Gen Z Fashion: 12 Fashion Trends in 2025

Gen Z Fashion: 12 Fashion Trends in 2025

Gen Z’s influence on fashion has been felt in the last few years. Gen Z is the gatekeeper for what’s in and out.

Gen Z is the group of people born between 1997 and early 2010. They make up 30% of the global population. The oldest members of Gen Z will turn 27 this year. They have a combined purchasing power of $360 billion, just in the US. They prefer to spend on fashion over any other form of entertainment.

Gen Z is arguably the most influential generation when it comes to fashion. Its fashion is a mix of influences and references that prioritizes authenticity and individual identity. Gen Z fashion is characterized by honesty, sustainability, and humanity.

How can you update your wardrobe so that it keeps up with today’s fashion? How can you start a clothing line that will appeal to the younger generation? We’ll talk about Gen Z and the fashion trends that you can use to enhance your style or sell to Gen Z fashion lovers.

GenZ values

To understand Gen Z fashion, you must first get inside the heads of Gen Zers. Business of Fashion Insights and JUV, a Gen Z-owned consultancy agency, partnered to identify Gen Z’s behaviours and habits. The Gen Z group was divided into six personality groups: forgers (forgers), signatures (signatures), satellites (rebels), explorers and idealists.

Each Gen Z personality group has a unique combination of core values. We’ll discuss how Gen Z fashion choices are influenced by their moral code.

• Information GenZ is a socially aware, trend-focused, pragmatic generation that was born with the information they need at their fingertips. They prefer brands that actively share information on social media.
• Gen Z Fashion is all about creating your style and rebelling. The younger generation values self-expression. They do not follow fashion trends but set them.
• Improvement. Gen Zers are motivated by personal growth. They want to make better choices and own better things. They are interested in sustainable fashion and wish to purchase items created by niche designers or ethical fashion.
• Ideology. The value reflects Gen Z’s activism. They demand that companies back up their claims and won’t hesitate to expose them for their lies. Fashion is now more inclusive and body-positive.
• Introspection. Generation Z is focusing on mental health and well-being and raising awareness of mental health issues that were once taboo.
• Informality. Gen Zers are more likely to respond positively when brands use a natural, casual tone of voice that is geared towards the community. They also prefer a relaxed dress code that favours comfort and convenience.

Gen Z fashion trends: Now that you understand how Gen Z thinks, let’s explore them.

Twelve Gen Z fashion trends that you need to know

Gen Z has rewritten the fashion playbook. From athleisure to elevated minimalism, beachwear and slimy green Brat Summers, Gen Z has a new take on everything. Fashion has undergone three major changes in the last few years: the shift towards timeless pieces (classic wardrobe items), wearable and practical, and circular fashion.

Explore the latest trends and learn how to incorporate them into your brand or style.

1. Sustainability in fashion

Gen Z values environmental awareness, and this can be seen in their fashion and trends. According to a 2020 survey, 66% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly or sustainable products.

Clothing or accessories made with recycled materials or following sustainable practices is a huge yes. Printful offers customizable eco-friendly items that you can add to your online store or wardrobe.

Custom-made clothing can also be better for the planet than fast fashion. Printful and other companies that offer print-on-demand only fulfil orders. This helps to avoid overproduction and keep excess products off landfills. Printful values sustainability and responsibility, and we are always looking for ways to improve our service.

Printful values sustainability and social responsibility. We work with brands who share these values. Check out our interview with Audelia Krisef, CEO of the sustainable fashion brand SOL.

If you are interested in t-shirt print, you will be pleased to know that it is possible to do so in an eco-friendly manner.

Gen Z is also a fan of thrifting. By 2027, the global secondhand market will almost double in size and reach $350 billion. Shopping at thrift stores is environmentally friendly and offers shoppers a wide range of unique clothing and styles.

2. Streetwear

Gen Z streetwear trends are influenced by hip-hop and sports culture from the 1990s and 2000s, as well as rave and sports culture. Fashion is all about mixing styles and wearing what you like. It’s also about representing diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Gen Z streetwear is characterized by oversized clothing such as baggy pants, custom-made hoodies and tees, and chunky sneakers.

Nike is one company that has taken note of this and caters to the needs of youth. Therefore, it is one of the most popular brands among Gen Z.

Are you interested in the streetwear fashion world? This article will give you tips on how to start a streetwear brand, even if you have no experience.

3. Retro style and nostalgia

Gen Z has brought back the ’90s grunge, ’70s chic fashion and ’60s mod style, which is driving the revival in vintage clothing. They’ve also added their style.

Vintage fashion not only gives you the freedom to express yourself, but it’s also great for the environment. Vintage pieces can be found at yard sales, thrift shops, and consignment stores. Ask your parents to lend you their old clothes.

Layer textures and prints to create a vintage look. Retro elements like flared pants, oversized jackets, tie-dye prints, and psychedelic patterns are great for everyday outfits. You can easily add different-coloured bags to your outfits.

4. The Y2K Revival

Gen Z has brought back early 2000s fashion with a contemporary twist. They call it Y2K. Low-rise jeans and multiple belts are back, as are tie-dye tracksuits, neon prints on cargo pants, platform sneakers, and newsie hats. Fashion from Y2K is all about being adventurous and daring, but it can be adapted to fit anyone’s taste.

You can wear graphic t-shirts, accessories with bold colours, or anything with a logo. Social media is a great place to find Y2K-inspired outfits. Many videos show millennials enjoying this trend and throwing Y2K-themed parties.

This girl dressed her friends in Y2K style for her birthday on TikTok, and she was thrilled with the results.

5. Gender-fluid Fashion

Gen Z has been at the forefront of the gender-fluid movement, which embraces gender inclusivity and flexibility. Gender-fluid fashion or gender-neutral clothing challenges the societal norms that define masculinity and femininity. This fashion trend encourages self-expression without restrictions and challenges the dichotomous concept of fashion.

Think Billie Eilish.

This movement is not just about fashion but also about creating a more inclusive society. Wear gender-neutral clothes to show your support for the movement. Select companies that offer a variety of sizes. Fashion knows no boundaries, and it is not confined to gender.

Start with a pair of well-fitted baggy denim, a blazer or oversized shirt, sneakers and light makeup. Simple, adaptable designs that are simple in colour and have large silhouettes will break gender stereotypes. Don’t hesitate to shop in both the women’s and men’s sections.

6. Athleisure

Athleisure is a fashion trend that Gen Z has embraced because of their love of fitness and comfort.

This trend mixes comfortable athletic clothing with stylish elements to create a look you can wear at the gym or out and about. Think leggings and sports bras. Also, think oversized sweatshirts and sneakers. Athleisure goes beyond a trend. It’s more of a lifestyle. You can look effortlessly stylish and conquer the world.

Popular brands such as Lululemon, Adidas, and Nike have nailed this trend by offering stylish yet functional options.

7. DIY and Customization

Gen Zers can express themselves and their unique stories through DIY and customized clothing and accessories. They can also break away from store-bought clothes with personalized fashion.

Gen Zers make their clothes and accessories by doing DIY and thrifting. They add personal touches such as slogans, graphics, and patches to show off their style.

What if you have no graphic design skills or sewing abilities? Print-on-demand can be used to create custom clothing and accessories. You can upload any design to a garment, or you can use Printful’s clipart to create stunning designs within minutes.

8. Minimalism

Gen Z’s fashion tends to be minimalistic. The new minimalism, however, is not the same as what millennials are used to. Gen Z’s minimalism is infused with personality and individuality and is anything but basic.

Clean lines, neutral colours, and simple silhouettes characterize Gen Z’s minimalist style. It focuses on wardrobe staples like white shirts and oversized jackets, and black trousers are also popular.

The coastal grandmother is a recent expression of Gen Z minimalism. The coastal grandmother, a term coined and popularized by Diane Keaton from Something’s Gotta Go, is what the term means. Think of oversized jumpers, wide-legged pants or flowy trousers.

Nicoleta explains how coastal grandmother is not just a fashion trend for Gen Z but a way of life. You may be a CG if you enjoy coastal vibes and home cooking. If you also love cosy interiors and hosting dinners, then you are likely a CG. You don’t need to be a grandmother to be a CG.

9. Techwear

Techwear fashion fuses technology and functionality into everyday wear. It draws inspiration from futuristic and urban styles. Garments have a high-tech aesthetic, utilitarian designs, and high-tech fabrics.

Gen Z is embracing tech wear to show off its love of technology, sustainability, and functionality. Their personal style perfectly fits their dynamic lifestyle, and they make a bold statement. Techwear outfits will make you stand out.

Techwear is often integrated with technology, such as LED lights, smart fabric, and wearable tech, catering to this generation’s love of tech integration. Gen Z is known for its preference for monochromatic, futuristic colors such as black, gray, and white.

10. Statement Accessories

Gen Z values individual expression. They see accessories as an effective way to express their identity. Statement accessories can transform an outfit and are a great way to update your look.

Gen Z’s eco-conscious attitude is reflected in thrifting and reusing old accessories. Vintage or secondhand statement pieces can reduce waste and bring a bit of history into their style.

Social media influencers can influence Gen Z to buy statement accessories. Accessory choices are popular for social media because they’re often eye-catching and photogenic.

Gen Z is more inclined to prefer brands that prioritize exclusivity and limited production over mass-produced products. Statement accessories from niche or independent brands often match this desire for exclusivity.

11. Cottagecore

Cottagecore, a Gen Z trend, has recently taken off on TikTok. The trend is most popular with young women who romanticize farm life. Cottagecore clothing is loose-fitting and flowy, often reminiscent of housework clothes from the 1950s. The English upper class of those times is also a major influence, as seen in movies like Pride and Prejudice, which are based on Jane Austen novels.

Clothing is often layered, with big pockets, puffy-sleeved blouses, and button-up blouses. Cottagecore fashion is characterized by stripes, paisleys, faded florals, and gingham. Popular designs include embroidered plants, animals, and insects.

Complete your look with hand-crafted accessories, such as knitted socks, hats and mittens. Cottagecore clothing also includes shortalls/overalls and lace.

12. Dark Academia

Dark Academia, a style popularized by Gothic fashion from the 19th century with modern refinement, is inspired by Gothic fashion. It has a vintage look and sophistication and is highly sociable. Imagine Penn Badgley in You as Joe Goldberg or Jo March in Greta Gerwig’s The Little Women.

Dark Academia is a style that exudes sophistication and knowledge. It can be achieved with soft knits in earthy colors, leather or wire accessories, long coats, and dress shoes.

It’s not necessary to be an academic to wear this look. Dark Academia fans tend to be into vintage literature, movies and fine arts.

The Frazzled British Woman

The frazzled English woman trend is perfect for fall. It is both timeless and trendy. It was first introduced on TikTok in 2022.

Remember the heroines you watched as a middle-schooler: Renee Zellweger’s Bridget Jones Diary or Kate Winslet’s The Holiday? This is the mood. It’s not surprising that with retro and Y2K styles all the rage, the Frazzled English Woman style has become a fall/winter fashion staple.

What’s the ultimate frazzled look? You want to look effortlessly chic but not hastily or awkwardly. Way. Fashion is the way to say, “I tried not too hard, but I still managed to nail it.”