PAKA Quarter Zip review

Quarter-zips are one of those “I’ll wear it for everything” layers… until the zipper rubs your throat, the collar flops around, or the fabric gets that tired, stretched-out look after a few weeks.

That’s why I was interested in PAKA’s The Quarter Zip in the first place, because I know how well PAKA approaches every item they design (see all the PAKA items I have reviewed over the years).

The Quarter Zip uses the same yarn blend as their hugely popular ‘The Hoodie’ (one of my all time favorite sweaters) and Original Crew (which also I already know and like), and they’ve clearly tried to solve the usual quarter-zip annoyances with a double-layer mock neck and a smooth-sitting metal zip.

Key specifications

• Price: $159 at PAKA
• Color tested: Navy (also availble in Charcoal + Pebble)
• Material: 65% Royal Alpaca, 35% Recycled Nylon
• Collar + zip: Double-layer mock neckline + sturdy metal zipper designed to sit smoothly against skin
• Mobility detail: Raglan armholes (usually a win for shoulder comfort and movement)
• Comfort detail: Full-needle stitching at the neck for comfort
• Small “story” touches: Signed by the garment’s creator + handwoven Inca ID + custom Chakana-shaped zipper pull
• Country of origin: Peru
• Care: Handwash cold, don’t wring, no fabric softener, no dry clean; lay flat to dry; don’t iron
• Shipping / returns: Free shipping on orders $150+; free exchanges/returns within 30 days
• Impact note on product page: “supporting 300+ women artisans in Peru”

Performance review

Feel next to skin

If you’ve worn PAKA’s Hoodie, you’ll know the vibe already: soft, not scratchy, and more “easy everyday” than “technical baselayer”.

The Quarter Zip uses that same 65/35 alpaca/nylon blend, so you can expect the same strengths, especially that comfortable next-to-skin feel that makes you keep reaching for it even when you weren’t planning to.

The neck is where quarter-zips can tend to fall apart, so I like the fact they call out full-needle stitching for comfort, plus a double-layer mock neck and a zip that’s meant to sit smoothly against your skin.

That’s the difference between “I wear it all day” and “I last 20 minutes and rip it off” because i’m overheating or feeling itchy.

Temperature regulation and odor

In my experience, this is where alpaca/wool blends tend to earn their keep.

I’m not going to pretend a quarter zip is a magic climate-control device, but in day-to-day use (cool mornings, travel days, casual hikes, post-run coffee) these natural-fiber blends usually stay comfortable across a wider temperature range than most synthetics.

It’s the same story with odor control. Alpaca/wool blends typically resist funk better than straight polyester.

That’s been my experience with similar blends, and it’s a big part of why these pieces end up becoming “repeat wear” layers for me in the first place.

Shape retention and durability

The 35% recycled nylon is the quiet hero here.

In practical terms, this blend is usually less prone to stretching out at the cuffs, sagging at the elbows, or looking sloppy with regular wear compared with a 100% natural-fiber knit.

So if you’re the kind of person who throws one layer into a week of life (errands, travel, dog walks, easy hikes, working at a laptop), the blend choice makes sense.

It maintains the softness and comfort of alpaca, but gives it a backbone so to speak.

Fit and movement

PAKA lists the fit/length as “Relaxed / Long Classic,” which I read as: easy everyday fit, not an athletic cut.

If you want something more trim, then I recommend sizing down a size. If you like room to move (or you plan to wear a thicker top underneath), relaxed works too.

Raglan armholes are a smart detail for a piece like this. That seam placement usually reduces that tight, pinchy feeling across the top of the shoulders—especially when you’re driving, hiking with a pack, or just moving around a lot.

The small details that actually matter

I genuinely like when a brand puts thought into details that don’t scream for attention:

• Signed by the garment’s creator
• Handwoven Inca ID on the side panel
• Chakana-shaped zipper pull

None of that changes warmth or breathability, but it does change how connected the product feels to where it came from (Peru), and it’s consistent with what PAKA says they’re trying to do as a brand.

Impact report highlights

PAKA published their 2025 impact report, and the numbers are worth calling out because they’re specific (not vague “we care” statements).

In their January 28, 2026 release about the report, they say they supported 7,300+ alpaca-farming families, helped improve health and nutrition for 60,000+ alpacas, and used 98% natural/organic/recycled fibers across products (146,000+ kg). They also state zero restricted substances and no intentionally added PFAS across the product line.

They also describe 2025 as the first full year of the PAKA Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and reiterate their 1% of revenue donation commitment, plus support for 300+ Quechua women weavers through a partnership with Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco.

That’s the context that makes touches like the Inca ID and maker signature feel less like “branding” and more like a genuine through-line.

My verdict

If you like PAKA’s Hoodie fabric (or you’re simply after a soft, natural-fiber-feeling layer that doesn’t act precious), The Quarter Zip is a great looking, highly wearable option, that I can’t recommend enough for $159.

Its comfortable collar/zip design, relaxed fit, and a blend that should hold its shape better than a lot of wool-only knits helps me feel more connected to nature, and I feel better knowing all the good PAKA is doing in the world.

What I’d watch out for: the care is “nice garment” care, so that means handwash it in cold water, do not wring it, do not use fabric softener, and do not dry clean, and lay it flat to dry, do not iron.

So it’s not the layer you toss into any random hot wash cycle without thinking but that should goe without saying, for any quality handcrafted natural wool fiber items of clothing.