THE DISCOVERTEE APPAREL GUIDE
Quarter-Zip Pullover Comparison: Five Styles for Your Team
This quarter-zip pullover comparison looks at five different ways to outfit a group: lightweight polyester, brushed stretch jersey, double-knit performance fabric and cotton-blend fleece. The right choice depends on when people will wear the layer, how they like it to fit and where your logo belongs.
We compare Independent SS4600QZ, TravisMathew TM1MY397, Sport-Tek ST850, Team 365 TT31 and Port Authority K880 using catalog and manufacturer specifications. Recommendations below are based on those features, rather than a hands-on wear test.
A quick quarter-zip comparison
Begin with the job the layer needs to do. For example, a light event-crew pullover solves a different problem from casual fleece merchandise. These are starting points; use the size chart and a complete decorated quote to make the final choice.
Lightweight polyester
TT31: 3.5 oz., team fit, XS–6XL.
Coto TM1MY397: 4.1 oz., four-way stretch, S–3XL.
Compare these first for easy layering and less fabric bulk.
Stretch jersey or double knit
ST850: 6.8 oz., brushed backing, XS–4XL.
K880: 7.7 oz., recycled-polyester blends, XS–4XL.
Compare these for active staff or a coordinated business layer.
Cotton-blend fleece
SS4600QZ: 8.5 oz., standard fit, XS–3XL.
Consider this for a sweatshirt feel, ribbed edges and casual group merchandise.
These figures describe fabric weight, not the total weight of the garment or a tested warmth ranking. Stock and color-specific size ranges must be checked before ordering.
1. Independent Trading Co. SS4600QZ
A sweatshirt-style quarter-zip
Midweight Fleece Quarter-Zip
8.5 oz. · Cotton/polyester fleece · Listed sizes XS–3XL
Solid colors: 80/20 cotton/polyester, with a 100% cotton face. Grey Heather: 75/25. Other heathers require a color-specific fabric check. Standard fit, exposed metal zipper and ribbed cuffs and waistband. Three-end fleece creates a sweatshirt-style layer.
Choose this when your group wants a casual layer that reads more like a sweatshirt than a lightweight athletic top. The ribbed waistband creates a different outline from the open hems on performance options.
For printing, the solid-color cotton face is a useful detail to discuss. However, do not apply that assumption to every heather: fiber blends and the outer surface vary. Ask us to confirm the selected color and test requirements.
Open the SS4600QZ product page to check current colors and sizes. Then use Create Design or Upload Design to add your logo and review the configured order total.
2. TravisMathew TM1MY397
Light fabric with a branded finish
Coto Performance Quarter-Zip
4.1 oz. · 100% polyester · Listed sizes S–3XL
Lightweight polyester with four-way stretch, quick-drying performance and wrinkle resistance. Zip-through collar with a kissing-welt zipper and branded pull. An existing TravisMathew logo sits at the back neck.
The Coto is a useful comparison for golf outings, travel and client-facing groups that want a recognizable apparel brand. Its 4.1 oz. fabric is lighter than the ST850 and K880, while four-way stretch helps it move with the wearer.
Wrinkle resistance and quick drying are listed features; they do not make it weatherproof. Also, check the existing back-neck brand mark when choosing your own logo placement.
The listed size range starts at S and ends at 3XL. If your group needs XS or larger sizes, review another style or a mixed-style plan before finalizing quantities.
3. Sport-Tek ST850
Brushed stretch for active teams
Sport-Wick® Stretch Quarter-Zip
6.8 oz. · 90/10 polyester/spandex jersey · Listed sizes XS–4XL
Moisture-managing stretch jersey with a smooth face and soft brushed backing. Raglan sleeves allow an easy range of movement. A cadet collar, chin guard, open cuffs and open hem complete the design.
The ST850 balances a smooth outer face with a soft brushed backing. Compared with the lighter TT31, it uses a heavier fabric and includes 10% spandex. Raglan sleeves, a chin guard and open cuffs suit a practical active-staff layer.
It is worth considering for coaches and teams that want stretch without a ribbed sweatshirt waistband. Still, a fit preference is personal: compare chest, sleeve and length measurements rather than choosing by size label alone.
Its polyester/spandex blend needs a suitable decoration setup. Confirm logo size, garment color and placement before approving heat application or a print method.
4. Team 365 TT31
A light team layer with an extended size range
Men’s Zone Performance Quarter-Zip
3.5 oz. · 100% polyester interlock · Listed sizes XS–6XL
Moisture-wicking interlock with a listed UPF 40+ rating. Cationic dyes support color brightness. Team fit with a center-front coil zipper and semi-autolock rubber pull. Confirm measurements and the selected color’s size range with our team.
At 3.5 oz., the TT31 is the lightest fabric in this comparison. Moisture-wicking polyester, team fit and a listed XS–6XL range make it useful to investigate for event crews and varied group-size lists.
The published UPF 40+ rating is a fabric feature. It does not describe warmth or rain protection. Because it is a light layer, compare coverage and feel with the thicker ST850 if the group wants more substance.
Open the TT31 product page to compare colors and the size chart before collecting your final list. Use Create Design or Upload Design to add your artwork, then review quantities and the configured price.
5. Port Authority K880
A clean double-knit staff layer
C-FREE® Double Knit Quarter-Zip
7.7 oz. · Recycled-polyester/spandex interlock · Listed sizes XS–4XL
Solids: 89/11 recycled polyester/spandex. Heathers: 81/8/11 recycled polyester/polyester/spandex. Snag-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric with UPF 50+. A straight drop-tail hem, side vents and self-turned cuffs give it a clean staff-apparel finish.
The K880 offers a structured alternative for offices, front desks and business teams. Its 7.7 oz. interlock has snag resistance and moisture management, plus a drop-tail hem and side vents. Those details distinguish it from the ribbed SS4600QZ.
Check the exact color: solids use 89% recycled polyester and 11% spandex; heathers add conventional polyester. These composition facts are useful when comparing fabrics, without assuming that every color has the same blend.
For a compact business logo, discuss embroidery or printing with the team. The fabric’s UPF 50+ rating and recycled content do not determine whether a particular logo size or decoration process is suitable.
How to compare fit and warmth without guessing
Use measurements, not just size labels
First, measure a layer you already like across the chest and from shoulder to hem. Then compare the chosen product’s size chart, allowing for the shirt worn underneath. Open cuffs, ribbed cuffs and different hem shapes can change how a quarter-zip feels even when the size label matches.
Treat fabric weight as one clue
Next, look at construction. The SS4600QZ is fleece, the ST850 is jersey with a brushed back, and the K880 is interlock. Their ounce figures alone cannot establish which will feel warmest to every wearer. Climate, activity and the base layer also matter.
Confirm colors across the whole group
Finally, check color samples or product images together when mixing brands. A black, navy or heather gray name does not guarantee an identical shade or texture. Keep a separate style-and-size list for each garment.
Embroidery, screen printing or DTF?
Start with the logo and placement, then match the decoration to the selected quarter-zip. The product’s generic Print or Digital Print label does not by itself specify DTF or embroidery.
Embroidery
A small chest logo can work well for a business layer. However, fine text, dense stitching and fabric stretch need review. Ask about digitizing, backing and the final stitched dimensions before approving production.
Screen printing
For a repeated group design, screen printing is worth comparing. Ink colors and separate placements affect setup. Polyester and blends require a compatible process; the published 12-piece minimum should be confirmed for the complete order.
DTF
Detailed multicolor art may suit DTF on compatible apparel. Heat, garment color and stretch must be considered. Therefore, request a review of the exact style and a quote that includes application to the pullover.
Service photos show other apparel from our library. Keep your own design clear of zippers and seams unless a specific placement has been approved.
Explore custom embroidery and screen printing, or send your quarter-zip artwork for review.
Compare the finished price, not just the blank
Use the same quantity, size breakdown, logo and placement when comparing quotes. Otherwise, a lower garment price can hide a different decoration setup. Include artwork preparation, embroidery digitizing if needed, print locations, size surcharges, tax and shipping in your comparison.
For example, ask for 24 pullovers with the same chest logo on two chosen styles. Then compare the complete quotes alongside fit and fabric. We have left out supplier and admin prices because they are not a verified total for your decorated order.
Your quote checklist
Send the style and color, each size and quantity, original artwork, desired logo dimensions, decoration location and exact in-hand date. If you are open to a substitute style, include it so the team can check alternatives.
The Discovertee responds to quote requests within one business day. Pickup is arranged at our San Fernando shop, 701 N Maclay Ave, or shipping can be discussed. Confirm production timing and delivery arrangements before committing to an event date.
Quarter-zip comparison FAQs
Which is best for a casual sweatshirt feel?
Start with the 8.5 oz. Independent SS4600QZ. Its fleece construction and ribbed cuffs and waistband distinguish it from the lighter polyester styles. Check current colors and sizes on the product page.
Which should I compare for active staff?
Look at Sport-Tek ST850 for stretch jersey and a brushed backing. For a lighter layer, compare Team 365 TT31 or TravisMathew Coto. Choose based on fit, fabric and activity rather than brand alone.
Does heavier fabric mean a warmer quarter-zip?
Not automatically. Fabric weight, knit structure, brushing, fit and what you wear underneath all affect the experience. These weights are specifications, not a controlled insulation test.
Can all five take the same logo?
They may need different print dimensions or decoration setups. Zipper position, seams, fabric and existing branding matter. Send the artwork and exact styles so the team can review compatibility before approval.
Ready to choose your custom quarter-zip?
Compare the five styles on our custom quarter-zip page. Open a product to explore customization, or request help with embroidery and group orders.
Specification references: The Discovertee product listings, Independent Trading Co. SS4600QZ product specifications, SanMar brand product specifications for TM1MY397, ST850 and K880, and Team 365 TT31 specifications. Fabric blends and available sizes should be reconfirmed for the selected color.