What I Hate About The Quarter Zip Fashion Trend

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. 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. 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,