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

Gen Z is turning to quarter-zip sweaters as a way to redefine casual fashion and channel more refined habits. Many young Black men on TikTok are using these sweaters to showcase not just a new look, but also a new way of thinking—one that mixes humor, style, and personal growth.

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