement, as some premium brands use this space for their own subtle branding elements.

Full Back

While full back printing is the least common approach for quarter-zips, bold back designs can create significant impact in specific situations. This placement can work well on thin performance materials designed for activewear applications—think gym memberships, outdoor adventure companies, or active lifestyle brands where larger visibility makes sense. The key to successful back designs lies in minimizing the actual surface area of ink coverage by using outlined elements rather than filled shapes, and opting for single-color designs with lower contrast (like white on light blue) to balance the visual impact of the larger size.

Partner with the Quarter-Zip Experts

Quarter-zips deliver the perfect balance of professional polish and everyday comfort, making them ideal for everything from executive team outfitting to client appreciation gifts. The key to success is matching the right brand to your specific needs and selecting the right customization approach. Embroidery remains the gold standard for professional branding, while DTF transfers excel on performance fabrics. Strategic placement ensures your brand gets noticed without overwhelming the garment's sophisticated aesthetic.

At RushOrderTees, we've spent over two decades perfecting the art of business apparel customization, decorating thousands of quarter-zips across every major brand with consistently professional results. Our low minimums for embroidery (just 6 pieces), comprehensive size ranges up to 5XL, and expert guidance (on everything from fabric selection to logo optimization) take the guesswork out of your order.

Ready to create custom quarter-zips? Start designing today and discover why businesses nationwide trust us to deliver the professional quality and reliable service that elevates their brand.