I stole my boyfriend's half zip jumper for a week and he's never getting it back - here's why

I never thought I’d say this, but a half-zip sweater is the wardrobe addition you desperately need. After spotting plenty of fashionable people wearing the style (half-zip, quarter-zip, whatever you like to call it), I knew I had to try it for myself.

Of course, here at GH, we like to make sure a trend isn’t just a passing fad, but a true wardrobe hero that will earn its place in your rotation for seasons to come. So, in a bid to see if I’d actually wear the style on a regular basis, I decided to steal one of my boyfriend’s (many) half-zip jumpers for a week, and I received more compliments than I expected.

It might come as a surprise, given the half-zip has long been cemented as a men’s wardrobe staple, but turns out, it’s incredibly flattering and works wonders in autumn, otherwise known as layering season. It’s a rare mix of style and practicality, and now I completely understand why my boyfriend reaches for the throw on and go look time and time again, especially when it comes to layering. (I loved wearing it with a high-neck polo top for extra style points.)

While sleuthing the web to try and find the best of the best, I came across two stylish sweaters from Cos and Arket. While they may not share the same colour (Cos’ comes in a bright petrol blue, while Arket’s is available in a soft peachy pink), they both feature dramatic turn-down collar detailing that, when unzipped, rests easily on your shoulders for a seriously preppy look. just add a dainty neck scarf.

However, for a serious pop of colour, consider Kitri’s bright green alpaca-blend rendition, featuring pink contrasting piping and an adorable pearl-tipped zip for a touch of femininity.

If you’re searching for something more traditional, opt for muted colours like grey, navy or cream: Uniqlo’s double-faced knit half zip jumper stands as a top contender. Alternatively, choose classic Aran Island style cable knit jumpers, as they're an excellent choice if you’re a big fan of textured fabric and want something that’ll protect you from unpredictable weather forecasts. Meanwhile Zara's grey version (coincidentally from the men's section) comes with ribbed detail fabric.

As the festive season approaches, you might find it worth investing in a half-zip that feels special. One of our favourites? Levi’s half-zip Waverly sweater, featuring a vintage style pattern inspired by the ’90s knits you’d find at the back of your dad’s wardrobe. It is, technically, a fully zip jumper, but you can easily style it as a half zip. Elsewhere, Barbour’s Klara Zip Wool Cardigan is a great alternative, though it comes in slightly more expensive, so perhaps consider this as a Christmas gift for someone (or yourself) instead.

Shop the best of the rest that we at GH could find below