Gen Z Fashion for Men: Bold, Creative & Unapologetic

Explore Gen Z men's fashion, from the trends to the vibe. Gen Z men's fashion is a bold fusion of personal style, creative freedom, and an unapologetic celebration of differences. This generation, comprising individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012, approaches style to reflect their values, experiences, and the ever-evolving cultural landscape surrounding them. Gen Z Fashion for Men From clothing to accessories, Jaden Smith showcases the bold side of Gen Z fashion. Photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com Gen Z men's fashion, influenced by celebrities and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is a dynamic blend of individuality and self-expression. This generation embraces diverse styles, from vintage-inspired looks to modern streetwear , reflecting their desire to stand out. Gen Z channels a relaxed but confident aesthetic with the Soft Boy trend. Photo: Shutterstock They effortlessly mix and match trends such as the soft boy aesthetic —marked by a more emotionally open and expressive style—with the nostalgic, playful energy of Y2K outfits for men , blending past and present in unexpected ways. Not one to shy away from the trends, Timothée Chalamet leaned the way of the baby girl trend with a mauve Tom Ford tuxedo jacket against bare skin and a custom Cartier necklace at the London premiere of Wonka . Photo: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com The baby girl trend, with its cute and feminine touches, is also occasionally incorporated into their looks. Some Gen Z men even draw inspiration from the sophisticated and timeless old money style . The democratization of fashion through social media has enabled greater experimentation and mixing of various styles and influences. Clothing Essentials Gen Z fashion revitalizes retro looks with fresh perspectives. Photo: Shutterstock Gen Z men value versatility and comfort in their clothing, blending casual and formal elements for a practical yet stylish look. Their wardrobe essentials include a mix of jeans, shirts, t-shirts, and casual wear that cater to their active lifestyles and fashion preferences. Jeans JNCO's baggy jeans are gaining popularity due to Gen Z's love of vintage fits. Photo: JNCO For Gen Z, skinny jeans are losing their grip, and baggier styles, like the retro JNCO jeans from the 90s , are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, marking a shift towards looser, more comfortable fits. Meanwhile, brands like Levi's and PacSun remain favored among Gen Zers for their quality and style range, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern appeal. Shirts & T-shirts Graphic t-shirts make for a bold personal statement, especially the band tee. Photo: Tillys Shirts and t-shirts, particularly oversized and graphic, are crucial to young men's wardrobes. These comfortable pieces allow for personal expression and often feature high-quality materials. The oversized trend reflects the influence of streetwear and the relaxed aesthetic that characterizes much of their fashion choices. Casual Wear Casual staples like the hoodie transition from athleisure to trendwear when paired with must-haves like cargo pants. Photo: PacSun Casual wear , a cornerstone of Gen Z fashion, includes easily mixed-and-matched pieces like joggers, sweatpants, hoodies, and casual jackets. These versatile items allow for seamless transitions between activities, often incorporating athleisure elements that reflect the importance of an active lifestyle. Sneakers & Shoes The rise of digital fashion has amplified the importance of sneakers in achieving the perfect fit. Photo: Shutterstock Sneakers are a significant aspect of fashion, often serving as the focal point of an outfit. Popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Converse dominate, with a diverse market ranging from classic designs to limited edition collaborations. These exclusive releases fuel a sense of community among enthusiasts. Fashion Accessories The cross earring has surged in popularity as a statement accessory for self-expression. Photo: Shutterstock Fashion accessories are integral to the fashion ethos of Gen Z. These accessories include a wide range of items such as jewelry, belts, and sunglasses that help express individuality and challenge traditional gender norms. Men increasingly embrace jewelry traditionally associated with women, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Some even wear pearls , showcasing a willingness to break free from traditional masculine stereotypes. A Bottega Veneta brand ambassador, Jacob Elordi is famous for using handbags. Photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto Many opt for minimalist designs, reflecting a preference for understated elegance, while others go for bold, statement pieces that draw attention. Gender-fluid accessories are gaining popularity among young people experimenting with styles traditionally associated with different genders. Men also incorporate handbags into their fashion choices, further blurring the lines between masculine and feminine accessories. Gen Z Grooming Trends Photo: Shutterstock Gen Z men are increasingly focused on skincare, recognizing its importance in maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. Many are fascinated by skincare routines, including the highly acclaimed Korean skincare regimens recognized for their meticulous, multi-step approaches and innovative ingredients. The 90s profoundly influence Gen Z hairstyles, with the coveted "curtains" style emerging as a nostalgic favorite. Photo: Shutterstock Gen Z men are turning to retro styles, and the curtain hairstyle is once again in focus. A popular 90s men's haircut , it typically featured a middle part and was worn by boy band members and teen idols throughout the decade. The Broccoli Cut has gained notoriety as a polarizing Gen Z hairstyle that sparks intense admiration or fervent dislike. Photo: Christopher Campbell / Unsplash These nostalgic styles are often updated with modern twists, such as textured finishes and subtle highlights. The trendy broccoli cut, characterized by its short, textured top and closely cropped sides, has also gained traction, offering a fresh, edgy look. The modern emphasis on appearance, amplified by our digital culture, has prompted more men to prioritize their looks, sparking controversy over methods like mewing. Photo: Shutterstock In addition to skincare and hair trends, the practice of mewing has gained attention among Gen Z men. Mewing involves positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth to improve facial structure and jawline definition. While its effectiveness is debated, the trend reflects a growing interest in holistic approaches to grooming and self-improvement. The Social Impact of Gen Z Fashion Gender Identity & Equality At a Versace show, Lil Nas X embraces a glam look in a beaded crop top. Photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com Gen Z is redefining gender norms in fashion by embracing fluidity and inclusivity and challenging traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Unisex clothing and androgynous styles are gaining popularity, with many brands offering gender-neutral collections. Nail polish has become a burning trend among Gen Z men, spreading its popularity like wildfire. Photo: iStock This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards gender equality and rejecting rigid gender binaries. Gen Z men are likelier to experiment with fashion choices, such as wearing skirts, makeup, or traditionally "feminine" colors and patterns, expressing their individuality and supporting gender inclusivity. Body Positivity Gen Z and the fashion industry embrace inclusivity, embracing diverse body types. Photo: Shutterstock The body positivity movement has gained significant traction among Gen Z, promoting the acceptance and celebration of all body types. This cultural shift is reflected in the fashion industry, with more brands like ASOS and H&M offering inclusive sizing and designs. Gen Z men are embracing this change, choosing clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable, regardless of societal standards. Brands that prioritize body positivity are gaining popularity as they resonate with this generation's values of self-love and acceptance. Fashion as a Form of Self-Expression Gen Z fashion embodies an attitude that surpasses fleeting trends and aesthetics. Photo: Shutterstock Gen Z men view fashion as a powerful means of self-expression, allowing them to showcase their personality, beliefs, and creativity. Their style choices are influenced by artistic inspiration from music, art, and popular culture. KJ Apa showcases a relaxed style with a fusion of modern references. Photo: EugenePowers / Deposit Photos Known for their bold and innovative approach, they often mix high-end pieces with thrifted finds to create unique looks. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow them to showcase their style and draw inspiration from others. For Gen Z, fashion is not just about following trends but about creating and redefining them.

Gen Z Fashion for Men: Bold, Creative & Unapologetic

Explore Recent Updates

Bad Bunny on Puerto Rico, Comedy & Culture in i-D

Giorgio Armani: The Man Who Taught the World to Loosen Its Jacket

Louis Partridge Covers VMAN #55 as Fall’s Most Wanted

How Formula 1 Became Fashion’s Favorite Sport

18 Types of Collars for Men That Define Modern Style

Adolescence’s Owen Cooper is 15, Booked & Talking to Flaunt