Gen Z and millennials: Do they share the same fashion tastes?

If increasing social media engagement and more digital role was what fashion brands had to offer the millennials, will the reinvention need to continue for the Gen Z?

Born in a truly digital world, in an era when internet was widely prevalent, the Gen Z cohort is who will drive the fashion world in the future. Brands are often pitching in the dark on fashion trends and tastes for the Gen Z. Do the fashion tastes of Gen Z and millennials crossover at any point? Do brands have to work hard to deliver what the Gen Z aspires for?

Gen Z’s are not mini millennials, Period!

The one thing most fashion brands have been able to understand is that Gen Z folks have their own vibes, fashion tastes and indulgences. To think of them akin to mini-millennials is what can leave the fashion brand way behind with too much catch-up, once they realize their folly.

Gen Z are digital children and their fashion preferences steam more towards online shopping than an in-store experience. Digitally armed makes them trace fashion trends almost instantly. Brands that are too late in offering the latest fashion trends often find themselves down the priority list as fashion major Aeropostale and many teen retailers found out in Canada recently.  

Not Just Brands but Brand Value is the Gen Z Mantra

Gen Z are not just more digitally aware than their parents but also more socially aware than millennials. The fashion purchase decision for Gen Z consumers are not just about brands and trends, but brands that walk the talk on their social sensitivities.

Brands using animal-based products and furs are finding it increasingly hard to cut across the Gen Z with their high social quotient on sensitive matters. Likewise brands not focusing on environmental values may find it hard to retain popularity with Gen Z Consumers. Something they never had to dwell with millennials. 

Food for thought — Gen Z moving out of their teens

Over the next few years, Gen Z would be moving out of their teens. Fashion brands need to keep reinventing themselves with the changing needs to be able to retain their brand value with changing tastes of the Gen Z.