Young Chicagoans Embrace Quarter-Zip Sweaters as a Symbol of Self-Expression and Community.
On Sunday, hundreds of young people gathered at Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream in Bronzeville to show off their quarter-zip sweaters, a trend that has taken the city by storm. The event, organized by a group of students from Whitney Young High School, was a celebration of self-expression and community building among Black men.
"I feel proper when I wear a quarter-zip," said Lake Rome, 14, a student at Whitney Young. "I'm proud to be a part of this movement."
For some, the quarter-zip has become a symbol of maturity and professionalism, while for others, it's just a fun way to express themselves.
"I put on my quarter-zip and it feels like I'm ready to take on the world," said Justin Powell, 16, another student at Whitney Young. "It's like a badge of honor."
The trend has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with more and more young people showing up to events and gatherings wearing their quarter-zips. Some have even started selling their own branded quarter-zip designs.
"I think it's amazing," said Marquan Jones, president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition. "Black men have always had a sense of style, and this is just another way for us to express ourselves."
Others see the trend as more than just a fashion statement - they believe it's a movement to reclaim and redefine what it means to be Black in America.
"I've learned that lesson when I attended college and wore a suit each day," said Jones. "It was armor, but also a reminder that my worth isn't determined by how I look."
Christina Steed, an adjunct professor at DePaul University, views the quarter-zip trend as a form of "remixing" - taking existing cultural symbols and making them one's own.
"For Black men, fashion is often more than just clothes - it's a conversation with society about who they are and how they want to be seen," she said.
As for Jones, he sees the quarter-zip trend as a way to push back against respectability politics, which he believes can sometimes put too much pressure on marginalized communities to conform.
"I think respectability politics is only half the story," he said. "How you are dressed is how you are addressed, but that shouldn't determine the dignity that you're owed."
The trend has also sparked debate about cultural appropriation and ownership - with some accusing others of co-opting Black styles without understanding their history or significance.
But for many young people, including those who organized the event at Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream, it's a way to celebrate self-expression and community building.
"It's not just about wearing a quarter-zip - it's about being part of something bigger than yourself," said Rome. "It's about being part of a movement that's all about embracing our true selves."
On Sunday, hundreds of young people gathered at Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream in Bronzeville to show off their quarter-zip sweaters, a trend that has taken the city by storm. The event, organized by a group of students from Whitney Young High School, was a celebration of self-expression and community building among Black men.
"I feel proper when I wear a quarter-zip," said Lake Rome, 14, a student at Whitney Young. "I'm proud to be a part of this movement."
For some, the quarter-zip has become a symbol of maturity and professionalism, while for others, it's just a fun way to express themselves.
"I put on my quarter-zip and it feels like I'm ready to take on the world," said Justin Powell, 16, another student at Whitney Young. "It's like a badge of honor."
The trend has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with more and more young people showing up to events and gatherings wearing their quarter-zips. Some have even started selling their own branded quarter-zip designs.
"I think it's amazing," said Marquan Jones, president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition. "Black men have always had a sense of style, and this is just another way for us to express ourselves."
Others see the trend as more than just a fashion statement - they believe it's a movement to reclaim and redefine what it means to be Black in America.
"I've learned that lesson when I attended college and wore a suit each day," said Jones. "It was armor, but also a reminder that my worth isn't determined by how I look."
Christina Steed, an adjunct professor at DePaul University, views the quarter-zip trend as a form of "remixing" - taking existing cultural symbols and making them one's own.
"For Black men, fashion is often more than just clothes - it's a conversation with society about who they are and how they want to be seen," she said.
As for Jones, he sees the quarter-zip trend as a way to push back against respectability politics, which he believes can sometimes put too much pressure on marginalized communities to conform.
"I think respectability politics is only half the story," he said. "How you are dressed is how you are addressed, but that shouldn't determine the dignity that you're owed."
The trend has also sparked debate about cultural appropriation and ownership - with some accusing others of co-opting Black styles without understanding their history or significance.
But for many young people, including those who organized the event at Shawn Michelle's Homemade Ice Cream, it's a way to celebrate self-expression and community building.
"It's not just about wearing a quarter-zip - it's about being part of something bigger than yourself," said Rome. "It's about being part of a movement that's all about embracing our true selves."
the quarter-zip trend is fire 
, but i think its more complex than just a fashion statement. its like, these young black men are using their style as a way to reclaim their identity and assert their sense of self. its not just about looking sharp, its about feeling empowered and confident. and im loving how it's bringing people together - its amazing to see so many young people embracing this trend and using it as a way to express themselves and connect with others. 
the more i think about it, the more i realize how much we need these kinds of communities and self-expression events in our lives... where can i get my hands on one of those quarter-zip sweaters tho? 
not sure if its just me but i feel like thats a bit overdone now. maybe ill just stick to my old hoodies 
! I've seen some people rocking those sweaters and they look fire 
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. It's like, we're not just wearing clothes to impress others; we're making a statement about who we are and how we want to be seen.
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! And if you ever need any DIY tips or fashion advice, I'm here for you 
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A whole generation of Black men is rocking the quarter-zip and owning it 
The more, the merrier – let's get this trend to the 'Gram 
, they're not just expressing themselves through their clothes but also reclaiming a piece of history that's been stolen from them. I mean can you even imagine how empowering it must feel to put on a quarter-zip and know you're part of something bigger than yourself? It's like Marquan Jones said, fashion isn't just about clothes it's about being seen and heard. And let's not forget Christina Steed's point about remixing - taking existing symbols and making them your own is literally the most powerful thing I've ever heard. anyway i'm so down for this trend and i think we need more of it ASAP! 
. it's dope to see them take something that could be seen as basic and turn it into a symbol of maturity and professionalism. the fact that they're selling their own branded designs shows that this isn't just about following the crowd, but also about creating something unique