As a recent 2024 high school graduate, I’ve noticed throughout my high school years an uproar of teenage boys actually caring about what they wear. Comparing my freshman year to my senior, I didn’t feel as if I stood out as much my senior year. It was mostly the younger grades who made me feel like this. It has always been okay to care about what your wearing, but when it becomes a trend, boys tend to feel more comfortable to do so. I really appreciate the growth it shows a comforbilility within their own masculinity. Recently, my sixteen year brother asked me if his “fit” was “tuff” and I was here for it!

Could this be the influence of TikTok? I can only assume so—those videos of Utah boys showing off the bagginess of their jeans and doing a 360° spin in the air definitely sparked something. There’s been a clear influx of 1990s fashion making its way back—jorts, baggy jeans, camo, and cropped shirts have become staples. Beyond this, men have been more comfortable personalizing their outfits to their liking. Whether it’s with accessories like rings, bracelets, hats, and necklaces or styling their outfits with their own personal choice of shoe.

I find myself wanting to compare to the 90s and hip-hop culture, because it has been a fashion era I have always been in love with. I have always known it would come back. It will always come back. Although Jorts and some baggy jeans may not seem as unique to someone who’s always stood out when it comes to fashion, it’s really interesting to see how these trends have made their way to the middle of my home state, Iowa. It’s actually cool to care about what your wearing, and quite attractive. This being compared to the athletic shorts and hoodie combo, it’s a big step for mens fashion.