Young Chicagoans Embrace Quarter-Zip Trend to Boost Local Businesses

On Sunday, an energetic gathering in Bronzeville saw young Chicagoans donning quarter-zip sweaters as part of the Chicago Quarter-Zip Link-Up, aimed at supporting local businesses. The event drew a lively crowd to Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream, where attendees sampled a range of flavors, including caramel cheesecake and lemon pound cake. This initiative not only highlighted a growing fashion trend but also sought to uplift a community recently impacted by a string of break-ins.

Among the attendees was Mayor Brandon Johnson, who participated in the event and led the group to Sip & Savor, a nearby coffee shop known for its matcha drinks. The gathering included approximately 50 to 60 participants, primarily teenagers and young adults. Organizers have noted that the quarter-zip trend has gained traction on social media, particularly among Gen Z men, as they shift from casual sportswear to a more polished look.

The quarter-zip phenomenon, characterized by its blend of style and professionalism, has sparked conversations about identity and community among young Black men. Participants, such as Lake Rome, a 14-year-old high school student, expressed pride in their attire, with Rome stating, “I feel proper when I wear a quarter-zip.” This sentiment was echoed by Raymond Porter, 19, who described the garment as “fancy, but also professional.”

Community and Identity

The event was more than just a fashion statement; it served as a platform for community building and positive representation. Organizers like Corey DooleyJohnson, 28, emphasized the importance of fostering a supportive network among young Black Americans, particularly in Chicago. “This quarter-zip meet-up is bigger than just about what you’re wearing,” he remarked. “It’s about how you’re living. It’s about community service and brotherhood.”

The trend began in early November when Jason Gyamfi, a 21-year-old from the Bronx, posted a TikTok video that quickly garnered over 1 million views. Gyamfi humorously declared his allegiance to the quarter-zip style, sparking interest among his peers. This led to other gatherings in cities like Northern Virginia and Houston, further solidifying the trend as a cultural moment.

Organizers have proposed a monthly meeting schedule under the initiative called BizBlockChi, with plans to connect at various local businesses. This commitment to community engagement aims to counteract negative stereotypes often associated with young Black men.

Cultural Conversations

Despite its positive implications, the quarter-zip trend has not escaped criticism. Some observers have labeled it as a form of respectability politics, suggesting that participants are attempting to conform to mainstream societal expectations. DooleyJohnson addressed this notion directly, asserting that Black Americans have always had a diverse sense of style, which shouldn’t be viewed through a lens of conformity.

The fashion community has seen this trend as a continuation of historical movements where Black men have repurposed symbols of elite spaces. Marquan Jones, president of the Chicago Fashion Coalition, noted that the quarter-zip trend aligns with past fashion statements made by civil rights leaders and contemporary celebrities. “We take something that wasn’t meant for us and we make it ours and we make it even more relevant and cool,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of fashion, Christina Steed, an adjunct professor at DePaul University, argued that the quarter-zip trend represents a “remixing” of identity rather than simple conformity. “Fashion, especially for Black men, has always carried meaning beyond the surface,” she stated, underscoring the importance of self-presentation in navigating societal perceptions.

As the quarter-zip trend continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant expression of community, identity, and style, demonstrating the power of fashion as a vehicle for positive change and connection among young people in Chicago.