When the world around them seemed chaotic and unpredictable, Gen Zers turned to tactile pastimes such as pottery and craft culture. As this digitally-native generation embraces mindful hobbies that champion joy and combat perfection fatigue, what does this say about the future of wholesome hobbies?

Converse’s Upcycled Flannel Chuck 70 are made with deadstock and pre-loved flannel material. The collection is part of a broader effort to reduce waste and combat overproduction and heavily relies on nostalgia with, 90s and Tumblr-era fashion trends seeing contemporary revivals.

Gen Zers who took up knitting and crocheting as hobbies during the pandemic are now exploring these pursuits at local yarn and crafts festivals. What used to be a solitary activity in an unsettling time has transitioned into a means of building communities around creativity and shared values.

Upcycling has become a cornerstone of circularity within fashion sustainability initiatives. As designers learn to apply their own brand codes to differentiate within this aesthetic, how is increasing youth consumer interest in upcycled products driving change in the fashion industry?