As the fashion industry faces an unprecedented business and trade policy environment, hearing directly from Gen Z fashion majors—the next generation of both consumers and young professionals—has never been more critical.
In a new Just-Style mini series, students from FASH455 and the FASH department at the University of Delaware shared their valuable Gen Z perspectives on several hot-button apparel trade and sourcing issues as well as their vision for the future of the fashion apparel industry. Several findings are noteworthy:
First, like other consumer groups, Gen Z has felt the increasingly noticeable retail price hike driven by higher tariffs, and they are responding by reducing clothing purchases. Compared to a survey conducted in April, nearly all Gen Z consumers now see higher price tags across a broad range of products, including necessities, outerwear, and footwear in the U.S. retail market. Notably, Gen Z consumers feel most strongly about the price hikes at fast fashion retailers—including Shein. Due to the perceived low quality and use of inexpensive textile materials, it is even more challenging for fast fashion brands to justify price increases. Our students who frequently thrift clothing also noted a price increase in the secondhand clothing market. As a warning sign to fashion companies, many surveyed Gen Z students say they plan to spend less this holiday season, or keep shopping “to a minimum” because of price increases. For example,
- Gabriella Krug, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: As a shopper, I’ve adjusted by buying fewer items overall, checking sales racks more often, and using platforms like Depop and Poshmark to sell and buy trendy pieces. For the holidays, I think these price increases will push me, and most shoppers like me, to focus more on quality rather than quantity. I’ll definitely be taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals this year. Ultimately, tariffs could cause people to make more intentional and selective purchases this holiday season.
- Cheyenne Weiss, Fashion Design & Product Innovation senior: While the higher tariffs have widespread effects on the fashion industry, I have personally noticed raised prices for outerwear and footwear. I noticed these two categories specifically as they are what I was shopping for going back to school and it is telling of how directly trade policy impacts consumers. The effects of the tariffs are hitting close to home, and I would feel most frustrated to see loungewear and athleisure categories rise in price. While these areas seem to already be feeling the effects of raised tariffs, it would be hard as a consumer to continue purchasing these items if tariffs keep rising, considering these are the fashion categories I buy from the most often. As a shopper, the higher prices discourage me from going out and purchasing new clothing.
- Skye Johnson, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I have noticed that prices are rising among all types of clothing. In particular, I have heard that Fast Fashion retailers like H&M or even Shein have increased their prices significantly. While I personally do not shop at fast fashion retailers like Shein, I’ve seen the impact through school research projects and conversations with friends. This is frustrating because these fast fashion items are made with very cheap materials like polyester and nylon.
- Julia Brady, Graduate Student studying Fashion and Apparel with a focus on Sustainability: I mainly shop using online resale sites, such as Depop, and just enjoy browsing higher-end online consignment stores, like Vestaire and theRealReal, for secondhand designer deals. I have seen fewer deals on the site and more high-priced secondhand designer items… Even on Depop, international listings are higher than normal. The category I would be most frustrated to see prices rise in would be footwear… I also expect to buy holiday gifts from local artisans and local stores, due to higher quality and (hopefully) decreased tariff impact.
- Nadia Grosso, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I’ve noticed myself becoming even more price-sensitive when shopping because of the rising prices, so I’m always looking to find the best deal to stretch my budget as much as I can. Overall, I think shoppers are trying to limit their spending as much as possible, and being more cognizant of prices when choosing what to purchase and who to purchase from. As a result, come holiday shopping time, I might be more inclined to shop at discount retailers or even decrease how much I purchase compared to previous years.
Second, Gen Z fashion majors view globalization and international trade as generally beneficial for the fashion industry. At the same time, they emphasize the need to enhance sustainability and social responsibility in the global apparel trade. For example, while most survey respondents supported leveraging apparel trade to promote economic development in developing countries, they also stressed that trade volume alone should not define success. Instead, many highlighted the importance of ensuring that garment workers in developing countries directly benefit from trade and Western fashion brands and retailers have a responsibility to help make this happen. For example,
- Emilie Delaye, Master’s student in fashion and apparel studies: I believe that it is almost virtually impossible to move manufacturing fully back into the US. Nearshoring could really help sustainability (as fewer emissions would be released), but nearshoring would require investment and savvy trade deals to ensure that many different kinds of products can be produced there. I don’t really think it is that important that the US maintains a “strong” textile and apparel sector. As we know from the innovation or economic development timeline, the textile and apparel sector is an entry point for less developed economies. It could actually be perceived as a positive that we aren’t largely in this market. I think that there are other more critical sectors to focus on for the US. Plus, we simply do not have the skilled labor or machinery needed to do this. I support the leveraging of the clothing trade to support economic development in the countries that need it. I believe that if done sustainably and socially responsibly, the apparel sector could help millions of individuals in these countries.
- Abigail Loth, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: As a consistent consumer in the US fashion industry, I believe that globalization and international trade is vital for our success. Not only does it keep trends fresh, globalization and international trade encourage styles to remain diverse and costs to be cheap… Maintaining a strong domestic textiles and apparel sector in the US is also extremely important. This is because it provides an abundance of jobs/opportunities, innovation and sustainability practices. So, in order to leverage the clothing trade and support workers in developing countries as ethical sourcing and fair labor practices help ensure that globalization benefits more than just corporations.
- Ekaterina Forakis, Fashion and apparel studies 4+1 graduate student: Globalization and international trade are crucial aspects of the U.S. fashion industry. It is these that keep the U.S. fashion industry running. Trade theory explains why globalization benefits countries like the U.S. and allows them to focus on textile manufacturing, one of the country’s strong suits. Higher tariffs and import restrictions are not necessary to maintain U.S. manufacturing because the U.S. is already a top textile exporting country and does not specialize in apparel production. The country’s capacity for automation is what makes it reliable in the textile sector. Automation allows for more standardized production of textiles which are necessary for developing countries to produce apparel.
- Emma Lombardi, Fashion Design and Product Innovation senior: I view globalization and international trade as a double edged sword for the U.S. fashion industry, because on the one hand, while it doesn’t benefit the creation of jobs in rural areas that many covet, it also shifts the emphasis towards more sophisticated industries in technology development and innovation both in mechanical and textile sectors.
- Julia Brady, Graduate Student studying Fashion and Apparel with a focus on Sustainability: I think tariffs and import restrictions are necessary, but not just to protect U.S. domestic manufacturing. Tariffs could help regulate the amount of toxic chemicals along the textile manufacturing value chain. An alternative route for the U.S. to take would be to scale up flax for fibers to be used in domestic textile manufacturing. Perhaps tariffs will force companies and the federal government to invest in agricultural advances in this field…I would never want to advocate taking away work in developing countries; however, for the sake of our environment, we may need to shift the way the fashion supply chain currently operates. It is important to me that the U.S. maintains a strong textiles and apparel sector because we are a big part of the problem. We must take control over the way we consume and dispose of textiles. There could be so many opportunities for economic growth if we shift toward domestic manufacturing, prioritizing the use of materials we already have.
Third, associated with the debate on the future of textiles and apparel “Made in the USA,” most Gen Z fashion majors show little interest in factory jobs. On the one hand, unlike most developing countries, today’s U.S. fashion industry provides Gen Z fashion majors with many exciting and promising non-manufacturing job opportunities, ranging from apparel design, product development, sourcing, trade compliance, and merchandising to marketing. By contrast, factory jobs are often perceived as “low paid,” “repetitive,” and “poor working conditions.” Our Gen Z fashion majors particularly emphasized that their preferred employers should provide both financial and career progress opportunities, and they want to see keywords such as “innovation,” “sustainability,” “room to grow,” and “inclusiveness” associated with their future jobs. In other words, to attract more Gen Z workers to factory jobs, companies need to do more than just offer competitive pay. For example,
- Gabriella Krug, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: At this point in my career, I have not pursued an interest in textile or apparel manufacturing or factory-related jobs. My internships have exposed me to different sides of the industry…That said, I think my generation could see these roles as more appealing if companies focused on innovation, sustainability, and clear opportunities for growth. For example, if factories showcased their role in a circular fashion and created a more modern, flexible work environment, I think more Gen Z talent would be drawn in since we’re motivated by making a positive impact. Personally, I’m most interested in jobs that mix creativity with business—like sales, buying, or trend forecasting. When it comes to an employer, I value opportunities to learn and grow, strong mentorship, and a culture built on collaboration and inclusivity.
- Cheyenne Weiss, Fashion Design & Product Innovation senior: I am not personally interested in pursuing a career in textile or apparel manufacturing as I see myself in a more creativity-based position. I feel as though my skills in fashion would be better suited for a role where I’m working directly with design and developing the fit and aesthetics of garments. Factory-related jobs in fashion could become more appealing to my generation if more rising fashion professionals knew about the opportunities that are available… When considering the qualities of an employer that I would want to work for, an important factor for me is a growth mindset. I value being able to learn and adapt as the industry evolves and I would want my employer to share my same persistence to always be learning and bettering the quality of work I can produce.
- Skye Johnson, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I am not interested in pursuing careers in textile and apparel manufacturing or factory related jobs. However, I completely respect the importance of these roles in our fashion industry. I feel that my skills or career goals do not align with these jobs, but there could definitely be ways to make it more appealing to Gen Z. For example, offering safer working conditions, competitive pay, clear paths for professional growth, etc… When considering an employer, I value a workplace that aligns with my values, offers an inclusive environment, open communication, creative freedom, and room to grow in the company. I want to feel like I belong and am making an actual impact where I work.
- Abigail Loth, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I personally do not have any interest in pursuing a career in textile or apparel manufacturing and factory-related jobs. These jobs consist of heavy hands on labor, limited creativity and repetitive daily tasks. The job is very cookie-cutter and has limitations for growth and opportunity. In order to make these types of factory jobs more appealing to our generation, the employers should provide safer working conditions, more money, and a sense of change/development in the everyday job. If factory jobs allowed more flexibility for creative thinking and alterations, they would appeal more to Gen Z.
- Julia Brady, Graduate Student studying Fashion and Apparel with a focus on Sustainability: I am interested in pursuing a career related to textile and apparel manufacturing. Specifically, I would love to work towards a more socially responsible fashion industry. I could see myself working for a textile recycling plant in the U.S.; I expect more to be popping up over the next decade. If the factories were focused on green engineering and diverting textile waste, this might be another attractive core value of a potential future employer. I would be more inclined to work a factory job if the conditions in the factory were regulated and protective of the workers’ health. Additionally, if the employer was prioritizing the use of natural materials combined with textile recycling outputs, this would be very appealing to me as a prospective employee.
Fourth, Gen Z fashion majors show a high awareness of AI and are open to increasing its use in the fashion industry. Specifically, our Gen Z students believe that AI can be a powerful tool widely adopted by fashion companies, such as supporting apparel sourcing decisions, generating designs, and conducting data analysis and forecasting. Many also envision bold, creative applications of AI, such as optimizing secondhand clothing use or dynamically altering garments’ colors and textures based on weather conditions or consumers’ moods. These findings underscore the growing importance of deliberately integrating AI into fashion education and strengthening collaborations between industry and academia. For example,
- Emilie Delaye, Master’s student in fashion and apparel studies: I think that AI could help understand and simplify the complex supply chains we have. Perhaps by incorporating AI into sourcing decisions, it could help determine the most efficient and eco-friendly path for the garment.
- Gabriella Krug, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: If there were no limits in terms of technology or resources, I would love to see AI used to create a truly circular fashion system. Garments would be designed with little to no waste from the very beginning with AI predicting the most sustainable production methods. Also, I think AI should account for each garment’s end-of-life by tracking how items can be reused, recycled, or repurposed.
- Skye Johnson, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I still feel that AI will not be able to completely take over in the fashion industry, we still need that human touch. That human aspect is what makes the industry go round, especially when it comes to designers…If I could pick a bold AI-driven innovation to see in the fashion industry, I would love to see garments that change color or texture based on your mood or the weather. The AI technology could read your personal style and predict what looks best on you. That would definitely take years to make, but it would further blur the lines between fashion, technology and art.
- Abigail Loth, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: I would love to see AI-driven innovation that would be able to make custom designs depending on preferred colors, style, size, or shape and deliver it based on preferences of style and sustainability.
- Nadia Grosso, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: AI can be a helpful tool to analyze data and make recommendations on how to apply its findings to real-world situations. Especially with the uncertainty surrounding changing prices and geopolitics, AI could be implemented to help fashion companies navigate difficult sourcing decisions and manage their complex supply chains. I would also love to see AI be implemented more to drive sustainability initiatives such as reducing waste within production or even assisting with the discovery and development of more sustainable materials. However, I don’t think AI can fully replace human intelligence and creativity, so it’s important for it to be used as a tool and not as a replacement.
Additionally, the results show that Gen Z fashion majors overwhelmingly support the increased use of recycled textile materials in clothing and view it as an important opportunity to address the textile waste problem. However, as consumers, they still expect such products to remain financially affordable, match the quality of non-sustainable options, and look stylish. Additionally, with greater knowledge and awareness of sustainability, Gen Z consumers expect fashion companies to provide more transparency regarding their recycling practices and price structures (i.e., what they are actually paying for). This requires fashion companies to continue to improve their supply chain mapping and traceability in the era of textile recycling. For example,
- Emilie Delaye, Master’s student in fashion and apparel studies: The (recycled) garments currently on the market are very expensive and do not appeal to my personal style…And it is very important for fashion companies to provide clear sustainability information. I think providing information on the cost breakdown would be valuable to see and ensure that the money is distributed more evenly.
- Gabriella Krug, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: Yes, I do care about clothing made from recycled textile materials because it feels like a step in the right direction and it makes me feel like I am making a more thoughtful choice as a consumer…What makes these products most appealing to me is the mix of style and transparency. Especially with Gen Z, the culture is shifting more and more toward eco-conscious consumers, now with the help of Depop, ThredUp, and Poshmark. These platforms give people an easy way to step into the world of sustainable fashion. For me, I want to know that the clothing looks and feels just as high-quality as non-sustainable options, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m overpaying just because it’s labeled as eco-friendly…I want brands to be upfront about what percentage of a garment is actually recycled and how it was made
- Skye Johnson, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: For me, the appeal of recycled or sustainable fashion products comes from a combination of style, price, and brand transparency. I believe it is very important that fashion companies provide clear sustainability information and have the efforts and data to back it up… Obviously, no brand is perfect, but when I see a brand putting in the work to do better, I respect them a ton more.
- Nadia Grosso, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior: Fashion brands need to do more to educate their consumers and highlight the importance of sustainability, while also incorporating it as a value into all of their business practices. I think that we can make sustainable and recycled products more appealing to consumers by being transparent and educating them on their importance. Fashion brands are becoming increasingly aware that providing clear sustainability and sourcing information to their consumers is necessary to gain their trust and loyalty, especially as a growing number of consumers are considering these practices as influencing factors to make purchases.
FASH students who contributed to the series include:
- Gabriella Krug, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior
- Emilie Delaye, Master’s student in fashion and apparel studies
- Cheyenne Weiss, Fashion Design & Product Innovation senior & 4+1 graduate student
- Skye Johnson, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior
- Julia Brady, Master’s student in fashion and apparel studies
- Abigail Loth, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior
- Nadia Grosso, Fashion Merchandising and Management senior
- Ekaterina Forakis, Fashion and apparel studies & 4+1 graduate student
- Emma Lombardi, Fashion Design and Product Innovation senior
Explore more:
- Gen Z part 1: How fashion tariffs are hitting prices, holiday season prep
- Gen Z part 2: Impact of globalisation, trade on US fashion sector
- Gen Z part 3: Most attractive US fashion and textile jobs
- Gen Z part 4: Why fashion brands should embrace AI’s benefits
- Gen Z part 5: Recycled materials in fashion must be affordable
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
Of the several comments from University of Delaware fashion students, one in particular stood out. Gabriella Krug noted: “ultimately, tariffs could cause people to make more intentional and selective purchases this holiday season.” I think this is a very possible senecio, especially with the average consumer shying away from a higher price point. This highlights a return to intention, particularly with the upcoming holiday season. I also believe that consumers will look towards gifting with purpose, possibly cutting down excess consumption for the sake of excessive gifting. Personally, I find myself more inclined to thrift or source second hand this holiday season, as well as put more sentimental thought into my gifting. I have been wondering if this is this a widespread thought, or just my own awareness.
This trend would stand out in today’s society, since consumption levels have been rising over the past few years. Thus, will the present tariffs possibly signal an overall decrease in fashion consumption, and a shift in consumer mindset? Or is this just a slight downward curve, destined to spike right back up in the event of tariffs being taken away?
I thought this piece did a great job capturing how Gen Z is experiencing the fashion industry right now, especially with the impact of higher tariffs and the way prices are rising across almost every category. What stood out to me most was how many students talked about becoming more selective and intentional with their shopping, since that lines up with how I’ve been feeling as prices go up but quality doesn’t always follow. I also agreed with the point that globalization is still important, but it has to be paired with real progress in worker welfare and sustainability, not just bigger trade volumes. It was interesting to see how most Gen Z students don’t see themselves in factory roles but still value innovation, transparency, and better working conditions. Basically, we want an industry that reflects our values, not just cheap production. I also liked how open people were to AI, not as a replacement for creativity but as a tool to fix inefficiencies, reduce waste, and actually improve sourcing decisions. Overall, this interview made me realize how much our generation cares about affordability, ethics, and having a long-term say in how the industry evolves, instead of just accepting the system as it is.
I thought this piece did a really good job capturing how complicated the whole trade and sourcing landscape feels from a student perspective. What stood out to me most was how consistent everyone was about feeling the real impact of price hikes, like it’s not just a political thing, it’s literally shaping how people shop, thrift, and budget going into the holidays. I also liked the nuance around globalization. Most of us understand its benefits, but we’re also way more vocal about wanting fair labor practices and real sustainability, not just “more trade” for the sake of it. And honestly, the part about factory jobs didn’t surprise me at all, Gen Z wants growth, creativity, and values-driven workplaces, so of course traditional manufacturing roles feel unappealing unless the industry evolves. I thought the AI insights were super interesting too, because it shows how open our generation is to tech as long as it doesn’t erase creativity. Overall, the piece really highlights how much more intentional Gen Z is becoming, whether it’s about prices, sustainability, or the future of the industry.
I really appreciated this post because it feels very alike to what shopping is like now as Gen Z. The part that felt the most significant was when all the students had discussed how feeling prices are high everywhere and that they are cutting back spending on clothes even on websites like Shein, where it already is so cheap.
This article provides a lot of insight about how Gen Z consumers feel about the fashion industry and I agree with many of the sentiments made by my peers. Going into the holidays, shopping for gifts has become harder as the raised prices mean being able to afford less than what I would normally buy for my family. It also resonated with me that many students are not interested in factory jobs but still understand their importance. It shows that Gen Z are focused on creativity and don’t want to be limited to a job that lacks creative output. Also many students, including myself, would be concerned that these rules don’t align with sustainable values. Instead I would rather seek careers with opportunities for growth and that will address change.
This post really captures how Gen Z is reshaping expectations for the apparel industry. What stood out to me is how strongly our generation values transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, even if it complicates supply chain decisions. It’s interesting to see how brands are being pushed to balance cost, speed, and responsibility because Gen Z refuses to accept outdated practices. This perspective feels especially important as our generation becomes a larger share of the workforce and consumer base.
This post effectively shows how rising tariffs directly impact fashion prices and available options in stores. Many Gen Z shoppers notice this with pricier clothing and limited availability, many are shifting to more intentional shopping. This includes shopping second-hand or practicing intentional purchasing to help save money and buy pieces that will last. This could mark a turning point in fashion sustainability that the rising tariffs pushes shoppers to prioritize quality and longevity over trends.
Gen Z shoppers are becoming more conscious of shopping and feeling the effects of price increases. They may be more hesitant to purchase from fast fashion retailers if the price rises as the product doesn’t have the quality to back up the extra cost. However, even in general it seems shoppers are becoming more selective about brands and prefer purchasing items that are of higher quality less often. In addition, students point out the growing awareness of sustainability and how it affects price and the many costly reasons companies have trouble implementing sustainable practices.
Young professionals looking to go into the US fashion industry are not seeking out factory jobs related to the “made in the USA” debate. Belonging to this group myself, I share the same opinion. Having had internships on the merchandising side of the business, this is where my interest lies and factory jobs limit the creativity you can have in your everyday work. There would need to be large pushes for factory jobs including benefits, higher pay, flexibility and safety measures in order to attract young workers to this area.
With the innovations in AI, it will be interesting to see it implemented in the production of goods. As Nadia Grosso points out, it can aid in sustainability initiatives and reduce waste which could be a promising avenue for companies looking to become more cost effective and sustainable. As we’ve discussed in class, balancing the price and sustainability can prove difficult but with these changing consumer preferences, we will definitely be seeing sustainability practices become more common.
What I found most striking in this post is how clearly Gen Z is reshaping both the economic and ethical expectations in the fashion industry. The connection the students made between tariffs and their own purchasing decisions shows how directly trade policy is influencing consumer habits. It’s also interesting that while Gen Z typically supports globalization, there is a strong need for economic development to translate into real benefits for garment workers and not just for brands. I also appreciated the transparency around the students’ career aspirations. The fact that most students hesitate to pursue manufacturing roles reflects a greater industry challenge at hand, that factory jobs need to evolve if they want to attract young professionals. I also found that that openness to AI highlighted how future fashion careers will demand both technical literacy and ethical awareness.
Being that I am both Gen Z and a Fashion Merchandising student I closely align with the comments made by my peers. One comment stood out to me from Cheyenne Weiss who she said she was noticing huge price jumps in specifically outerwear and footwear. This is something I also had noticed, recently at my job I was in a buying meeting with my boss with popular surf wear company Ripcurl where one of their outerwear fleece was priced at $160. This was a huge jump in the company’s prices as the company I work for has always carried very similar garments from the same brand in the past no longer is able to simply because it is not in the price category our consumers buy in. Another question I found interesting was to ask the students how they viewed globalization. Similar to student Abigail Loth she said globalization is vital to our success, I completely agree with this as there are many issues in the idea of nearshoring specifically with how this would affect prices and if nearby countries would be able to meet production needs.
This post made sense to me because I’ve noticed the same thing when I shop. Prices feel higher literally everywhere, even at fast fashion stores, and it makes me way more picky about what I buy. I also related to the part about Gen Z wanting sustainable options but still needing them to be affordable and actually good quality.
I really like how this piece captures how students in our department are able to provide their opinions on expectations for the fashion industry. It is specifically impressive that the insights shared are not just as consumers reacting to increased prices from tariffs, but as professionals who value sustainability, transparency, ethical sourcing, and innovation. I particularly liked that multiple students emphasized that while globalization and international trade are viewed as essential, there’s also a strong call for responsible supply chains that genuinely benefit workers and reduce environmental harm. I also thought mentioning the widespread disinterest in factory jobs also raises key questions for industry policy makers. Specifically, how can manufacturing be restructured to become appealing to younger people? Additionally, topics regarding AI usage and recycled fashion reflect shifts in what the next generation expects from this industry, and that consumer voices need to be taken seriously.
This article enhanced my understanding of how Gen Z students feel about today’s fashion industry. Many of them said that clothes are getting too expensive because of the tariffs put into place. Because of the high prices, a lot of them are turning to second-hand shopping. Hearing other student’s opinions made the issue seem more relatable compared to just reading about it. These are both things I relate to as someone who thrifts often as well as noticing the clothing prices increasing. Second-hand shopping is more sustainable compared to shopping on sites such as Shein. I liked that the article showed that Gen Z hopes for a change in workers’ rights (fair treatment) and more transparency from brands. This article surprised me that a lot of Gen Z encourage more sustainable practices and transparency from brands.
What stood out to me most about this article was how many students feel passionate about sustainability and want to hold brands to a higher standard. I agree with a lot of the points made, especially because I think there are positive aspects to global trade. But, along with a lot of the other students, I think this is only able to continue if brands are more responsible in the way they go about it. Another thing that was mentioned in the article was that if prices are higher, people will buy less, which I think is an interesting topic. Overall, it’s refreshing to see that Gen Z wants to shop more sustainably and gives me hope that the future of fashion will be better for the environment.
On-point discussion here. I agree with my classmates’ comments, implying that the articles perfectly encapsulate the Gen-Z mindset in relation to the fashion industry. The questions were well designed to encourage dialogue beyond the shopping industry, highlighting the students’ thoughts on ethics, workplace preferences, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. To add to this idea, I found that the article clearly showcased Gen-Z’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, a value that has risen in popularity compared to past generations. Our access to the internet and social media has facilitated more complex conversations around these topics and afforded the everyday consumer the chance to learn more about the implications of the production process, even if they aren’t fashion scholars per se.
I thought deeply about Skye Johnson’s comment: “-there could definitely be ways to make it more appealing to Gen Z. For example, offering safer working conditions, competitive pay, clear paths for professional growth, etc…” We must find a way to destigmatize the negative association with factory work, otherwise, who will be the backbone of the Made in America movement?
I think this article did a great job showing how messy trade and sourcing feels from our, a student’s, point of view. What stood out most to me was how everyone talked about feeling the effects of rising prices. It’s not just politics, it’s actually changing how people shop, thrift, and budget, especially going into the holidays.I also liked the way it talked about globalization. We get the benefits, but our generation cares a lot more about fair labor and real sustainability, not just more trade for no reason. The part about factory jobs didn’t surprise me either. Gen Z wants growth, creativity, and values based workplaces, so traditional manufacturing roles don’t feel appealing unless the industry changes.The AI points were interesting too, because they show how open we are to new technology as long as it doesn’t take away creativity.
This mini-series offers a direct and insightful look into how Gen Z, both as consumers and emerging fashion professionals, are responding to today’s unprecedented trade and sourcing environment. Gen Zs sharp awareness of tariff-driven price increases and how these pressures are actively changing their shopping habits, from thrifting to cutting back during the holidays. At the same time, they show a remarkably holistic view of globalization: supportive of its economic benefits, yet adamant that growth must go hand-in-hand with sustainability, fair labor, and social responsibility. Their perspectives on factory jobs and AI also highlight how the industry must evolve, through innovation, transparency, and meaningful career pathways, to attract the next generation of talent. These students offer a clear vision of a fashion future that is more intentional, ethical, tech-forward, and consumer-conscious.
I enjoyed being a part of this article because it gave me the opportunity to reflect on my learning in class and relate it to issues that I can see through my own eyes in our current fashion industry. The entire idea of interviewing current fashion students was amazing to me because we have one foot in the industry and one foot still firmly planted in being a consumer. The questions were challenging in an exciting way and offered me a chance to do some real reflecting on my own purchasing habits and how I view the fashion industry as a student. The best part for me was being able to read my peer’s comments on the same questions and see how they compare. Analyzing this now, I can see many similarities in our observations while also appreciating the differences in our preferences and our outlooks. I am excited for other students to read this as well and take it as an opportunity to answer the questions for themselves and see what they respond to and what doesn’t exactly resonate. I appreciated being able to apply class topics I have learned this semester to these questions and test my knowledge in them and in my ability to formulate a response using these class topics. I hope my responses were able to give my classmates a relatable take on these questions that could resonate more than just hearing from companies.