Best cheap quarter-zip pullover sweatshirts for men

Start here: L.L.Bean Comfort Stretch Piqué quarter-zip. A soft cotton-rich double-knit that's pill-resistant and cut relaxed through the chest and waist — the easiest everyday layer on this list, and it holds up to washing.

Who the others suit:

• Mossy Oak fleece — the throw-it-on cheap option; brushed fleece warmth for errands and yard work.
• Custom 80/20 cotton-poly fleece — plain, soft-faced fleece if you want a blank canvas or a few in different colours.
• Polo Ralph Lauren jersey — a step up in looks for the same everyday job; jersey knit is lighter than fleece.
• Quince organic cotton — if you prefer natural cotton over synthetics (the listing I found is pre-owned).
• Peter Millar Stealth — the performance pick: stretchy, UPF 50+, tailored fit, for golf and travel.
• Eddie Bauer quilted — warmer and more outdoorsy than a plain sweatshirt.

Skip the merino and fine-gauge sweaters if you want sweatshirt softness — they're knits, not fleece.