Social media is shaping what we wear

Walking through the streets, a significant difference in the appearance of youngsters is visible. Surprisingly, the presence of androgynous touch among teenage boys is notable. Young girls are now more open to exploring various aesthetic styles. The fashion choices of the current young generation have taken a unique turn compared to those of the previous decade. Borders no longer bind the fashion sense of Bangladesh's Gen Z, thanks to trends from TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Fashion in Bangladesh evolved from the glitz of Bollywood-influenced salwar kameez to the post-90s western casuals. But the current wave of change feels different. It's not dictated by seasons or stitched into boutique catalogues. It's algorithmic and spontaneous. It's scrolling right past you on your Instagram explore page.

This is the age of the social media-inspired fast fashion, and Gen Z, the generation born into the internet, is leading it with unapologetic flair.

Gen Z boys are embracing accessories such as rings, ear studs, bracelets, pendants, and even colourful backpacks. Things like these were once considered emasculating or hippie just a decade ago.

Men today have collectively abandoned spiky hairstyles, which were once regarded as attractive, and are now adopting more voluminous, curly hairstyles. Such androgynous move from Gen Z appears to be braver and more authentic.

Meanwhile, girls are adopting more hyperfeminine or tomboyish looks, unlike in past decades.

Unlike older generations, Gen Z isn't looking up to just Bollywood film stars or Bangladeshi models. Their fashion icons are not only limited to 1960s prima donnas, content creators, makeup vloggers, thrift queens, modest fashion girls with tripod stands, but also themselves. Anyone can make outfit transitions reels in their bedrooms.

Tasmim Rashid, a 17-year-old boy from Mymensingh, has just discovered how to style his father's old denim jacket, inspired by a Russian influencer. In this era, fashion ideas are spread through a single scroll of a reel.

Let's start with the comeback of Cuban shirts. The Cuban shirt's revival stems directly from global street fashion, as seen on Pinterest boards, LA-based influencers, and summer lookbooks on TikTok.

In Bangladesh, it has been lovingly adapted and paired with cropped pants, sandals, and sometimes even lungis, fusing old-school comfort with global cool. It's not just fashion; it's cultural reimagination.

However, this breezy, wide-collared shirt has now become the unofficial dress code for summer for many young men in Bangladesh.

Cuban shirts offer a form of gender fluidity in wardrobe choices. On Instagram, boys and girls strike poses in front of old Dhakaiya establishments, captioned with 'Old Town Vibe' or 'Chill Bikel.'

The power of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, is most deeply felt among Bangladeshi youth.

With the rise in popularity of K-dramas, K-pop, and Seoul-based fashion influencers, young girls and boys have enthusiastically adopted Korean-inspired fashion.

Visit any cafe in Dhanmondi, and you'll find a group of kids styled in ulzzang aesthetics. Their Instagram accounts would feature photos of them wearing a soft bucket hat, a beige trench coat on a windy day, with the caption in Hangul.

Iconic anime characters, retro Asian movie characters, and perhaps those from Wong Kar-wai films, are inspirations for nonchalant, casual wear. Soft pastels, loose-fitting button-down shirts, baggy jeans, and layered outerwear all convey a delicate, gender-neutral aesthetic that resonates with Gen Z's values. It's stylish but not flashy, minimal but expressive. Feminine without being traditionally 'girly.'

Fashion has different definitions to many. To some, fashion is about modesty. Inspired by Muslim influencers from Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur, abaya-style gowns are getting more focus.

Today's abayas come in dusty rose and ivory chiffon, featuring subtle embroidery that emphasises breathability and movement.

Turkish dramas, Iranian films, and Pakistani serials are working like sugar and spices to create these inspo outfits. TikTok influencers who promote modest living show how to drape a shari with hijab with elegance.

Nowadays, fashion appears as a way to carry faith and fashion hand in hand. Zakiya Tohura, a 25-year-old service holder with strong religious values, expressed so, "Some girls pair their abayas with white sneakers for campus commutes. Others style it with belts, soft scarves, or even minimalist handbags. I learn new hijab styles from YouTube."

What was once considered solely religious wear has now evolved into a thriving fashion movement. Of course, social media helped to congregate this phenomenon.

Some of the boldest trends are purposefully rugged. Streetwear and casual wear have gained a loyal following in Bangladesh over the past few years. Oversized T-shirts, cargo pants, slogan caps, and thrifted jackets now belong to the ingoing fast fashion.

The rise of online thrift stores proves that Gen Z isn't just buying trends; they are more drawn to the sustainable and reasonable side of fashion.

Raina Hasan, a third-year student at Brac University, frequently buys thrifted tops from online thrift pages. She said, "Last Eid, I wore thrifted tops at a beach in Singapore. Those tops were half the original price and extremely comfy. If you are lucky, you can get some gorgeous dresses from thrift markets."

New markets, Hope Market, Gausia, and Hawker's Market, are women's go-to places for shopping sprees.

Tanjina Alam, a student from Dhaka University, informed, "I mostly go for colourful cotton dresses to achieve that simple but pleasant visual. So I buy one-piece tops and wide-legged jeans for my daily commute from the Hope market."

Gen Z girls are now hyped up about Monipuri shari and Jamdani shari for festivals and family gatherings. There are many charity declutter groups that sell hand-me-down charity items at a price much lower than their original value.

What we're witnessing is not just a shift in what Bangladeshi youth wear, but why they wear it. It's about choosing freely, curating proudly, and not confining to only traditional norms. The conversation around fashion is no longer a top-down affair. It's horizontal. It's peer-to-peer.

And most importantly, it's about self-expression. The notion that fashion is exclusive to celebrities is outdated. Fashion is what you choose for yourself.

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