Gen Z's 'Quarter-Zip' Movement Is About Mo...

By Suzanne Blake

Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends

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The quarter-zip movement is dominating Gen Z culture, and its adopters say the style statement goes far beyond just fashion.

The quarter zip is a type of sweater that has a zipper going just a quarter of the way down its neck length. It’s been seen amongst Wall Street and finance professionals historically, but now the style is being reclaimed by a younger, Black audience.

Why It Matters

Fashion style can make both a significant impact and a commentary on culture.

As younger Gen Z consumers look to adopt the quarter-zip as a fashion trend, it could signal something deeper about a push to be seen as professional and classy despite previous stereotypes regarding age and race.

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What To Know

The quarter-zip has gone viral over the Internet, with rapper T Pain even rocking the look on social media with the caption, “401k and a quarter zip.”

Many men have posted their quarter-zip outfits online to show off their elevated style, and women have also taken note.

TikTok user @meyhaleshay posted a video with the in-frame caption: “I just found out about the quarter zip movement… and men just earned 10% of my respect back.”

Another TikToker, Tamu Atemie, who goes by @iamtamuno on the platform, created a video, pointing out that even Nike, which historically promoted its tech suits in the younger Black community, is promoting its quarter-zip apparel as well.

“Many individuals have associated Nike techs with African American culture,” Atemie told Newsweek, pointing out their prevalence in college basketball, high school and even NBA teams.

Gen Z has also seen many rappers sport Nike Techs, boosting their initial popularity. However, the movement toward quarter-zips is fueled by a younger generation looking to leave behind the negative stereotypes sometimes associated with Nike tech suits, Atemie said.

“Even with all the positive things about Nike techs, such as the comfortability and the look, they can get a bad reputation strongly because not everyone that wears a Nike Tech makes them a good person,” Atemie said. “There are times when individuals are caught doing crimes, such as stealing, burglary, etc. Since these individuals are caught on camera usually, what are they wearing?... A Nike tech.”

Quarter-zips, meanwhile, are associated with “being preppy,” and “well put together,” Atemie said.

Jason Gyamfi, an Instagram and TikTok user under the @whois.jason handle, has been credited with the rise of the quarter-zip and declared it elegant and classy, sparking the trend to take over in many younger, Black circles.

“We don’t do Nike Techs. We don’t do coffee. It’s straight quarter-zips and matchas around here,” Gyamfi said in a video.

“People are ready to change that narrative in the community,” Atemie said. “Quarter-zips are associated with class, status and wealth, cleanliness, healthy eating habits. The community looks hungry for change, and this looks like a stepping stone for that.”

What People Are Saying

TikTok user @meyhaleshay wrote on TikTok: “I’m actually so proud of them. I never thought the day would come, thought they could never earn any respect back. Still not a fan of them but I hope more movements like this happen.”

TikToker Tamu Atemie, who goes by @iamtamuno on the platform, told Newsweek: “People are ready to change that narrative in the community. Quarter-zips are associated with class, status and wealth, cleanliness, healthy eating habits. The community looks hungry for change and this looks like a stepping stone for that.”

TikTok user @missshaytart said in a video: “They’re getting rid of their Nike techs, whatever their gangster style hood clothing and trading it for quarter zips and it’s a lot of the younger generation, which I will still take it. I am so grateful to see this.

What Happens Next

Atemie said he wasn’t sure how long the quarter-zip trend will last, but it’s sparked a larger movement in terms of how young Black men are viewing their fashion choices.

“What we do know is that the quarter-zip trend has definitely woken up a lot of people to start looking into better habits of themselves and their circles,” Atemie said.

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