In New Trend, Black Men Are Ditching Tracksuits for Quarter Zips and Calling Themselves ‘Young Gentleman’

Gen-Z Black men on TikTok are growing up, showing up and glowing up by changing their looks in a most beautiful way. Track suits and Nike Techs are being replaced by quarter zips, and folks on the app are loving it!

In the popular TikTok videos, Black men are calling themselves YGs (Young Gentlemen) who are improving the quality of their lives through college or work and being gentlemen to those around them.

“We don’t do Nike Tech, we don’t do coffee. It’s straight quarter zips and matchas around here. We upgraded in life; we wear glasses now,” said TikTok Creator Jason Gyamfi (@whois.jason)

Standing beside him in the video, his friend added, “Yesterday, I was in the hood. Today I’m in this sweater, and I’m in Blank Street (Coffee chain) gang. Change your life, gang. Put the (Nike) tech down.”

The viral TikTok has over 2.5 million likes and thousands of comments from viewers who found the video hilarious, but also added that they are growing up and focusing on their careers, too.

“We’re on LinkedIn, not Instagram,” wrote one user.

“We distinguished type s***,” added another

One friend in the comments wrote that if only viewers knew how the TikTok creator was in college, “if ONLY yall knew who these guys were in college.”

Another creator (@168e9d0b) added that they are loving this quarter-zip trend because it’ll lead to young Black men learning about Black Dandyism, and help the fashion style become more popular among younger Black men.

“I know the CIA is just punching in the air, mad about this trend. For once, we are getting the W in the (Black) community, and I do like that it’s evolving quickly… I’ve already seen full suits… I love this… It’s going towards Black Dandyism. It’s going to hit.”

Commenters agreed and even asked for style and clothing advice in order to join the trend “Grandma here. What kinda quarter zip do I get for my teenage grandsons?” asked one user.

Another wrote, “The black community has always been steps ahead with style. The most beautiful race inside and out.”

Yet, another added that young Black men should take the time to see the Superfine exhibit at The MET museum and admire the Black Dandyism looks there.

“I love it. Black Dandyism is Black Excellence. SuperFine was an exhibition also at the Met in NYC. I saw it in September. It was amazing. All of our young should see it!”

The trend is growing so popular that one YG, Chris Maddox (@chrisfmaddox), who claims to be true to the lifestyle, not new to the lifestyle, gave advice to Black men who want to join in on the YG fun.

“In today’s lesson, we’ll be going over some of the behaviours of a young gentleman. Number one, a young gentleman always sends a thank-you note to show their appreciation… Number two, a young gentleman always finds himself reading a book. Reading helps you improve your vocabulary, and it also helps you learn more about the world in life.”

Maddox then continued to list more things he believes make a young gentleman.

Cheering Maddox on in the comments, folks added that they hope the trend sticks and will teach the same values to their growing sons.

“Love everything about this. Keep it up! This trend is awesome,” wrote one user.

“Please make this a series. My son just turned 12,” added another.

“Sending this to my 14-year-old nephew,” commented another.

“I know this is not just a trend, and it will lift other men up bc it’s coming from men. Men holding men to standards. Yes,” wrote another optimistic user.

The post In New Trend, Black Men Are Ditching Tracksuits for Quarter Zips and Calling Themselves ‘Young Gentleman’ first appeared on The Root.