“It’s a lifestyle”: How the quarter-zip sweater became a Gen Z identity shift, especially for young Black men

Key Takeaways:

• Quarter-zip sweaters have emerged as a TikTok-driven lifestyle shift, especially among young Black men
• Influencers like Charles (@charlie.dior1) and Jason Gyamfi (@whois.jason) generated millions of views and likes for their videos
• Conversations around the trend highlight Black Dandyism and encourage exploring historic Black fashion
• Many see the quarter-zip look as a symbol of personal development, from reading books to networking
• Enthusiastic responses indicate broad support for style upgrades and community-minded self-improvement

Bold New Style Moment

TikTok has recently witnessed a surge in quarter-zip sweater content. These cozy, polished tops are replacing everyday athleisure outfits—especially among young Black men who see them as a statement of growth. One user joked, “Don’t host parties no more, we do social gatherings for networking,” capturing how many feel that the quarter-zip look signals a step into greater maturity and a sharper sense of personal style.

The Videos That Sparked Change

Two creators in particular helped launch the phenomenon. Charles (@charlie.dior1) posted a “transition” video—viewed over 1.5 million times—explaining that for him, quarter-zips are practical, stylish, and suitable “in any season.” Meanwhile, a clip from @whois.jason earned more than three million likes; in it, he declares, “We upgraded in life,” emphasizing matcha and quarter-zips over coffee and Nike Tech. Viewers flocked to the comments section to chime in with support, sharing anecdotes about how they too are rethinking everyday choices to feel sharper and more accomplished.

Deeper Fashion Legacy

While many skits were initially playful, the quarter-zip trend prompted some creators to delve deeper into the history of Black fashion traditions. One user linked the trend to Black Dandyism—a longstanding tradition of polished style in the Black community. Commenters urged curious viewers to visit museum exhibits exploring Black elegance, noting that the recent shift “goes way beyond a viral moment” and can open doors to understanding a broader cultural legacy.

A Lifestyle, Not Just a Trend

Although plenty of content still leans into humor, several TikTokers, such as Chris Maddox (@chrisfmaddox), use the trend to encourage higher standards of conduct and character. They advocate reading books, writing thank-you notes, and approaching social situations with confidence. Maddox’s viewers commend him for providing a “playbook,” recognizing that style choices can link directly to habits that shape a person’s outlook.

Community and Future Outlook

As more people see quarter-zips as a uniform for a newfound sense of purpose, the internet’s reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive—even from older generations. Grandmothers ask for quarter-zip recommendations, while women wonder if they can adopt a similar transformation. The enthusiasm shows no sign of slowing, indicating that quarter-zips may be just the beginning of a quieter but deeply significant shift toward personal development, mutual respect, and greater attention to everyday presentation.