Early 2000s fashion trends are now booming in popularity for Gen Z. The so-called Y2K trend reappeared following pandemic lockdowns, fueled by social media sites like TikTok, when people started attending parties and going out again.
The trend that started with straight-leg jeans’ resurgence and hair accessories like butterfly clips has grown to include looks like all-denim clothing, flare and cargo pants and anything sparkly, among others.
The fashions are being promoted by retailers across the board, from fast fashion retailers to discounters and high-end Nordstrom. And customers appear to be devouring it.
According to Circana, a company that records retail transactions, sales of women’s cargo trousers increased by 81 per cent from January to May, the most recent month for which data is available. H&M and Zara, two low-cost clothing retailers, claim that crop tops, denim clothing, and biker jackets are their most popular items. The sales of baby tees, which are the hottest T-shirt style of 2023, have more than tripled this year, according to Chinese fast-fashion store SHEIN, which targets young women.
Retailers, such as Macy’s and Walmart, claimed they are examining user searches for themes and paying more attention to what appears on social media. Walmart has accelerated development to bring trends to market faster, selling Y2K-inspired cargo trousers and Barbiecore.
