Fashion can sometimes be misconstrued. Looking good doesn’t have to be too revealing, too tight, or too sexy for an outfit to feel fashionable. Those perceptions are way too ancient for this modern era, where Gen Zs and zillennials are revolutionising this industry. 

In an era ruled by crop tops, cutouts, see-throughs, and figure-hugging silhouettes, there is a quiet yet loud revolution happening in the wardrobes of Gen Zs.  

Have you heard of very mindful and very demure? Yep, that’s the new TikTok’s buzzword-slash-ethos defining how both yungins and oldies should dress, behave, and talk. 

With the mindful and demure anthem having gained momentum since last year, these are part of this young generation that are bringing back decency in the fashion world.

On Instagram alone, #modestfashion, #modestclothing and #modest wear have over 13 million posts mostly from Gen Zs and zilllenials. 

Today, modest but fashionable is the way to go, and it doesn’t feel too churchy or too mothers-union-ish to make one doubt their fashion choices.

Matter of fact, it seems like everyone is jumping in on the modest aesthetic, and even fashion runways are taking the cue.   

Replacing shorts with jorts  

They are giving modest fashion a modern makeover, and it’s giving vogue, old money, and pop culture at the same time. Here’s how the Gen Zs and Zillennials are re-inventing the modest aesthetic. 

After several decades since they last trended, jorts are finally back, and they aren’t up for debate because Gen Zs are definitely diehards for this fit.

Unlike shorts, which dominate most millennials’ closets, jorts tend to be longer and baggier than the usual skimpy shorts. They can either be above the knee or slightly below the knee length. 

With jorts officially replacing the skimpy booty shorts this season, they are more comfortable and offer more coverage. 

Without compromising style. A true definition of how Gen Zs are embracing decency in their own style. 

Jorts are decent for several casual social settings and give off a cool vintage vibe without showing more skin, which equals confidence.  

Okay, let’s be real. Skinny jeans are out and so millennial. Gen Zs hate it, and according to them, they have officially ruled out skinny jeans as an option and even called for their prompt removal from all closets. 

“Skinny jeans remind me of Gru from Despicable Me,” a 25-year-old Gen Z unapologetically described. 

Gen Zs have embraced a baggier look and prefer wearing wide-legged pants, baggy denim, and cargo pants as opposed to skinny jeans.

This preference is mostly attributed to a combination of style, comfort, and a rejection of previous styles, some of which compromised comfort and confidence for style. 

As they reject tight-fitting clothes, they view skinny jeans as uncomfortable and unflattering. 

And because Gen Zs and zillennials are, for the most part, in control of TikTok and Instagram, the biggest fashion influencing platforms, they are, by all means, promoting the modest aesthetic, which is cooler than what is believed to be woke.  

“Modest means feeling comfortable in every piece I wear,” insists fashion influencer Nneynah 

Another popular Gen Z fashion enthusiast (@catsparklife) recently sparked a heated debate after calling out tight fits, labelling them as fashion faux-pas. 

“Tight on tight outfits are not my thing, it’s giving middle school,” she captioned on her now-viral video, which earned over 540,900 likes and 4.6 million views. 

Embracing maxis over minis and micros 

The Gen Z-it-girls and baddies are going long, and nope, we ain’t talking about the old school long ‘churchy’ dresses.

They are embracing beautiful, ankle-grazing, maxi dresses with a flowy silhouette, bidding goodbye to a season of micro and mini dresses.  

With the maxis having a major moment this season, many Gen Zs prefer them because they are not only versatile but also inclusive.

You can wear them anywhere, whether in church or religious events, weddings, dates, and even social gatherings, without feeling too exposed or turning heads for all the wrong reasons. 

And again, since Gen Zs have always been tagged as a rebellious generation, their preference for maxis feels like a quiet rebellion against the pressure to constantly show skin.

Overally, the modest fashion is all about covering up, feeling confident, and being flexible enough to show up anywhere without feeling too exposed and criticised. 

“Modesty is the safe space that hides me from the eyes of those who seek to hold the body and not the heart. It is not shame that keeps me covered, it is dignity and honour,” wrote Koana, @imjoanasosa, a modest fashion influencer. By Cynthia Atuo, Capital News