Sure, a half-zip sweater has some very specific cultural associations — but there’s a reason you see them in dozens at farmer’s markets and on youth soccer sidelines. It’s one of the best weekend sweaters out there. A little sporty, a little retro, not too dressed-up or fussy, and literally designed for easy layering. This lighter-weight knit is made of Escorial wool, an elevated alternative to cashmere that comes from a super-rare type of sheep originally kept by Spanish royalty. Soft and supple, with springy, coiled fibers that naturally resist wrinkling, it’s sourced from the only direct descendants of the original Escorial flock, which are now bred in small pockets of Australia and New Zealand. Talk about special. Fun fact: Sid Mashburn is the only American retailer making sweaters from Escorial yarn.