What Is Gen Z Fashion?

24th June 2025 EDT RELEASES

Carving the contours of the fluid forms of Gen Z fashion.

Streetwear Retail US$

It’s not easy to put into words what Gen Z fashion is, yet we know it when we see it. Otherwise, the term wouldn’t have found its place in the lexicon. It is, in essence, a montage, a mosaic, a mélange of apparel and accessories. An embodiment of both individualism and inclusivity, excess and sustainability, and a love for contemporary style and retro revival.

Born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, like the millennials before them, Gen Z has crafted a fashion vocabulary that’s uniquely their own, challenging conventions and embracing diversity in every sense. To call them the most fashion-savvy may be subjective across generations, but the most fashion-conscious? Most adventurous? Most definitely.

Individuality

(Images courtesy of Salim Adam and Alene Hagenes via Pinterest)

Thanks to social media, Gen Z has a bottomless well of inspiration to draw from in shaping their aesthetic. With their minds filled with ideas, individuality has become the heart of Gen Z fashion. Unlike the earlier generations, often constrained by the strict style codes of their time, Gen Z encourages mixing and matching across genres, embracing the fluid nature of fashion and breaking down barriers related to gender, culture, and body type.

Nowadays, it’s not surprising to see women wear apparel that was once considered masculine, vice versa: jerseys, sneakers, and the like.

Oversized

(Images courtesy of GARIMPO STUDIOS®)

Fashion is indeed cyclical. Allen Iverson was a fashion icon in the noughties and would be one today, 25 years on. Oversized t-shirts, baggy pants, hoodies, and chunky sneakers (from ’90s basketball silhouettes to Balenciaga 3XLs) were street staples two decades ago, just as they are today. These relaxed silhouettes not only provide ease but also serve as a “larger canvas” for their sartorial brushstrokes, often customized or paired with statement accessories.

Much of this aesthetic can be traced back to the urban aesthetic of the ’90s—pre-Pharrell, pre-Ye, pre-Lupe, before this generation was even born.

Futuristic Fashion / Retro Revival

(Images courtesy of Chiclara)

The generation’s style is a fascinating combo of the future and the past. Techwear, with its high-tech fabrics and utilitarian designs, appeals to those drawn to dystopian, avant-garde aesthetics, befitting the worlds of Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Death Stranding.

Simultaneously, nostalgia is another core element, fueling a resurgence of ’90s and early 2000s fashion—vintage graphics, mom jeans, bucket hats, clunky sneakers, and Y2K-inspired accessories are having their moment in the sun again, often sourced from independent brands or thrift stores.

Minimalism

(Images via Pinterest)

While minimalism remains influential, Gen Z’s approach is distinct from the subdued palettes of the millennial era. Their minimalist style features clean lines and neutral tones—whites, blacks, beiges, and greys—with enough personal sophistication to make the look their own.

Wardrobe staples like oversized blazers, crisp white shirts, and tailored black trousers are staples, elevated by unique accessories or unexpected styling choices.

Sustainability

(Images via Pinterest)

Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Gen Z fashion is its commitment to sustainability. This generation is acutely aware of environmental and ethical issues, favoring brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials, fair trade practices, and transparency in their supply chains.

Thrifting, upcycling, and vintage shopping have become not just trends but lifestyle choices, reflecting a deep self-awareness and respect for the planet.

Maximalism

(Images via FUCKING YOUNG)

Gen Z fashion embodies a fluidity in their style, executing contrast, juxtaposition, and boldness that is usually seen only in fashion meccas and magazines.

In contrast to minimalism, maximalism is gaining popularity among the most fashion-forward members of this generation. Oversized, colorful sweaters, bold prints, and eye-catching accessories, such as bag charms, allow for playful and expressive outfits that defy subtlety.

Athleisure

(Images courtesy of FRENCHBOYJEAN and Nike)

Building on the precedent set by the generation before, athleisure continues to blur the lines between performance wear and everyday fashion. Sneakers, sports bras, windbreakers, and baseball caps are staples that seamlessly integrate into high-fashion looks—a reflection of Gen Z’s proclivity for mixing elements across the different echelons of fashion.

Breaking Conventions

(Image courtesy of Giant Artists)

Above all, Gen Z fashion is about breaking rules and greater degrees of non-conformity. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving scene where conventions are challenged, creativity is embraced, and standing out is celebrated. This fearless approach reflects Gen Z’s broader values of authenticity, inclusivity, and social consciousness.

Conclusion

In summary, Gen Z fashion in 2025 reflects the people born into the internet age, natives of the social media landscape, who are fed an abundance of inspiration and sources; their style, a compelling fusion of comfort, sustainability, nostalgia, and individuality. Gen Z is now part of the gens du monde, shaping contemporary culture, just like their predecessors.

To stay ahead of the latest trends, consider these brands that have their finger on the pulse of the culture they built, shaped, and continue to influence:

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