Zip Up, Look Sharp: The History of the Half Zip
High necked and high spirited, the history of the half zip is as textured as the fabrics it can hail in. Moving seamlessly between sartorial codes across the decades, the half zip (or even quarter zip, depending on your placket preference), has a history more colourful than its commonplace camel and navy shades would have you believe.
Like most great garments, an early iteration of the half zip sprang from American workwear. As the zip developed from novel invention to accessible adornment, it found a home on the practical and patterned flannel shirt. Taking cues from Scottish tartans and popular in rusts, reds, and oranges that allowed for clear visibility outdoors, the zipped flannel shirt was briefly popular in its balance of practicality and novelty.
While the zipped version of the flannel shirt may have been as short lived as its placket, the half zip design evolved and endured. Moving from forest to field, the half zip found a more permanent home on knitwear. Beloved for the temperature control it provided, the sporty stylings of the reimagined half zip became a star of the track, field, and everywhere in-between. Offside, the half zip found favour with the Ivy crowd, as popular within those hallowed halls as it was on the grounds surrounding them. The half zip became a heavyweight, as sportsmanship met craftmanship in a seamless celebration of excellence.
Maintaining its athletic reputation, the half zip continued to grow in popularity. With an appeal as wide as its unzipped collar, the half zip captured the hearts and imaginations of men around the world. Pivoting from sportswear into streetwear, the half zip found a new home in the latter half of the century, tied around the waists of skateboarders. Like the athletes before them, a new generation favoured the piece for its versatile layering options and changeable neckline. As the century accelerated and city rivalled country, trends changed and by the 90s, the half zip had become bigger, baggier, and paired with denim.
With rebellion paired with refinement at its heart, in more recent years the half zip has moved from skateboard to boardroom. Never shaking loose of the competitive edge found in its hunting and sporting origins, sports may have been traded for stocks, but it's still a player in every field. Becoming the backbone of the business casual uniform, the added detail at the neck nods to where tie used to sit, while smooth knits and sleek silhouettes ensure a tailored fit appropriate over a smart shirt, under a blazer or, day we say, paired with a gilet. From the industrial to Industry, the half zip encourages success however you style it.
Today transitional in every sense of the word, there's nothing half hearted about the SIRPLUS half zip. Inspired by the athletic iterations of the mid century, ours is cut from a smooth merino blend. High necked and half zipped, its stable texture is complemented by subtle rib detailing on the collar, hem and cuffs and finished with a silver zip detail. Breathable yet insulated, it can be worn fully zipped on chillier days, or undone for a relaxed, vintage feel. Simply style with a nod to history and a firm handshake.
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Forest Green Merino Half Zip Jumper
Regular price £225Regular priceUnit price / per£225.00Sale price £225back in stock -
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Ready to greet the new season like an old friend, meet the trusted favourites that will keep you warm all winter. From chore jackets to gilets, classic Oxford shirts to crewneck jumpers, our latest arrivals brings together neutral pieces with splashes of seasonal colour, ready for the months ahead.
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