The “Quarter-Zip Winter” is a major trend that started on TikTok in late 2025. It began with TikToker Jason Gyamfi, who posted a video claiming he was trading his Nike Tech fleece hoodies for quarter-zip sweaters and swapping coffee for matcha. The video went viral, with millions of views, turning a simple outfit transition into a massive cultural movement for young men.
Now, the “Quarter-Zip and Matcha” trend is represented in schools across the country, including Hills. As you wander the halls, the quarter-zip prevalence is obvious. Every couple steps, you’re most likely to run into a student either styling the sweater, or sipping on the green tea.
On the surface, the trend is a comedic way for teens and young adults to put on a more mature or professional facade. Many of these people post videos of themselves sipping iced matcha and wearing “preppy” brands like Ralph Lauren to make fun of “finance bros” or corporate culture. This has caused a huge spike in sales, with more young people buying business-casual clothes than ever before.
While many participate in the trend for the aesthetic, some social media creators have noted its connection to deeper social issues. In various discussions, it has been highlighted that for some young men, particularly in Black communities, the choice to wear business-casual attire like a quarter-zip can be a conscious way to navigate public perceptions.
By opting for a “preppy” look over casual wear, some individuals may use fashion as a tool to challenge traditional stereotypes. This perspective suggests that for a portion of Gen Z, the trend isn’t just about a certain aesthetic or meme online, but a display of the power a simple sweater and matcha can have on how people see one another.
Additionally, the “Quarter-Zip Winter” trend portrays a desire among many members of Gen Z to find a sense of stability in a quite unpredictable world. By choosing the traditional “establishment” outfit, they aren’t just poking fun at corporate culture. They are reclaiming what it looks like to achieve success and proficiency. It marks a pivot away from the “streetwear” attire that has grown extremely popular in recent days, and seamlessly transitions into a more “soft-masculinity.” This is specifically highlighted in the shift from high-caffeine energy drinks to matcha, which symbolizes a more balanced, put-together lifestyle.
Ultimately, this trend serves as a bridge between childhood and the professional world. While previous generations may have challenged social norms by dressing down, today’s young men are finding power in dressing up, using quarter-zips and matcha as versatile pieces that fit in both college classes and high-rank offices. They reveal that we, as a generation, are aware of the judgement from others; we are strategically using fashion to navigate social ladders and norms.
Whether it’s a layer for warmth, a satirical costume, or a genuine fashion choice, the quarter-zip has become a symbol of a generation trying to figure out what it means to be a “modern man” on its own terms. Here at Hills, this self-acceptance and understanding is encouraged, and will hopefully continue on even after the “Quarter-Zip and Matcha” trend goes out of style.
