How Gen Z has shaped the meaning of fashion in 2024

Generation Z may be considered the most outspoken generation yet to come. They are creative, innovative, and not afraid to make a change. As we evolve, so does what we define as “fashion.” The year 2024 was just one example of an impactful year led by Gen Z in the fashion industry. Gen Z is actively influencing styles, and we are met with more than just trends and fads: freedom of self-expression, inclusivity, and ethical sourcing. 

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While we progress as a society, current and future generations become more open-minded to many things, including atypical styles regarding gender. More gender fluidity can be seen throughout Gen Z’s overall style approach. Those who present more feminine are wearing more ties, loafers, and other male-acclaimed clothing pieces; male-identifying individuals are wearing shirts cropped to the waistline of their bottoms, touches of statement jewelry, and other garments that give them a feminine-like silhouette. Not only is Gen Z bending gender stereotypes, but this influence has also reached previous generations. Many celebrities that are members of the queer community have updated their style in terms of Gen Z. An androgynous feeling has been welcomed in 2024, and it seems to be more than a trend; a sense of true self-expression.  

Following up on inclusivity, companies have begun to provide a wider range of sizes for their clothing pieces. Gen Z has heavily shown their criticism for the intolerance regarding sizing at Brandy Melville. The clothing company Brandy, under John Galt, has a big following of Gen Z consumers. They are known for their solid basics and white, gray, and navy-blue color scheme. Brandy is also known for having a one-size fits all size range, until this past year in 2024. Although the sizes at Brandy have yet to extend to plus sizes, it is only the start of this journey, and many hope they will continue to grow. The fashion industry listens to this generation and caters to their influences of style. 

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Not only is Gen Z promoting inclusivity, but also sustainability, sourcing lots of pieces from thrifting. Y2K was one of the major trends seen throughout 2024, with some original early 2000’s pieces. Companies then caught on and brought back low-waisted flare jeans, eccentric hair accessories, etc. Thrifting their closet has allowed Gen Z to upcycle and create their own unique visions. Sewing pieces together, repurposing fabrics, or even a small altering of a garment can create a whole new look and feel to a piece. This generation runs on innovative thinking in all forms. 

Since the uproar in upcycling fashion, fast fashion is losing its way with Gen Z. Fast fashion generates the concept of consumerism, releasing items that follow trends and cheaply doing so. Brands such as Shein, Fashion Nova, and H&M are just three examples of fast fashion companies that Gen Z has boycotted. Not only is it poor quality, but companies are also hurting the environment and exploiting their laborers. An absurd amount of water, land, and air pollution are produced within the developing and transportation processes of fast fashion. Not to mention underpaid and overworked employees. The quality of fast fashion pieces is enough to create a boycott on its own, but the environmental and non-humanized factors push Gen Z to strive for a large change. 

We go through many fads throughout different eras, but Gen Z has brought in more than just clothing trends in this society. Authenticity thrives all around every community. Fashion is not only clothing but also a form of art, self-expression, and a push in the right direction, and Gen Z recognizes that. 

Strike Out, 

Amia King 

Editor: Kaya O’Rourke & Jaden Rudd

Amia King is a journalism writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. She is fashion-obsessed, and you will more than likely find her thrifting an absurd number of belts and bags. She intends to pursue a career in Journalism, continuing her work in digital media. You can reach her through Instagram @amiarking_ or email @aking222005@gmail.com.