If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately and thought, why does everything look like your life in 2002, you’re not alone. For Gen Z, everything old is new again. From Y2K accessories to reliving the grunge 90s, here’s what Gen Z romanticizes from years past — try not to get too nostalgic.
Snail Mail
Email? That’s for old people. Gen Z loves sending letters. Nearly half of Gen Zers mailed letters or packages one to two times a month, according to data from Stamps.com. Why the sudden renewed interest in snail mail when it takes so long? The study claims that Zoomers love the personal touch of sending a letter and find the experience reliable and authentic.
Shopping Malls
The 80s called, and Gen Z wants shopping malls back. Despite their online presence, Zoomers love the experience of in-person shopping. They’re used to the instant gratification that all things digital bring, which carries over into a desire to go to the mall, where you don’t have to wait for what you want to arrive in the mail.
A recent report by The International Council of Shopping Centers found that 97 percent of Gen Z respondents shop at brick-and-mortar stores. Of that group, 58 percent said they prefer it because they can touch and try products and then buy them immediately.
Tracksuits
The velour tracksuits millennials once lived in — which were originally made popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s — are now intriguing Gen Z, who have made sweatsuits a major part of their wardrobes. Today’s tracksuits can be casual or even dressy. The brand Juicy Couture, popular in the early 2000s, is even getting back in the game and reviving its famed sets. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton is somewhere asking, did velour tracksuits ever leave?
Activism
Gen Z has a particularly 1960s and 1990s approach to how they view government: They want change. Zoomers place a huge emphasis on issues like climate change, equality, and affordable healthcare, according to a recent Pew Research survey. but unlike the ‘90s, 69 percent of Gen Z’ers are particularly concerned about inflation and the cost of living, according to the United Way NCA.
‘Vintage’ Digital Cameras
If Gen Z isn’t using an app to make their phone’s photos look like it was taken with anything but a phone, they’re searching online for the digital cameras that millennials used to document their nights out. Vintage tech has become an increasing fascination for this group, as zoomers also love Polaroids and even disposable cameras. Meanwhile, we’re getting increasingly mad at ourselves for tossing our old point-and-shoot cameras from the naughts. Today, discontinued cameras like the Canon PowerShot are a hot commodity, selling for over $400.
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iPods
Yet another piece of tech you’re going to wish you held onto. Gen Z’ers are obsessed with old iPods to the point that some companies are refurbishing and restoring retro music devices. Decades-old iPods were even sold at Urban Outfitters for hundreds of dollars before they quickly sold out.
Wired Headphones
There are a few good reasons for Gen Z’ers to be fans of wired headphones. For one, wired headphones are usually cheaper than wireless headphones. Two, they don’t require charging and don’t get lost as easily. And finally, they make a statement that the wearer is anti-establishment. Airpods? Those are for old people.
Thrift Store Shopping and Sustainability
For Gen Z, thrifting is life. The last time shopping for used, vintage clothes and items was this hot was in the 1990’s. And think back to the 80s, when you had to have the right name-brand clothes like Esprit and Benetton to be considered cool. Sure, Gen Z still loves their brand names (Stanley or Nike anyone?). But for many, finding a new life for what’s old isn’t just a hobby, it’s how they define their personal style and values.
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Record Players
Gen Z is turning old-time records into a trend. Vinyl and turntable sales have been hot for a few years and continue to rise. Revenues from vinyl records grew 10% to $1.4 billion in 2023, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. And for the second time since 1987, vinyl albums outsold CDs (remember those?). That doesn’t mean records are a cheaper way to listen to music though; as one Redditor points out, today’s records cost as much as a concert back in their day.
Wide-Leg Jeans
If you’re not wearing baggy wide-leg jeans by now, you’ve either been living under a rock (or don’t care about keeping up with the latest fashion trends). Gen Z has notoriously brought back jeans and cargo pants last worn in the ‘90s. But are these jeans here to stay? Gen Z is known for recycling what came before them, so don’t toss those skinnies just yet. Fashion sites are claiming skinnies will soon make a return — time will tell.
Uggs
Many of us can’t imagine winter without Uggs anymore. Over the previous decade the trendy footwear of the early 2000s became passé, but those fuzzy sheepskin boots are back with a vengeance. But they aren’t simply the tall beige boots of yesteryear. Today’s Uggs have platforms, come in shorter heights, and are typically worn with socks under wide-leg pants (millennials, we hope you’ve let go of the look of tucked-in skinny jeans under tall boots). The Ugg Mini Platform is hotter than ever, and even Vogue touted the 2000s trend as distinctly modern for today.
