I will list some alternatives to the quarter zip sweater. š§µ...
derek guy@dieworkwear
83 views
Mar 10, 2025
~4 min read
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I will list some alternatives to the quarter zip sweater. š§µ
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x.com/Doc_Doxie/statā¦
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1. Shetland
More textured than merino; more durable than cashmere. Great value for money and will go with literally any aestheticāIvy or Americana, workwear, tailoring, minimalism, contemporary designers like Dries Van Noten, etc.
More textured than merino; more durable than cashmere. Great value for money and will go with literally any aestheticāIvy or Americana, workwear, tailoring, minimalism, contemporary designers like Dries Van Noten, etc.
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I like the ones from O'Connell's, Bosie, Cambell's of Beauly, Junior's in Philadelphia, Trunk Clothiers, The Carrier Company, Harley, Jamieson's, Anglo Italian, Howlin, Ben Silver, and Laurence J. Smith. J. Press does really nice brushed Shetlands they call Shaggy Dogs.
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The downside of a Shetland is the yarn can be a bit itchy, so you'll want wear it over a collared shirt. Although, some versions are softer than others (e.g., Howlin's geelong lambswool and Bosie's Blue Mogganer line with Supersoft yarn).
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2. Fair Isle
A subcategory here is Fair Isle knits, which are often made from Shetland yarns. Fair Isle refers to a knitting technique that often results in the patterns you see below. These photos are from the Shetland Museum.
A subcategory here is Fair Isle knits, which are often made from Shetland yarns. Fair Isle refers to a knitting technique that often results in the patterns you see below. These photos are from the Shetland Museum.
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I like Fair Isles, but would rank them a little lower on the list of priorities, only because I find them to be less versatile than plain colored, textured knitwear (which will go with anything). But you can see here how a patterned knit can add visual interest to plain outfits
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You can get Fair Isle knits from J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, William Lockie, Jamieson's, and Bosie. Most of the producers in the Shetland category above will carry them.
Last picture here shows Shetland ponies wearing Shetland knits on the Shetland islands.
Last picture here shows Shetland ponies wearing Shetland knits on the Shetland islands.
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3. Fisherman Sweater
You can also consider the fisherman knit. There are two major kinds: Aran and gansey. The Aran is the design everyone knowsāoften cream colored, although not always, and decorated with various stitches and cables. Great with anything.
You can also consider the fisherman knit. There are two major kinds: Aran and gansey. The Aran is the design everyone knowsāoften cream colored, although not always, and decorated with various stitches and cables. Great with anything.
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Then there's the gansey (sometimes spelled guernsey), which is distinguished by its boxy fit, dropped shoulder seams, and cabling. It's often blue, but not always. I love the bespoke, hand-knitted ones from Flamborough Marine, but they're super itchy.
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4. Cowichan
Speaking of itchy knitwear, I also love Cowichans, which wear more like jackets than cardigans. They're super thick, rugged, and feel like they have twigs in them. Check Kanata, Canadian Sweater Company, Todd Snyder, and Filson.
Speaking of itchy knitwear, I also love Cowichans, which wear more like jackets than cardigans. They're super thick, rugged, and feel like they have twigs in them. Check Kanata, Canadian Sweater Company, Todd Snyder, and Filson.
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5. Shawl Collar Cardigan
For something softer, try a shawl collar cardigan made from lambswool or cashmere. I like the ones from Scott & Charters and William Lockie. Combine with an oxford button-down shirt and five-pocket cords when hosting holiday parties or snoozing
For something softer, try a shawl collar cardigan made from lambswool or cashmere. I like the ones from Scott & Charters and William Lockie. Combine with an oxford button-down shirt and five-pocket cords when hosting holiday parties or snoozing
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6. Sweatshirt or Hoodie
I'd also get a good sweatshirt or hoodie (I find the first to be more versatile, but the second cozier). I like the ones that feel more like sportswear than anything too lux. Check J. Crew, Camber, vintage Russell Athletic, Buzz Rickson, & Bare Knuckles
I'd also get a good sweatshirt or hoodie (I find the first to be more versatile, but the second cozier). I like the ones that feel more like sportswear than anything too lux. Check J. Crew, Camber, vintage Russell Athletic, Buzz Rickson, & Bare Knuckles
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7. Turtleneck
Maybe down the line, consider the turtleneck. The thicker ones feel more "Maine guy" than "English teacher," but they also wear much warmer indoors. I like them with outerwear.
Maybe down the line, consider the turtleneck. The thicker ones feel more "Maine guy" than "English teacher," but they also wear much warmer indoors. I like them with outerwear.
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Anyway, if you're just starting to build a knitwear wardrobe, I would start with a plain colored Shetland, as that will be more textured and durable than many knitwear styles. It will also go with many things. Get a versatile color like navy, grey, or brown.
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After that, I would get something with even more texture, like an Aran or Shaker knit. Okochi Meriyasu at No Man Walks Alone looks really good. If you have money to splurge, check Colhay's. Alternatively, you can also do a Fair Isle, which will play a similar role in a wardrobe.
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I would also get a sweatshirt or hoodie because sometimes you need something you can beat around on cold days and machine wash. These look especially good with workwear. In the warmer seasons, I think they also look good with shorts.
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After that, the choice is yours: maybe you do a cardigan (alpaca, Cowichan, shawl collar lambswool). Or your splurge on one of those Scottish cashmere knits that are seemingly disappearing. Or you try a turtleneck.
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I personally find quarter zip sweaters a little too "dad." If you want to experiment in that area, I would try something with a bit more texture (pics 1, 2), something that leans more towards sportswear (pic 3), or a Johnny or skipper collar (pic 4).
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For more knitwear ideas, you can check out the post below. There are tags at the very end of the post for you to explore more articles I've written. Most questions (e.g., "where can I buy X") can be answered if you search that site
putthison.com/a-basic-guide-ā¦
putthison.com/a-basic-guide-ā¦