You can wear a polo with a quarter zip in several ways: closed for a higher neckline, open for more room around the neckline, and with both trousers and jeans. In autumn it can work on its own or as a base under a jacket. With a cardigan, do check that the two knitted layers together still leave enough room.
What makes the quarter zip so versatile?
The zip mainly changes the neckline. Fully closed gives more coverage; opened further makes the neckline wider. That is practical with changing temperatures and gives you a different look without changing clothes.
The Ophelia in black and Ophelia in white have the same slim-fit shape, ribbed structure and fully closable zip. The zip can close all the way to a turtleneck-like design.
How far do you open the zip?
| Zip | Look | When |
|---|---|---|
| Fully closed | More coverage around the neck | Cooler moments or a closed neckline |
| One third open | Polished and understated | Office, meetings, lunch with a client |
| Half open | A more open neckline | Daily wear or when you want more air around the neck |
| Fully open | Almost a V-neck, feminine | Dinner, warm days, with a fine necklace |
Five combinations for autumn
- Office. The black Ophelia with the Arabelli trousers in black, high-waist pleated trousers. Tuck the polo in for a clear waist. Black on black with different textures looks sleek and refined. Loafers and a small gold earring.
- Warm autumn shades. The white Ophelia with the Philippa trousers in brown, ultra high-waist and with pleats. White with brown is soft and rich at the same time, just right for September.
- Grey and black. The black polo with the Florence trousers in grey, flared and ankle-length. The flared leg adds movement, the sleek polo keeps the silhouette in balance.
- Layered. The white Ophelia with the Veronique cardigan in light grey. Both are slim-fit knitwear, so try them on together; if the sleeves or shoulders start to pull, a jacket with more room is a better top layer.
- Weekend. The black polo with jeans, half tucked in, with white sneakers or loafers. Simple, but thanks to the zip and the rib just a bit more polished than a T-shirt.
Black or white: which do you choose?
Choose black or white mainly based on what you already wear. White gives more contrast with dark trousers; black matches grey, brown and other dark shades easily. Neither is automatically more versatile for everyone.
From office to dinner
The same combination can also work in the evening. You can open the zip further, put on different shoes or add accessories, but you do not have to. The advantage is mainly that the top already has enough detail around the neck.
Layering in autumn
As an extra layer under a coat, the quarter zip works easily. Under a cardigan or a fitted jacket you need to pay more attention, because rib knit and sleeves together add volume. Choose colours you like; tone-on-tone is one option, contrast another.
Fit: what do you look out for?
- Length: check whether the hem falls calmly when you wear the polo untucked and whether there is enough length if you want to tuck it in.
- Shoulders: check whether the slim-fit shape gives enough room to move and whether the shoulder line is right in your size.
- Rib: a rib knit usually follows the body nicely. Choose your size so that the rib falls relaxed and does not stretch.
Accessories with a quarter zip
A necklace can become visible as soon as the zip is open, but is not necessary. Earrings, a watch or a belt can give the accent just as well. Match accessories to the rest of the outfit.
Caring for lyocell
For Ophelia, follow the current care advice: delicate wash up to a maximum of 30 °C and 400 rpm, wash inside out, close the zips and dry flat. Do not iron over the zip or other finishes. Read more on our page about lyocell and in the care instructions.
See all polos for Women and our trousers to put together your own combinations.
Shop the look
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, black
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, white
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, black
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, brown
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, grey
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Frequently asked questions
How do you wear a polo with a quarter zip as a woman?
With trousers, jeans or a skirt. Wear the zip as open or closed as feels comfortable and, with extra layers, check that the slim-fit sleeves still have enough room.
Can a polo with a quarter zip be worn to the office?
Yes, if the dress code at your workplace allows a fine-knit polo. The position of the zip is not a fixed formality rule.
Which colour of polo with a quarter zip is the most versatile?
That depends on your wardrobe. Black and white are both easy to combine, but neither is automatically the best choice for everyone.
How do I wash a lyocell polo with a zip?
Zip closed, inside out, at a low temperature and left to dry flat. Always follow the care label.
