From ‘finance bro’ to ‘finance babe’: Quarter-zip jumper adapted for women

has almost become as synonymous with the City as Canary Wharf's gleaming skyscrapers, the FTSE 100, and the iconic New York Stock Exchange opening bell.

However, the supposed "uniform" - often worn alongside a gilet and a Rolex, for instance - has, until now, shut the door on half of the workforce.

designed for women.

Ms Riu, a former student of Exeter University, said to The Telegraph: "I noticed that nearly all of my male friends, colleagues and someone working in the industry were wearing the quarter-zip top. However, I didn't see it as often on women."

I borrowed my partner's quarter-zip as it felt very comfortable to wear, but I felt I could only wear it at home because it wasn't designed with feminine shapes in mind, it seemed more like a large sweatshirt.

The 26-year-old from Barcelona stated she identified an opportunity when working at an international bank in London, having noticed a gap in the service.

While on the hunt for a women's version of the sweater, she couldn't find any options, only discovering products labelled as lounge wear or gym wear.

There was nothing pleasant," she said. "No quality, no mark of excellence. There were far more choices for men.

He also pointed out that men's business attire and smart clothing are generally more suited to corporate temperature-controlled environments than women's clothing.

“Throughout the winter season, I found myself persistently voicing my displeasure that the heating was left on too high,” she said.

I've noticed girls complaining, saying, 'It's so easy for blokes in their trousers and jumpers.' But then you see the girl who's layered up in her coat! For girls, you've got the choice of a dress or multiple, very thin layers – it's a bit daft, innit?

In April the previous year, Ms Riu left her banking role to work full-time as the founder of her fashion company, Miufu.

Her e-commerce site now stocks a range of blouses, jackets, trousers, and jumpers, in addition to her signature branded quarter-zip sweater, which retails at £160.

The quarter-zip was first introduced as sportswear in the middle part of the 20th century.

The zip enabled the collar to be unfastened, allowing cold air in to maintain a stable temperature.

Ms Riu's design has maintained the sweater's essential features but made some adjustments to the overall design to create a more fashionable silhouette for women's bodies.

They said the new model runs a bit more snug around the middle, love. The classic quarter-zip wasn't quite doing it for them, but this revised one has a textured waistband that gives it a bit of shape.

Sales of the item have reported to be encouraging, she mentioned, with orders being placed from Germany, France as well as the UK itself.

One of the key things is to make a good first impression when you start a new job. [Our customers] say, 'I can turn up to a meeting looking like this, but I'd also wear it to celebrate my birthday in style.'

She noted that they are widening the range of options for what women can choose to wear to work, allowing them to prioritise comfort and warmth over traditional formal dress codes.

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