Gen Z vs. Millennial Fashion Trends — Strike Magazines (2024)

Baggy jeans or skinny jeans? Leggings or yoga pants? Maximalism or minimalism? These are only a few stylistic differences between Generation Z and Millennials.

While the two generations seem to be more similar than different — both were raised in digital ages and are defined by being more educated about and open to the LGBTQ+ community, and racial and ethnic diversity — there are a few key distinctions. Notably, each generation’s respective fashion trends stand in stark contrast against each other.

Let’s compare the different fashion trends that defined each generation.

Although Gen Z-ers and Millennials seem to clash when it comes to their distinct fashion styles, I think it’s fantastic that every generation is defined by different fashion trends. It helps each generation form a distinct identity, which is a beautiful thing. Besides, fashion trends always die and come back, so maybe we’ll see millennial fashion making a comeback in the future!

Strike Out,

Nimra Ahmad

Athens

Gen Z vs. Millennial Fashion Trends — Strike Magazines (2024)

FAQs

Gen Z vs. Millennial Fashion Trends — Strike Magazines? ›

Millennials in the early 2000s loved to pair both short and long tops with low-rise jeans, exposing large parts of their torsos. Gen Z took the opposite route and turned to high-waisted jeans that sit above the belly button, only exposing a midriff if paired with a crop top.

What is the difference between Gen Z and millennials fashion? ›

In terms of clothes, Eagle said, Gen Z prefers anything baggy, while millennials opt for form-fitting garments. And when it comes to shoes, the younger generation loves chunky footwear, while millennials gravitate toward flat options.

Do Gen Z read fashion magazines? ›

Adsf 3. A 4. In terms of media consumption, the fashion-engaged Gen Z audience has a signifantly higher affinity for popular fashion magazines including People, Vogue, Vanity Fair, InStyle, and Glamour. They're also fans of Highsnobiety, a German-based streetwear blog, media brand, and production agency (19.5% vs.

How do millennials dress? ›

While Gen Z embraces baggy, low-rise pants in fun prints, millennials cling to their high-waisted, skinny-fit denim. "A great alternative to try for mom jeans since they're not as trendy right now would be high-waisted, wide-leg jeans," she said. "They're longer; it hits you where you can still wear your booties.

What is Gen Z wearing? ›

Wide-Leg Flare Pants

Skinny jeans are out and have been for some time,” said Chelsea Volpe, a fashion stylist and consultant. “Gen Z has embraced loose-fitting and flare pants, which can be made modern for the mature buyer,” she said. Reformation, AGolde and Aritzia are all brands Volpe turns to for this trend.

What are the biggest differences between millennials and Gen Z? ›

Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996 while members of the Gen Z years Gen Z years were born between 1997 and 2012. Millennials expect faster customer service. Gen Z tends to be better at accepting delayed gratification than millennials. Millennial customer service expectations are higher than Gen Z customers.

Why does Gen Z look older than millennials? ›

Many of the theories online veer into the conspiratorial: One woman suggested that Gen Z looks older because the quality of food is getting worse, which results in faster wrinkles; another claimed that it's because food is getting better, and because millennials ate food with more preservatives in it than Gen Z, ...

How did millennials lose their fashion sense? ›

Diverse Influences: Today's fashion is increasingly influenced by a diverse range of cultures and subcultures, often propagated through social media. Millennials, who may not be as deeply immersed in these diverse online communities, might find it harder to keep pace with these varied influences.

Does Gen Z wear bras? ›

As a result, wearing a bra is no longer as natural as it was in the early 2000s: many Gen-Zers now even do without one altogether.

Why does Gen Z wear baggy clothes? ›

Baggier jeans and looser-fitting pants ultimately emerged as a happy medium between the athleisure worn throughout multiple lockdowns and the constricting skinny jeans of the previous decade. The silhouettes could be sleek and comfortable without compromising one for the other.

What jeans does Gen Z wear? ›

The baggy v skinny fit is a debate that persists – only more so now that voluminous cargo pants have become popular again. Historically skinny jeans have been favoured by millennials, whilst Gen-Z have embraced the baggier look, but is that changing?

What shoes does Gen Z wear? ›

“Whereas Gen Z wears a lot of sneakers and not really heels, and millennials tend to gravitate towards heels,” she said, adding that footwear might be the biggest “update” to an outfit to make it “office-friendly,” whether it be a kitten heel or flat.

Does Gen Z wear leggings? ›

First Gen Z came for skinny jeans. Now they want you to get rid of your leggings. Tight leggings have fallen out of trend as "flare leggings," or yoga pants, come back into style. Gen Z loves to pair the wide athletic pants with chunky shoes and crewneck sweaters.

How Gen Z shopping habits differ from millennials? ›

Fashion dominates spending for Gen Z, with around 75% of their purchases being in this sector, compared to 65% of millennials [6]. Like the generation before them, Gen Z is less likely to prioritize price as a purchasing factor, focusing more on the ethical, practical and eco-friendly aspect of products and services.

How has Gen Z changed the fashion industry? ›

Forty-eight per cent of Gen Z respondents agreed that fashion product recommendations from algorithms have positively impacted their shopping experience. They're the most likely generation to report a positive impact. Younger audiences also say they're more likely to purchase items recommended by algorithms.

Which generation is most into fashion? ›

Euromonitor's Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey 2023 found that while Gen Z overindexed the global average when it came to plans to shop more in discount stores, when shopping for luxury and fashion features such as being “on trend”, brand heritage and being able to buy premium or luxury brands not only rated ...

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