T&C Tried & True: This Half-Zip Really Is a Must-Have Knit

Welcome to Tried & True American Classics. To celebrate Town & Country’s 180th anniversary, we’re turning our discerning eyes to the brands and products that have set the standard and endured through generations. Here, we will spotlight American originals whose craftsmanship, quality and excellence have earned them a permanent place in our very T&C wardrobes, homes, and lives.

There are certain styles of clothing that are just so timeless and functional, it’s easy to wonder how you ever survived without them in your wardrobe. For me, the half-zip sweater was great in theory, but in practice I struggled to find one that fulfilled all of my needs and lived up to my very rigorous standards. Now, I’ve turned to Alex Mill for many a preppy wardrobe essential, whether knit polos or corduroy skirts, so in a way, it’s a wonder that the tried-and-true classic in the making that is the Daphne half-zip sweater didn’t make it to me sooner.

In late summer, it came to my attention that Alex Mill had dropped, amongst other things, a really good iteration of a cashmere-cotton rugby shirt, and a half-zip that might fit the bill for what I was looking for. And what was that: a fit that was neither slim, nor oversized or boxy, because it’s a sized down menswear piece. I would describe the Daphne as oversized to layer, with diligent attention to detail put towards the areas that can be unforgiving. As a result, the fit makes it look really expensive.

It’s a cotton cashmere blend with a yummy feel in the hand and a nice weight to it. We are not giving flimsy. This also lends to it having the perfect amount of give and bounce. It will fold at the waistline, scrunch at the arms, but the sloped shoulders and collar have structure. And why is this important? Because you can layer with them and not look dreadfully lumpy.

Now, part of Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel genius is how he has turned certain silhouettes and styles on their heads. When he sent half-zips down the runway at the Metiers D’Art show in NYC last December, and then again paired with full skirt during Cruise, I knew one thing was for certain: a good half-zip can take you far when it comes to styling.

Photography by Florence Sullivan, Prop Styling by Sage Leopold

I have worn my Daphne half-zip with jeans and a tee with ease, but have found that it makes a great complement to knits with similar tones, and even with a good pencil skirt. It’s not a leap of the imagination that it will look fabulous with a slip skirt, either.

And the color, don’t even get me started on the color. It’s got just the right hint of orange in it, so it’s extra-forgiving on the complexion and not so harsh in contrast. In my opinion it is the perfect late summer-to-fall piece.

Photography by Florence Sullivan; Prop Styling by Sage Leopold.

Roxanne Adamiyatt is the Digital Style Director at Town & Country spearheading online coverage across fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, wellness. In her role, Roxanne regularly contributes pieces for the print magazine, often with a focus on the intersection of social media and luxury. Previously, she held the role of deputy digital lifestyle director from 2022-2024, and senior digital editor from 2018-2022 at T&C. Prior to her tenure at Town& Country Roxanne held roles at Us Weekly and InStyle. A life-long New Yorker, Roxanne received degrees Barnard College and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. When she's not attending market appointments and writing about trends, you can find her scouring the internet (and thrift shops) for the very best vintage fashion & furniture to add to her collection.

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