Young Black men are embracing quarter-zip sweaters on TikTok and are saying it is inspiring a new lifestyle. Some content creators have gone viral for posting videos in which they are seen wearing quarter-zip sweaters and drinking matcha. The trend that started as a joke is now inspiring some young Black men to call themselves “young gentlemen.”

What is the ‘young gentlemen’ trend on TikTok?

TikTok creator Jason Gyamfi, who goes by @whois.jason on the popular app, recently went viral after posting a video with his friend in which he is seen drinking matcha and sporting a quarter zip sweater. 

“We don’t do Nike Tech, we don’t do coffee. It’s straight quarter zips and matchas around here,” he said. “We upgraded in life; we wear glasses now.”

His friend added, jokingly: “Yesterday, I was in the hood. Today, I’m wearing this sweater. I’m in Blank Street, gang. Change your life, gang. Put the tech down.”

@whois.jason @Richdafifth life different when u gotta quarter zip #matcha #quarterzip #performative #niketech ♬ original sound – Jason Gyamfi

In the comment section, users kept the joke going with their own iterations.

“We’re on LinkedIn, not Instagram,” someone wrote, according to The Root.

“We distinguished type s**t,” another person wrote.

Quarter-zip sweaters are nothing new. An item of preppy style, it has been a staple in the 1980s, 2000s, and even in the 2010s. The trend does represent an evolution within Gen Zers, who are roughly aged between 13 and 28. The eldest members of Gen Z are no longer children. Many now hold full-time jobs and adult responsibilities, and the trend is a reflection of that.

What are ‘young gentlemen’?

On TikTok, some creators partaking in the trend are calling themselves “Young Gentlemen.” Creator Chris Maddox, who goes by @chrisfmaddox on TikTok, even listed a set of recommendations on what makes a young gentleman. He points to the importance of reading and education, as well as general rules regarding politeness. 

“Number one, a young gentleman always sends a thank-you note to show their appreciation,” he said in one of his videos. “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.”

@chrisfmaddox It felt like a good time to kick off this series where I’ll aim to share some of the basics of becoming a gentleman. Consider it like lessons from your big brother. Hope this helps. Cheers! #quarterzip #cardigan #niketech #yn #yguniversity ♬ Bach unaccompanied cello suite "Prelude" – Jianteng

The idea of a Black gentleman has been present in popular culture this year. In May, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened its Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition, which honored Black Dandyism.

The MET Gala put the theme center stage and celebrities stepped out to celebrate former Black dandies of the past.