Quarter Zip Viral Fashion Trend, Explained

Somebody check on Central Cee.

The quarter zip has taken over. For years, the layering piece was associated with a WASP-y wardrobe. You may see it in the wild on a finance bro, customized with the logo of a particular investment firm, or on that frat bro who has never listened to Fakemink. In recent weeks, we’ve seen the preppy staple reenergized by a much more fashionable group. Across TikTok, stylish young Black men are proclaiming that they’ve traded in their Tech Fleece hoodies for quarter zips.

The reality is, this is probably nothing more than a fun viral trend that will die out in a few weeks. It feels like a way to poke fun at tech bros, more than anything. Certain videos show quarter zip-clad individuals getting bumped by someone in a Tech Fleece and spilling a matcha latte, or joking about speaking at a financial seminar.

But could it be more? It appears to be already impacting the market. According to X, retail data shows a 25% sales rise for quarter zips among 18- to 24-year-olds since mid-2024. TikTok views related to the trend have surpassed 50 million in that same span. Google Trends shows a 2,250% increase in searches for “1/4 zip pullover men’s business casual” over the past 12 months. Additionally, searches for quarter zips from ALO and Polo Ralph Lauren also seem to be the most searched-for.

The origins of a Quarter Zip Winter appear to come from a TikTok posted by Jason Gyamfi on Nov. 5 that has racked up over 23.9 million views and counting, with various fashion creators using it to soundtrack their videos showing off their newest addition to their closets. Gyamfi knew the video would perform well, but even he didn’t expect this type of reaction.

“When I realized that [quarter zips] were turning into a movement, the feeling was indescribable. Seeing your influence in real time is something I hope everybody in this world can experience,” Gyamfi tells Complex. “I just wanted to wear something that didn’t feel like I was overdressing for the occasion, but still made me look presentable.”

The 21-year-old Bronx native has already noticed the trend growing beyond the social media timelines. Young crowds have swapped out their Tech Fleece hoodies to quarter zips around the city.

“I went to a Clover Boys event in New York the other day with my friends and immediately saw young men in quarter zips with matchas,” says Gyamfi. “It was a surreal feeling seeing my influence in real life, not just over the phone. Some people were coming up to me asking for pictures. Now, I’m the quarter zip guy.”

Throughout the week, we’ve seen the takeover grow even stronger. Tremaine Emory took to Instagram to show he’s ahead of the curve—he released quarter zips over a year ago. Tommy Hilfiger popped into the comment section of the Complex Style Instagram to proclaim that this was their era. Kordale “K.O.” Toomer, an Atlanta native and owner of Atlanta-based sneaker platform ATATF, has likened it to the “Black Boy White Boy Swag” movement that took over ATL in the 2010s, championed by rappers like Yung LA and Young Dro. T-Pain flexed a Louis Vuitton quarter zip of his own.

So, is every streetwear brand making quarter zips now? A lot of them already do. The style isn’t new. Still, it’s interesting to see something sorta dull reinterpreted by kids with actual taste.

Older generations are having flashbacks to the 2000s. You know who you are. Jay-Z traded in his throwback jerseys for striped button downs and you had to dress up like you were heading to a job interview to get into the club. I guess it is true. Any trend will eventually resurrect itself, no matter how unorthodox it may be.

The youth is bullish on quarter zips. If you don’t have one in your closet yet, it’s time to diversity your portfolio and get some fits off before it’s too late.