Why Quarter-Zip Pullovers Are a Must-Have for Custom Apparel Businesses
Quarter-zip pullovers have become one of the most versatile and in-demand blank apparel categories in the wholesale market. Whether your customers need corporate uniforms, team gear, promotional giveaways, or retail-ready pieces, a quality quarter-zip delivers that perfect blend of professional polish and casual comfort that today’s buyers are looking for.
Unlike full-zip hoodies or crewneck sweatshirts, quarter-zips offer a clean, structured look that works just as well in a boardroom as it does on a weekend hike. They’re also ideal canvases for embroidery and screen printing, with large, flat chest and back panels that make decoration easy and eye-catching.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best wholesale blank quarter-zip pullovers available in 2026 from top brands like Gildan, Sport-Tek, and Port Authority. We’ll cover fabric weights, materials, color options, best use cases, and decoration compatibility so you can make the smartest buying decision for your business.
Best Gildan Quarter-Zip Pullovers for Wholesale
Gildan 18800 Heavy Blend Vintage Quarter-Zip Cadet Collar Sweatshirt
The Gildan 18800 is a classic choice that has earned its place as one of the most popular budget-friendly quarter-zips on the wholesale market. Built from an 8 oz. preshrunk blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, this sweatshirt delivers reliable warmth and durability without breaking the bank.
What sets the 18800 apart is its vintage-inspired design. The cadet collar with contrast dark grey twill tape and brass zipper give it a slightly elevated look compared to standard fleece pullovers. The air jet yarn construction reduces pilling and creates a softer hand feel, which customers notice immediately.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 8 oz., 50/50 cotton/polyester preshrunk fleece
- Construction: Air jet yarn, double-needle stitching throughout
- Collar: Self-fabric lined cadet collar with contrast twill tape
- Zipper: 1/4 brass zipper with contrast dark grey trim
- Cuffs: 1×1 athletic rib with spandex
- Colors: Black, Blackberry, Graphite Heather, Maroon, Meadow, Moss, Navy, Orange, Red, Royal, Russet, Sport Grey, Tweed
Best For: Budget-conscious custom apparel businesses, fundraiser merchandise, casual team uniforms, and screen printing projects where you need a reliable blank at the lowest possible cost per unit.
Decoration Tip: The 50/50 blend works well with both screen printing and embroidery. The contrast twill tape adds a nice design element that elevates even simple one-color logos.
Gildan SF008 Softstyle Midweight Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover
The Gildan SF008 represents Gildan’s newer, more premium approach to fleece. At 8.4 oz. with an 80% ring-spun cotton and 20% polyester composition, this quarter-zip delivers a noticeably softer hand feel compared to the 18800. The 100% ring-spun cotton face is specifically engineered for superior print results.
This pullover features a cozy brushed interior that customers love, combined with modern details like a dyed-to-match reverse coil locking zipper and recycled tear-away label. The 1×1 rib with spandex at the varsity collar, cuffs, and bottom band provides excellent stretch and shape retention.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 8.4 oz., 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester (Sport Grey: 75/25)
- Face: 100% ring-spun cotton (ideal for printing)
- Interior: Cozy brushed fleece
- Zipper: Dyed-to-match reverse coil locking zipper
- Label: Recycled black tear-away label
- Sustainability: Made with Better Cotton, OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes
- Colors: Black, Charcoal, Maroon, Military Green, Navy, Off White, Royal, Sand, Sport Grey, Stone Blue
Best For: Retail-quality custom apparel, direct-to-consumer brands, DTF transfer printing, and businesses that want to offer a premium feel without premium pricing.
Decoration Tip: The ring-spun cotton face is a dream for DTF transfers and screen printing. Colors like Sand, Off White, and Stone Blue are trending in 2026 and pair beautifully with vintage-style designs.
Best Sport-Tek Quarter-Zip Pullovers for Wholesale
Sport-Tek ST253 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt
When your customers need athletic-inspired quarter-zips that can handle workouts, outdoor activities, and everyday wear, the Sport-Tek ST253 is your go-to option. This 9 oz. heavyweight fleece is built from a 65% ring-spun combed cotton and 35% polyester blend that’s both colorfast and shrink-resistant.
The ST253 is engineered for durability with fully coverseamed construction, 2×2 rib knit cuffs and hem with spandex, and a twill-taped neck. It’s the kind of garment that holds up wash after wash, which is exactly what team coaches, gym owners, and athletic programs are looking for.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 9 oz., 65/35 ring-spun combed cotton/polyester fleece
- Construction: Fully coverseamed, colorfast
- Cuffs/Hem: 2×2 rib knit with spandex
- Neck: Twill-taped
- Sleeves: Set-in
- Sizes: XS to 4XL
- Colors: Athletic Heather, Black, Forest Green, Graphite Heather, Maroon, True Navy, True Red, True Royal, Vintage Heather, White
Best For: School teams, athletic programs, gym merchandise, coaching staff uniforms, and any project where durability and a sporty aesthetic are priorities.
Decoration Tip: The 9 oz. weight provides excellent stability for embroidery. The flat front panel gives you plenty of real estate for large chest logos. Pair with matching Sport-Tek sweatpants for a cohesive team look.
Sport-Tek ST850 Sport-Wick Stretch 1/4-Zip Pullover
The Sport-Tek ST850 takes quarter-zip performance to another level with its moisture-wicking, stretch fabric. Made from a 6.8 oz., 90/10 polyester/spandex jersey with Sport-Wick technology, this pullover actively moves moisture away from the body while providing four-way stretch for unrestricted movement.
The soft-brushed backing adds a layer of comfort, while the smooth jersey face gives it a sleek, modern look. Premium details include a tag-free label, chin guard, cadet collar, taped neck, raglan sleeves, and a zipper garage for added comfort.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 6.8 oz., 90/10 polyester/spandex jersey
- Technology: Sport-Wick moisture-wicking
- Interior: Soft-brushed backing
- Features: Tag-free label, chin guard, zipper garage, raglan sleeves
- Collar: Cadet
- Cuffs/Hem: Open
- Sizes: XS to 4XL
Best For: Corporate athleisure, fitness brands, golf course merchandise, outdoor recreation companies, and upscale promotional products where performance matters.
Decoration Tip: The polyester-dominant fabric is excellent for sublimation on lighter colors. For embroidery, use a proper stabilizer backing since the stretch fabric requires extra support. The smooth face also works well with heat transfers and DTF printing.
Best Port Authority Quarter-Zip Pullovers for Wholesale
Port Authority F218 Value Fleece 1/4-Zip Pullover
The Port Authority F218 is a soft, midweight fleece pullover that delivers exceptional value for corporate and promotional use. Made from 100% polyester fleece, this quarter-zip features a clean, professional silhouette that works perfectly for company uniforms, trade show giveaways, and branded merchandise.
Despite its “value” positioning, the F218 includes quality construction details like a twill-taped neck, reverse coil zipper with chin guard, bungee cord zipper pull, and an open hem with drawcord and toggles for adjustable fit. It’s the kind of garment that looks more expensive than it actually is.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: 100% polyester fleece
- Zipper: Reverse coil with chin guard and bungee cord pull
- Neck: Twill-taped
- Hem: Open with drawcord and toggles
- Cuffs: Open
- Colors: Black, Iron Grey, True Navy, Forest Green, True Red, True Royal
Best For: Corporate uniforms, employee appreciation gifts, trade show merchandise, volunteer gear, and any project where you need a professional-looking fleece at a competitive price point.
Decoration Tip: The 100% polyester construction makes this an excellent candidate for sublimation on lighter colors. For embroidery, the fleece surface provides a rich, textured backdrop that makes logos pop. Keep embroidery designs simple for the best visual impact on fleece.
Port Authority K584 Silk Touch Performance 1/4-Zip Pullover
For the most polished, corporate-ready quarter-zip in this roundup, look no further than the Port Authority K584. This pullover features Silk Touch technology, delivering a smooth, luxurious hand feel that immediately signals quality. The moisture-wicking and snag-resistant properties make it practical for everyday professional wear.
The K584 bridges the gap between athletic performance and business casual, making it equally appropriate for a client meeting, a company golf outing, or a team building event. The clean lines and refined fit make it a favorite for embroidered corporate logos.
Key Specs:
- Fabric: Silk Touch performance material, snag-resistant
- Technology: Moisture-wicking
- Appearance: Smooth, professional finish
- Best decoration: Embroidery (premium look)
Best For: Executive gifts, high-end corporate uniforms, golf course pro shops, hospitality industry uniforms, and premium branded merchandise where first impressions matter.
Decoration Tip: Embroidery is the undisputed champion on this fabric. The smooth surface showcases intricate logo detail beautifully. Pair with matching Port Authority polo shirts for a complete corporate uniform package.
How to Choose the Right Quarter-Zip for Your Business
With so many options available, choosing the right wholesale blank quarter-zip comes down to understanding your customers’ needs and your decoration method. Here’s a quick decision framework:
By Budget
- Budget-friendly: Gildan 18800 Heavy Blend (lowest cost per unit, reliable quality)
- Mid-range: Gildan SF008 Softstyle, Sport-Tek ST253, Port Authority F218 (better fabrics, more features)
- Premium: Sport-Tek ST850, Port Authority K584 (performance fabrics, upscale feel)
By Decoration Method
- Screen printing: Gildan 18800 or SF008 (cotton-rich fabrics hold ink well)
- DTF transfers: Gildan SF008 (ring-spun cotton face), Sport-Tek ST253 (cotton blend)
- Embroidery: Port Authority K584 (smooth surface), Sport-Tek ST253 (heavyweight stability)
- Sublimation: Sport-Tek ST850 (90% polyester), Port Authority F218 (100% polyester)
By End Use
- Corporate/professional: Port Authority K584 or F218
- Athletic/team: Sport-Tek ST253 or ST850
- Casual/retail: Gildan SF008 (trending colors, soft feel)
- Promotional/bulk: Gildan 18800 (best value for large orders)
Quarter-Zip Pullover Sizing Tips for Wholesale Buyers
Most quarter-zip pullovers run true to size, but there are a few things to keep in mind when ordering in bulk:
- Size range matters: All six models covered here offer sizes from XS through 4XL, giving you full coverage for diverse customer bases.
- Fit varies by brand: Gildan tends to run slightly roomier in the body. Sport-Tek offers a more athletic, tapered fit. Port Authority falls somewhere in between with a classic cut.
- Order size samples first: Before committing to a large order, get one piece in your most common size to check the fit against your customers’ expectations.
- Layering consideration: Quarter-zips are often worn over a t-shirt or button-down. Make sure there’s enough room in the chest and arms for comfortable layering.
Why Stock Quarter-Zips Year-Round
Unlike heavyweight hoodies or crewneck sweatshirts that are primarily cold-weather items, quarter-zips have genuine year-round appeal. In spring and fall, they’re perfect as outer layers. In summer, they work in air-conditioned offices and cool evenings. In winter, they serve as mid-layers under jackets.
This versatility means consistent demand throughout the year, making quarter-zips a smart inventory investment for any wholesale buyer. Corporate clients especially love them because they bridge the gap between casual and professional, making them appropriate for virtually any business setting.
Where to Buy Wholesale Blank Quarter-Zip Pullovers
All of the quarter-zips covered in this guide are available through Beytees.com, your trusted wholesale blank apparel source. We offer competitive bulk pricing on Gildan, Sport-Tek, Port Authority, and dozens of other top brands, with fast shipping from our Texas warehouse.
Whether you need 12 pieces for a small team or 1,000+ for a corporate rollout, we’ve got you covered with no minimum order hassles and volume discounts that make sense for your bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wholesale quarter-zip for embroidery?
The Port Authority K584 Silk Touch Performance quarter-zip is the top choice for embroidery due to its smooth, snag-resistant surface that showcases intricate logo details beautifully. For a budget-friendly embroidery option, the Sport-Tek ST253 provides excellent stability at 9 oz.
Can you DTF print on a quarter-zip pullover?
Yes. Quarter-zips with higher cotton content work best for DTF transfers. The Gildan SF008 with its 100% ring-spun cotton face is specifically designed for superior print adhesion and vibrant color reproduction.
What’s the difference between the Gildan 18800 and SF008?
The Gildan 18800 is a 50/50 cotton/poly blend at 8 oz. with a vintage cadet collar design. The SF008 is an 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester blend at 8.4 oz. with a softer hand feel and modern details. The SF008 is the premium option with better print compatibility, while the 18800 is the budget-friendly classic.
Are quarter-zip pullovers good for sublimation?
Quarter-zips with high polyester content are ideal for sublimation. The Sport-Tek ST850 (90% polyester) and Port Authority F218 (100% polyester) are the best options from this lineup for sublimation printing, especially in lighter colors.
What size range do wholesale quarter-zips come in?
Most wholesale quarter-zip pullovers are available in sizes XS through 4XL, covering a wide range of body types. Always order samples before committing to large bulk orders to verify fit for your specific customer base.
How should I care for blank quarter-zip pullovers?
Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can affect print adhesion and fabric performance properties like moisture-wicking. For embroidered pieces, turn inside out before washing to protect the stitching.
Leave a Reply