Overview
The Adidas A588 Spacer Quarter-Zip Pullover is a premium athleisure piece that brings genuine innovation to the corporate apparel space. Built from 100% recycled polyester with Adidas's proprietary spacer knit construction, it delivers a level of texture, comfort, and visual interest that standard polyester quarter-zips simply can't match.
But let's be honest about what this garment is: a luxury corporate piece, not an everyday bulk order item. At roughly $60 CAD before decoration, it sits in rarefied air alongside Nike Therma-FIT and Under Armour premium quarter-zips. The question isn't whether it's good — it clearly is — but whether the premium is justified for your specific program.
The A588 is also fully sustainable, meeting Adidas's Sustainable Materials subcategory with its 100% recycled polyester construction. For organizations with sustainability mandates, this ticks an important box without sacrificing quality.
Fabric & Construction
The defining feature of the A588 is its spacer knit construction. Unlike flat-knit polyester, spacer fabric uses a 3D textile architecture: two outer fabric layers connected by an internal yarn structure that creates trapped air pockets. The technology was originally developed for athletic footwear and performance apparel, bringing natural thermoregulation and breathability to the garment.
Key Construction Features
- Spacer knit fabric — 3D construction with natural insulation and breathability
- 100% recycled polyester — Full sustainability credentials, 6 oz/yd² (10 oz/L yd CA)
- Self-fabric mock collar — Clean, modern look with collar that lies flat
- Spacer knit cuffs — Matching texture on cuffs for cohesive design
- Contrast silicone Adidas logo — Premium branding on right sleeve
- Open hem — Modern, relaxed bottom finish
- Quarter-zip front — Easy layering and temperature control
The fabric has a distinctive, almost dimpled texture that gives the garment visual depth. In hand, it feels cushioned and substantial — more like a lightweight jacket than a standard pullover. It's this tactile quality that sets the A588 apart from competitors.
Fit & Sizing
The A588 features a classic Adidas fit — relaxed but structured. It's not a slim athletic cut, and it's not an oversized boxy fit. Think "comfortable layering piece" — roomy enough to wear over a polo or dress shirt for the office, but shaped enough to look intentional on its own.
Available in sizes S through 4XL, which is a decent range for a premium garment. The companion ladies' style is the Adidas A589, offering a more tailored silhouette in the same spacer knit fabric.
- For a standard fit: Order your normal Adidas size
- For layering over dress shirts: True to size works well — the relaxed cut accommodates layers
- For a slimmer look: Sizing down isn't recommended — the spacer fabric doesn't drape well when tight
- For women: Consider the A589 companion style for a better-proportioned fit
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique spacer knit texture — unlike any other quarter-zip
- 100% recycled polyester — genuine sustainability
- Premium Adidas branding and build quality
- Excellent for embroidery decoration
- Fashion-forward design people actually want to wear
- Companion A589 ladies' style available
- Size range extends to 4XL
Cons
- Very expensive — ~$60 CAD blank before decoration
- Only 4 colour options (Black, Navy, White, Grey)
- Spacer knit texture limits print methods
- Stock inconsistency in extended sizes
- Must be decorated — can't sell blank (Adidas policy)
- No UPF protection unlike the Adidas A401
Print Performance
The A588's spacer knit texture is both its greatest design asset and its biggest decoration challenge. The uneven, dimensional surface means this is primarily an embroidery garment. Here's how each method performs:
Embroidery
This is the A588's ideal decoration method. The stable, dense spacer knit fabric provides an excellent base for embroidery. The textured surface actually enhances the dimensional look of embroidered logos, and the fabric handles multi-thread designs without puckering. Left chest and right sleeve placements are most popular. Adidas requires decoration with a custom logo — embroidery delivers the most professional result.
Screen Printing
Not recommended. The spacer knit's textured, uneven surface creates inconsistent ink coverage. Ink sits on the raised portions of the texture while missing the recessed areas, producing a speckled, incomplete look. If you must screen print, test thoroughly first — and manage client expectations.
DTF / Heat Transfer
Heat transfers (DTF, vinyl, sublimation patches) perform better than screen printing on spacer knit, as the transfer material bridges the texture. However, adhesion may be compromised on the most textured areas. Always test first and use firm, even pressure. Consider smaller transfer areas for best results.
Dye Sublimation
Because the A588 is 100% polyester, it's technically compatible with dye sublimation. The spacer knit texture creates an interesting, organic effect with sublimated designs. Best suited for all-over patterns rather than crisp logo work. Test timing and temperature carefully.
Best Uses
Adidas A588 vs Alternatives
How does the A588 stack up against other premium quarter-zips? Here's a head-to-head comparison:
| Feature | Adidas A588 | Adidas A401 | Nike NKFD9742 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.0 oz | 4.4 oz | 7.2 oz |
| Material | 100% Recycled Poly | 100% Recycled Poly | Therma-FIT Fleece |
| Construction | Spacer Knit | Interlock | Fleece |
| Colours | 4 | 9 | 4 |
| Sizes | S-4XL | S-4XL | S-4XL |
| UPF Protection | No | UPF 50+ | No |
| Price (CAD) | ~$59.95 | ~$42.00 | ~$65.00 |
| Best Decoration | Embroidery | Embroidery/HT | Embroidery |
| Our Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Best For | Style & Prestige | All-Around Value | Cold Weather |
Bottom line: If style and uniqueness are your top priority, the A588 wins. If you need more colour options and better value, the Adidas A401 is the smarter pick. For maximum warmth, the Nike NKFD9742 Therma-FIT is the warmer option.
Sustainability
The A588 is built entirely from 100% recycled polyester, meeting Adidas's Sustainable Materials subcategory. In an era where corporate sustainability commitments matter, this is a meaningful detail — not just greenwashing.
For organizations with ESG goals, environmental procurement policies, or clients who care about responsible sourcing, the A588 lets you check the sustainability box without sacrificing quality. That's a legitimate competitive advantage when pitching corporate programs.
Care Instructions
To maintain the A588's spacer knit texture and keep it looking premium:
- Machine wash cold with like colours
- Tumble dry low — high heat can damage the spacer knit structure
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron decoration — avoid direct heat on embroidered areas
- Do not dry clean
- The spacer knit is naturally wrinkle-resistant — minimal ironing needed
Our Verdict
The Adidas A588 Spacer Quarter-Zip is a head-turning corporate piece that recipients will genuinely love wearing. The spacer knit construction is unique, the sustainability credentials are real, and the Adidas brand carries weight that generic blanks can't touch.
But it's not for every program. At ~$60 CAD blank with only 4 colours, you need the right application. This is not your bulk staff uniform quarter-zip — it's your "thank the top 20 clients" or "reward the sales team" garment.
We recommend the Adidas A588 for:
- High-end corporate gifting and client appreciation
- Golf tournament and event sponsor apparel
- Executive and leadership team uniforms
- Employee recognition and milestone rewards
- Programs where sustainability matters
Consider alternatives if:
- Budget is a primary concern (try Team 365 TT31 at ~$14 CAD)
- You need more colour options (try Adidas A401 with 9 colours)
- Screen printing is required (try Core 365 88181)
- You need large quantities on a budget
