An Allegheny alumnus recently went viral, and you probably didn’t even realize it. In December, Jason Gyamfi, ’25, created a viral trend aimed toward Gen Z: quarter zip versus Nike Tech. After gaining attention on TikTok, it went viral across multiple social media platforms, attracting the attention of news channels and other media sources.
My initial thought of the trend was that it was very basic. I didn’t think much of it until it grew in attention and the true purpose behind it was exposed. And since it is getting colder, these outfit choices are very prevalent.
The quarter zip versus Nike Tech trend, in my opinion, based on my research and people I spoke to, is aimed at young people who have faced significant cultural hardship. Individuals who want to feel appreciated for their uniqueness or culture often feel out of place in work, school and other professional settings due to their personal choices or cultural upbringing.
Gyamfi chose quarter zips as a segue to introduce the idea of professionalism to Gen Z. He claims that the generation needs to pivot into the professional world. Learning from their past generations and their experiences, Gyamfi says adapting your style can help you hold yourself to a higher standard and “expand your horizon.”
I agree; the trend of switching to quarter zips and drinking matcha is definitely a symbol for expanding your palate. But is it the only way?
When asking students their opinions on the trend on campus, I was told by some that they believed the trend was challenging the old with the new.
“It’s like two different generations,” Jaidyn Yarber, ’27, said. “It’s the generation before us, and the generation now.”
This opinion on the trend differs slightly from what I’ve gathered from the interviews broadcast by the media with Gyamfi as a guest, though it still relates heavily. I believe Yarber is insinuating exactly what Gyamfi was trying to express: Our outlooks need to change. We need to adapt and adjust, developing our generation, becoming more professional and prepared for the world as the previous generation did before us. Rather than the two clothing choices being different generations, they are actually just mirroring a growth of the generation, a great expansion or change.
“Quarter zips are more professional,” Ehliyah Wade, ’26, said.
Wade described it as “a more adult way of dressing,” and believed Gyamfi was trying to find his style after college and found quarter zips to be his “more adult” or “grown” way of presenting himself. According to Wade, quarter zips were Gyamfi’s way of feeling more prepared for the professional world. The outfit choice is now a symbol globally for modifying your casual style.
This can be difficult, and it definitely isn’t be the only way to expand your style. Individuals have different styles and options in their wardrobes. Clothing is how we express ourselves and personalize our look. Is this global trend large enough to influence the entire generation to start sipping matcha and wearing quarter zips, or something else?
“I personally wear the Nike Tech,” Phillip Murray, ’27, said. “It’s just more comfortable for me, but if I want to look a little business casual, I would wear the quarter zips.”
This brings up another great point: How does professionalism versus comfort factor into all of this? Yarber said something I really liked: that professionalism and comfort clothing “depends on your type of day,” like having something significant, because Yarber “does feel it’s necessary” to dress comfortably sometimes. Agreeing with Gyamfi and Yaber, Murray said, “There’s a time and place for everything.” Having something very important to do in the day, like a presentation, is definitely something that you should dress professionally for. But clothing differs from person to person; my professional attire may look different from yours. And my opinion of the significance of an event could also vary from the one you have. So, how are we going to adapt this trend for the future?
Murray doubts the future of the trend, claiming that it is only going to escalate in “wild” choices like “full zip-ups and iced chai lattes.” Wade, on the other hand, hopes that Gen Z adapts to the trend.
“It would be nice to see more people in the younger generations dressing nicely more often than not,” Wade said.
Gyamfi would most likely agree, it’s time we step up our wardrobes and dress our best!
I believe that quarter zips are a good start to the trend and adaptation. I think, along with the clothing, it’s critical to have the right attitude as well. So when you are getting dressed, begin thinking about your day ahead of time. What clothing do you own that is appropriate for your day? Maybe even think about what could be comfortable yet still accurate for the day you are going to have. Our alum Gyamfi did a great job at sharing his own personal journey through this trend he created, inspiring the generation to adapt to the professional world and learn from their experiences.
