Sophistication Is in Style: Quarter Zips and Matcha Have Taken Over the Feed
Image Credit: Jason Gyamfi & Grey Sky Visuals (Instagram)
In a culture overflowing with Nike Tech sweatsuits and misconceptions, Black men are reclaiming the essence of sophistication and elegance through the latest quarter-zip and matcha trend. Redefining what wellness means and looks like, Black men in Gen Z are demonstrating poise and confidence that reflect innovation and creativity.
Beginning the cultural reshaping is a visionary whose 39-second video became a movement, shifting the way Black men dress, perceive self-care and self-presentation.
TikTok creator Jason Gyamfi (@whois.jason) began gaining widespread traction in early November after posting a video that would later accumulate over 3 million likes.
In Gymafi’s viral video, he declares, “We don’t do Nike Techs, we don’t do coffee, it’s straight quarter-zips and matcha around here.”
In just a few days, one sentence sent the internet into a frenzy. While many people created memes, jokingly playing into the trend, others grabbed their quarter-zip sweaters from their closets or even headed to the store to purchase one as a dedication to turning the page in a new chapter of their lives. Some viewers are ditching their usual coffees and are making their way to their nearest café to try the internet’s new drink craze, matcha. The green tea has a uniquely rich taste with many health benefits that contribute to well-being, calming nerves and boosting metabolism
Together, quarter-zip sweaters and matcha have become subtle symbols of wellness, elegance and sophistication. Pairing a quarter-zip with a cup of matcha reflects a health-driven lifestyle that values intention, balance and self-care.
Beyond wellness culture, quarter-zips carry deeper fashion significance, promoting a clean, tailored aesthetic rooted in minimalism. This style emphasizes simplicity, functionality and quiet elegance—qualities that align seamlessly with the mindful, refined image often associated with matcha culture.
Displaying a well-groomed outfit in his trending video, Bronx native and college graduate Gyamfi advised against Nike tech suits, which are the opposite of the minimalist style he encouraged others to dress in.
Standing beside his friend, Gyamfi mentioned the shift in his friend’s fashion sense, “he was talking about putting on a Nike Tech to come outside. I told him, "What are you doing?’ You upgraded in life, you wear glasses now, you wear quarter zips. We don’t do Nike techs, we don’t do those,” Gyamfi said.
Influencing a generation of Black men to dress prestigiously, the agenda is larger than what the 21-year-old content creator may have initially imagined. Young Black men are defying societal and cultural standards in efforts to set the bar with an impression that reimagines the demographic and its class as a whole.
Even celebrities are picking up on the trend and dressing in a way that defines their inner sophistication.
Musician T-Pain took to Instagram to post himself in a quarter-zip. Captioned, “401k and a quarter-zip,” highlighting the energy, grace and elegance that quarter zips provide.
Image Credit: T-Pain (Instagram)
Rapper Central Cee also took to social media to post a video of himself in a quarter-zip while drinking matcha.
New York Giants football player Jameis Winston is also taking part in the trend.
A trend turned lifestyle is the reality of many Black men who have found the essence of sophistication and intentional well-being. What started as a 39-second video created by visionary Gyamfi will now be remembered and celebrated for its culture-shifting impact.
