By Kameron Brooke | Reporter
Fashion trends are the foundation for the designs that are produced every season and from there, customers add their own style and decide how the garment is worn.
Generation Z has never lived in a world where the internet has not existed which makes them “a force in business across industries, brands and digital platforms,” according to Forbes. This is why brands are very focused on marketing to them in the right way.
Business of Fashion Insights regards “Gen Zers” as unique and crucial to the fashion industry, because this generation expects much from fashion. Business of Fashion Insight said “Gen Z is the largest generation, accounting for around 25 percent of the world’s population, and has an outsized impact on culture and economy.”
The fashion industry chases the youth because it knows that they shape culture.
“My field blends the creative and business sides of fashion. We do a lot of financial math and assortment planning but also more visual classes as well,” San Antonio senior Shawna Arriola, an apparel merchandising major, said.
Arriola said she has taken notice to the brands attracting Gen Z and how the trends have changed.
“I would say the number one type of brand is athleisure, they’re doing a good job in introducing a lot of neutrals and minimalism,” Arriola said. “We just got out of the maximalism trend that was big in COVID because I think people wanted an escape, now people want simplicity.”
Forbes magazine suggests that it is more than the aesthetic of the clothing that attracts Gen Z but “price, ease of purchase, online ratings and reviews and easy returns.”
Plymouth, Minn., junior Brianah Lucky thinks brands such as Shein and Fashion Nova are attracting the majority of Gen Z.
“I think they like these brands so much because it’s quick and easy. A lot of Gen Z prioritizes speed and efficiency. It’s affordable. These places let you buy a pair of jeans for $20 instead of $60,” Lucky said.
Kingdom City, Mo., senior and apparel merchandising major Arika Shramek said brands such as Free People, Princess Polly, Zara and Top Shop are most attracting to Gen Z.
“It’s a new fashion to us,” Shramek said. “What I mean by that is fashion is evolutionary not revolutionary. Those brands create looks that resemble the early 2000s, and Gen Z is looking for those iconic looks with a modern element.”
Shramek said she has observed Gen Z taking a different stance on business wear.
“I’ve been seeing Gen Z following the trend of the laid-back, casual business look. I believe most of us are at the milestone in our life where we are wanting to dress maturely, but fashionable” Shramek said.
Gen Z cares about sustainability, but sustainable clothing often means a higher price and affordability is also something Gen Z values.
“I like ZARA, Altar’d State and Ragstock because the quality is better, and you are getting what you pay for. I love Ragstock because it’s all recycled clothes for an affordable price so I think brands like that attract Gen Z because they’re getting the best of both worlds” Lucky said.
Read More: Apparel merchandising majors reflect on Gen Z fashion trends
