The Quarter Zip Fashion Trend, Respectability Politics & Social Mobility

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, 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.” - VIA NEWSWEEK

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