Young Chicagoans Unite in Quarter-Zip Trend to Boost Local Businesses

On Sunday, a vibrant gathering of young Chicagoans in quarter-zip sweaters filled Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream in Bronzeville. The event attracted between 50 and 60 participants, all donning variations of the fashionable attire. This initiative, known as the Chicago Quarter-Zip Link-Up, aimed to support local businesses that had previously experienced break-ins.

Among the attendees were teenagers and young adults, including Lake Rome, 14, who expressed pride in his choice of clothing. “I feel proper when I wear a quarter-zip,” said Rome, a student at Whitney Young High School. Raymond Porter, 19, added, “When I put it on, it kind of feels fancy, but also professional.” The mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, made a surprise appearance, joining participants on a walk to the nearby Sip & Savor coffee shop.

The event drew inspiration from a recent social media trend, particularly among Gen Z men, which has seen a shift from traditional sportswear to quarter-zips. While the trend has garnered attention for its fashion statement, it also sparked debate about respectability politics. Critics argue that this shift aims to align Black men more closely with mainstream societal expectations. However, participants in the quarter-zip movement assert that their goal is to promote self-confidence, community engagement, and positive representation.

The quarter-zip phenomenon began in early November when Jason Gyamfi, a 21-year-old from the Bronx, posted a TikTok video that gained over one million views. “I’m a quarter-zip dude now,” Gyamfi declared, humorously dismissing traditional sportswear. This lighthearted approach resonated with many, including Corey Phillips, a senior at North Central College, who noted the positive impact of young men of color coming together to celebrate fashion and community.

Building Community Through Fashion

The organizers of the Chicago meet-up, including Corey DooleyJohnson, emphasized that their gatherings extend beyond fashion. “This quarter-zip meet-up is bigger than just about what you’re wearing,” he stated. “It’s about community service and brotherhood.” Their initiative, dubbed BizBlockChi, aims to create a network among young Black Americans and foster a sense of belonging.

The quarter-zip trend has sparked discussions about its cultural significance and implications. While some view it as a form of cultural appropriation, DooleyJohnson counters that Black Americans have historically demonstrated a strong sense of style. He explained, “I’ve seen some people online say, ‘You’re just culture-appropriating or you’re trying to fit into the white man’s box.’ But that’s not true.”

Fashion expert and Chicago Fashion Coalition President Marquan Jones sees the trend as a continuation of past movements among Black men. He cites historical examples where Black figures adopted elite styles as a form of identity expression and defiance. “We take something that wasn’t meant for us and we make it ours,” Jones explained, highlighting a tradition of using fashion as a form of resistance against societal expectations.

Reshaping Conversations Around Identity

The conversation around the quarter-zip trend raises important questions about how clothing influences perception. Christina Steed, an adjunct professor at DePaul University, believes the trend represents a “remixing” of cultural identity rather than mere conformity. “Fashion, especially for Black men, has always carried meaning beyond the surface,” she said. The way individuals present themselves can significantly affect how they are perceived in society.

As this fashionable trend continues to evolve, its impact on community building and identity representation remains significant. The Chicago Quarter-Zip Link-Up and similar events in cities like Northern Virginia and Houston illustrate a collective effort to foster positivity among young Black Americans. The organizers plan to hold monthly gatherings, sustaining momentum and encouraging ongoing dialogue.

Ultimately, the quarter-zip movement represents more than a fashion choice; it embodies a cultural moment that merges style with a commitment to community engagement and identity affirmation. Through their gatherings, young Chicagoans are not just wearing sweaters; they are weaving a narrative of community resilience and pride.