The Quarter-Zip Renaissance: Why Men Are Entering Their Soft-Girl Era

If you’re chronically online like me, then you’ve definitely seen Central Cee’s recent TikTok of him casually wearing a quarter-zip. And okay, sure—one man in a quarter-zip isn’t usually headline-worthy. But this isn’t just any man. Central Cee has been a longtime ambassador of the Nike Tech Fleece lifestyle. You know what I mean: the zip-up jacket and matching cuffed joggers combo that practically became the “male uniform.” It was like a starter pack for the guys who wanted to look sporty, mysterious, and like they didn’t try at all.

But recently, something shifted—like a collective masculine rebrand—and it’s taking the shape of quarter zips and matcha. Once upon a time, a quarter-zip sweater was something your dad wore en route to the office. Not anymore. Gen-Z men are embracing the quarter-zip—and the lifestyle that comes with it. And honestly, it feels as though the quarter-zip guy is doing “clean girl aesthetic” adjacent, without ever saying it. Similar to the clean-girl energy, it’s all about effortlessness, polish, and class (just with slightly different packaging!). It appears the men have been silently surrendering to the softening of the male wardrobe. Major slay!

The Gen-Z boys are cosplaying as those “finance bros”: quarter zips, minimalism, muted neutrals, and that quiet desire to look sophisticated and “put together.” And honestly? I'm here for the wardrobe swap and the softness.

Here are my Fizzypicks to help you lean into your quarter-zip era—matcha not required, but definitely encouraged.