Millennials & Gen Z Fashion: Which One Do You Prefer?

It is quite evident that the split between these two generations, Millenials and Gen Z, is much more apparent within plus-size fashion. As is already clear, the fashion of millennials and Gen Z has been a very hot potato. If you are a plus-size man, which one do you think is preferable? Now, let's go into detail about why and how millennials and Gen Z are changing fashion according to this article.

Millennials: All About Comfort and Expression

Millennials are the generation that came of age in the late ‘90s and early 2000s; many have strived a lot to transform the fashion industry; especially plus-size fashion. Let's take a look at some of the major contributions of the millennials to plus-size fashion:

• Comfort, Redefined:

Sarah Neill, CEO of Mys Tyler, has mentioned "We want clothing that feels like us—comfortable, unique, and fit for real life.” These trends naturally catered to various body types, including plus-size individuals.

• Body Positivity Movement:

The youth especially millennials came out strong campaigning on body positivity by actively dismissing beauty standards. Inclusive fashion, which celebrates all body types, not just the idealized ones, improved with this change in attitude.

• Inclusive Design:

Brands are increasingly creating and producing clothes in more sizes. Nike’s plus-size collection increased by 20% in 2022. Plus-size fashion became more diverse and stylish, and this trend was particularly evident.

• Streetwear's Impact:

As Bill Cunningham once said, "The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be." The streetwear culture in Millennial fashion has greatly impacted the fashion trend, so we can see more and more streetwear-inspired fashion.

Gen Z: the Rise of Individualism

Gen Z is the generation of digital natives of individuals born between the mid-1990s and early2010s and is reshaping the fashion industry. Now let's look at the key contributions of Gen Z to plus-size fashion:

• Individuality and Self-Expression:

Have you heard from Rachel Zoe? "Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak," It means that Gen Z allows you to have a bold experiment with different styles, no matter your body type.

• Sustainability and Ethical Fashion:

According to ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Report, 40% of Gen Z shoppers purchase secondhand apparel and prefer seeking more sustainable alternatives including upcycled garments. We can see that Gen Z cares deeply about environmental and social justice. They're driving a demand for sustainable and ethical fashion.

• Gender-Fluid Fashion:

Gen Z challenges traditional gender norms and embraces gender-fluid fashions. This has created opportunities for unisex wear and liberal dress-making where clothes do not restrict people by their gender.

The Role of Gen Z to Social Media

Millennials started using social media tools, but Gen Z has boosted their enthusiasm and popularized them like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This digital revolution has had a profound impact on plus-size fashion, empowering individuals and challenging traditional beauty standards.

Social media has empowered people with platforms hence today we can see so many plus-size influencers and creators. These people are paving the way and rewriting the rules on societal beauty and apparel. A Gen Z TikTok creator commented, “Social media lets us change fashion every day. As a plus-size person, I can find ideas, see real people in the clothes, and feel like fashion includes me.”

The hashtag #plussizefashion on TikTok has over 6 billion views where many fashion influencers share outfits, reviews of brands they love, and style tips. Do you know Old Navy? It offers sizes 0 to 30 and has an increase in likes, comments, and shares after plus-size influencers posted pictures wearing their clothing.

The Millennial Commitment to Eco-Friendly Fashion

What is Millennials' fashion about? That must be sustainability, eco-consciousness, and stylish clothing. It’s evident that this focus has led to a major shift in plus-size fashion.

Sustainable fashion means selecting garments friendly to the environment. Hence, this includes organic cotton, recycled polyester, and last but not least fair trade on labor. It is about consuming more consciously and therefore consuming fewer objects. And guess what? Plus-size folks are all about it.

A Millennial plus-size shopper has said “I’m plus-size and I care about the planet too! I don’t want fast fashion pieces that won’t last—I want items that fit well, look great, and aren’t harming the environment.” The process of sustainability may mean that it is more about value rather than volume. By choosing sustainable brands, you're supporting fair labor and ethical sourcing.

The Future of Plus-Size Fashion: What should We do?

"Fashion is the armor” Bill Cunningham has said, “to survive the reality of everyday life." The combined efforts of Millennials and Gen Z have significantly impacted the plus-size fashion industry. It is safe to predict that the trend will persist soon. As consumers, we can contribute to this positive change by:

• Supporting Body-Positive Brands: Choose brands that commit to inclusivity, diversity, and ethical practices.

• Following Body-Positive Influencers: It would be better to connect with influencers who promote self-love and acceptance of the body.

• Sharing Your Voice: Post positive messages regularly on various social media platforms and fight the negative body image stereotype.

Conclusion: Who’s Truly Setting the Trends?

As understood before, Millennials and Gen Z are not just users of fashion, they are contributors to the fashion’s evolution. If everyone was at least accepted, let alone valued, for their body shape and size, the world would be a better place. The future of plus-size fashion is bright, and it's exciting to witness the impact that these two generations are having. Are you prepared for this newer generation of fashion and individualism?