The revival of retro trends to reconnect with reality.
In a world saturated with digital perfection and constant connectivity, Gen Z is actively reviving a fascinating array of retro trends. This isn’t just about fashion; it’s a profound reaction to their fast-paced, online existence. By embracing the aesthetics and habits of past decades, they are seeking to anchor themselves in something tangible, authentic, and real.
Their fascination with the past is a powerful statement about their desire for a slower, more tactile, and less curated way of living.
1. They embraced disposable and film cameras.
Gen Z’s obsession with disposable and film cameras is a direct rebellion against the polished, perfect photos of social media. The cameras’ unpredictable outcomes, grainy quality, and delayed gratification—having to get the film developed—offer a refreshing break from the instant and edited digital photos on their phones.
This trend is a longing for authenticity and spontaneity. They crave the candid, unedited moments that feel more honest and less performative, using these retro tools to capture memories in a way that feels more permanent and less about seeking online validation.
2. They brought back baggy jeans and ’90s streetwear.
The revival of baggy jeans, oversized hoodies, and ’90s streetwear by Gen Z is more than just a fashion choice. It’s a rejection of the body-con, hyper-sexualized aesthetics that dominated the early 2000s and a return to comfort and self-expression. The loose-fitting styles prioritize comfort over convention and allow for a more individual, less-polished look.
This trend is a statement about comfort and nonconformity. It allows for a more relaxed and authentic way of dressing, free from the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, and provides a tactile connection to a past era of style.
3. They’re obsessed with vinyl records and vintage stereos.
Despite growing up with streaming services that offer every song imaginable, Gen Z has developed a deep fascination with vinyl records. The act of collecting, carefully placing a record on a turntable, and listening to an album from start to finish is a ritualistic, intentional experience that digital music simply can’t replicate.
This revival is a craving for a more physical and deliberate relationship with music. They appreciate the tangible object, the art, and the permanence of a record, seeing it as a way to slow down and truly savor music in a culture of instant access and constant noise.
4. They’re reviving flip phones and landline aesthetics.
Gen Z’s interest in flip phones is not a rejection of technology itself, but of its all-consuming nature. By using a device with limited functionality, they are intentionally reducing screen time, resisting the constant pull of social media, and regaining control over their attention. It’s a conscious act of digital minimalism.
The retro charm of a flip phone and the symbolic simplicity it represents is a powerful statement about reclaiming their time and mental space. They are choosing a tool that serves a purpose without becoming a distraction, which is a surprisingly rebellious act in today’s world.
5. They’ve embraced low-tech hobbies like knitting and reading.
In a world of fast-paced digital distractions, Gen Z is finding solace in low-tech, analog hobbies like knitting, crocheting, and physical books. The repetitive, tactile nature of these activities provides a meditative break from screens and offers a tangible sense of accomplishment in a world of fleeting digital likes and comments.
These hobbies are a way to slow down and create something real with their own hands. They are seeking a deeper, more mindful engagement with their leisure time, finding a sense of peace and purpose that feels like a rebellion against the digital world’s constant clamor for their attention.
6. They brought back low-rise jeans.
Gen Z’s revival of low-rise jeans, a trend long considered a fashion faux pas, is a fascinating and often-debated phenomenon. This trend is less about replicating the past exactly and more about challenging the current high-waisted, form-fitting aesthetic that has dominated fashion for years. It’s a statement of fearless individuality and a rejection of conformity.
They’re not just bringing back an old style; they are reclaiming it with a new sense of confidence and irony. This trend speaks to a desire to play with fashion and redefine beauty standards on their own terms, proving that no style is ever truly dead.
7. They’re obsessed with tangible journaling.
In a digital age of fleeting thoughts and constant content, Gen Z is embracing the tangible act of journaling. They are buying physical notebooks, pens, and stickers to document their thoughts, feelings, and daily lives in a private, unsearchable format. It’s a deliberate choice to create a personal, offline archive.
This practice is a rejection of the public and performative nature of online expression. They are creating a safe space for genuine self-reflection and emotional processing, free from the pressure of an audience, which feels like a truly authentic and rebellious act.
8. They’ve revived ’80s and ’90s movie culture.
Gen Z’s obsession with iconic ’80s and ’90s films is a way for them to connect with a simpler, less cynical era of moviemaking. From The Breakfast Club to Clueless, they’re drawn to the themes of high school hierarchies, adolescent angst, and genuine human connection that feel refreshingly sincere compared to modern, often effects-driven blockbusters.
This revival is a search for a kind of cinematic authenticity. They’re using these films as a cultural touchstone to understand and romanticize a time when pop culture felt more sincere and less calculated.
9. They’re listening to music from their parents’ era.
Many in Gen Z have discovered and embraced music from the ’80s and ’90s, often through their parents’ record collections or playlists. They’re fascinated by the raw energy of grunge, the synth-pop sounds of the ’80s, and the lyrical depth of hip-hop and R&B from those decades.
This deep dive into music from a bygone era is a way for them to connect with a sense of musical authenticity that they feel is missing in today’s highly produced pop landscape. They are seeking out music with real emotion and cultural weight, finding a deeper connection to their own roots and a pre-digital past.
10. They’re building friendships through board games and tabletop RPGs.
In a world of virtual hangouts and online gaming, Gen Z is reviving the tactile, face-to-face fun of board games and tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. These hobbies force people to be present in the same room, making eye contact and engaging in a shared, screen-free experience.
This trend is a direct rejection of the digital and a celebration of genuine, in-person connection. They are seeking ways to socialize that feel more intentional and communal, reinforcing the importance of being physically present with friends.