If you have been on TikTok in the past few days, you probably noticed a sudden shift in men’s fashion. The “quarter-zip movement” is the newest micro-aesthetic.
But why is every guy dressing like he is on his way to a 9 a.m. “How to manage your money?” course? Here is a breakdown of the quarter-zip movement and why it is taking over your For You Page (and maybe your romantic interests) this winter.
What the quarter-zip movement is
The trend began as a meme, specifically the “quarter-zip dude” archetype on TikTok. The vibe: clean-cut, slightly pretentious, matcha-drinking and often wearing a button-down shirt under his zip.
Creator Jason Gyamfi helped popularize the aesthetic by contrasting the quarter-zip guy with the Nike Tech guy. One reads “The Economist” for fun, the other drinks Celsius and lifts at 6 a.m.
What started as a joke quickly became a fashion identity. TikTok comment sections filled with things like “gosh i hate nike techs sm” and “men are actually looking sophisticated.”
A lot of the “Nike Tech men” are fighting back and telling guys not to turn to quarter-zips. Despite this, girls all over the internet are saying that this is so important to them.
WHy it works so well
Beyond TikTok humor, the quarter-zip moment actually makes sense if you look at style trends.
Quiet luxury is still going strong.
Minimal clothing is trending thanks to shows like “Succession.” Quarter-zips look clean and understated, even when the brand is not expensive. They automatically make the outfit look elevated.
They fit the hybrid lifestyle.
A quarter-zip is polished enough for class, a club meeting or a casual job interview and is easy to throw on, especially in the fall months. Guys can look put together while also being comfortable.
They are easy to style.
Men seem to love simplicity, and quarter-zips are both simple and easy. They add structure to an outfit, instead of just sweatpants and a sweatshirt. They also add a touch of preppy energy without much effort.
How tiktok guys are wearing them
The quarter-zip outfits circulating on TikTok fall into a few categories:
- Business casual: a quarter-zip over a button-down shirt with chinos. He looks like he knows what an IRA is (I know I don’t).
- Athleisure: a quarter-zip with joggers. He lifts, drinks protein shakes and may be entering his mindfulness era.
- Academic: a knit quarter-zip with jeans and a tote bag. Peak performative energy.
Basically, it has become the boy uniform of the season.
WHere Guys are buying them
My TikTok is full of videos about this movement, and now all I see are men in quarter-zips with comment sections full of “where can I buy them?” Since it’s fall, retailers are advertising fall-wear, like quarter-zips. Abercrombie, J.Crew, Gap and Nordstrom Rack all offer versions that will match anyone’s vibes without being too overpriced.
Something good about this trend is that it’s actually affordable. A $40 quarter-zip can look just as elevated as a $100+ one.
The real reason we love it
Here’s the truth: the quarter-zip guy just seems reliable. He looks warm (literally and emotionally), put-together and like he might actually put in some effort. This aesthetic brings the perfect balance between mature, approachable, classic and effortless.
A man in a quarter-zip sends the message: “I may not have everything figured out, but I care enough to try.” And honestly? In 2025, that is more than enough to make hearts flutter and to make your For You Page scroll a little more fun.