Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Young Black men embrace quarter-zip movement
A group of young Black men have started a fashion trend called the 'quarter-zip movement.'
It began with a viral TikTok video of two men wearing quarter-zip pullovers and drinking iced matcha.
Instead of wearing casual Nike Tech sweatsuits, they chose to wear these preppy sweaters to look more professional.
The trend has grown into a cultural moment, with meetups where young men gather to wear the sweaters and talk about community service and brotherhood.
Some people criticize the trend, saying it's about trying to fit into white, mainstream society.
But the young men say it's about being fashionable, building confidence, and having fun.
They also point out that clothes don't protect them from racism, but they can help them feel more confident and connected to their community.
The quarter-zip movement started with a viral TikTok video of two young Black men in quarter-zip pullovers.
The trend signifies a shift from casual Nike Tech sweatsuits to more professional attire.
Meetups have been organized where young men gather to wear the sweaters and discuss community service and brotherhood.
Critics argue the trend is a form of respectability politics, while supporters see it as a way to build confidence and community.
The movement is part of a larger cultural shift among young Black men to leave behind negative stereotypes associated with certain types of clothing.
- Who
- Young Black men, particularly Gen Z
- What
- A fashion trend involving quarter-zip pullovers
- When
- Started after a viral TikTok video
- Where
- Primarily in the United States, with meetups in cities like Chicago
- Why
- To embrace professional attire, foster community, and leave behind negative stereotypes associated with Nike Tech sweatsuits
- Trend Origin
- TikTok video of two young Black men in quarter-zip pullovers
- Key Figures
- Jason Gyamfi, Corey Dooley Johnson, Tamu Atemie, Marquan Jones
- Associated Drink
- Iced matcha
- Criticism
- Respectability politics and racial biases in fashion
- Movement Goals
- Community service, brotherhood, and holistic living
- Nike Tech Association
- Negative stereotypes and criminal associations
- Cultural Shift
- Aesthetic pivot towards professional expectations