Gen Z man stunned by growing number of teens wearing PJs to school sparks discussion around appropriate attire

Each generation has had its share of trends and popular tactics. However, with the latest generations, things are evolving more dynamically and as Gen Zs are becoming older generations, they’re starting to question Gen Alpha and younger people. u/Clear_Constant3709 shared a post on Reddit questioning the current middle school and high school clothing trends. The man was taken aback by the number of students casually coming to school in effortless pajamas and baggy clothing. Being a Gen Z, he couldn’t fathom how this has become normal and had people pouring in vivid perspectives, sparking an interesting discussion about appropriate school outfits. 

The man revealed that he graduated in 2016 and worked as a FedEx delivery person. Several deliveries are often made to high schools and middle schools where the man spotted umpteen students flaunting casual and unhinged outfits. “1/3 kids it felt had on pajama pants, a baggy sweatshirt and Crocs. Looked like they just woke up from bed and left,” he wrote in his post. The man couldn’t digest the fact that younger generations skipped the cool and dressy fashion sense and had come to this sense of styling for something formal like school. He added in an edit that he did not intend to offend anyone but was curious to understand how other fun and stylish fashion patterns have diminished, paving the way for these trends to take root. 

He added that his time, though just a few years ago, was comparatively different. “I wasn’t trying to give off the impression it’s an issue. I just don’t recall seeing it this much when I was in school,” he remarked. With over 3,000 comments, people stepped in to share their input and experiences. Right from supporting the carefree and comfortable style to calling it bizarre, people had vivid perceptions. u/burf noted, “I’m told it became more common after the COVID pandemic began. You can see a general dressing downtrend across age groups, with teenagers being particularly explicit about it.” 

u/BullCityBoomerSooner explained, “Loungewear has always been a thing. But it became more the norm during the pandemic as we were all working from home and had school from home in pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Only a slight escalation to leave the house like that too.” Many noted that the trend has turned around and come back from the 90s. u/midzy91 said, “Graduated in 09, I remember a lot of my friends and other teens wore pajamas to school. Crocs were not a thing but I’m sure they would have worn them.” u/madameolga added, “Was about to say the same, circa 2005, everyone was in pajamas.” 

u/rainbow_drab shared another reason, “Waking up early sucks, especially as a teenager, sometimes you just don't have time to dress.” u/RedSun-FanEditor said, “There are literally no standards for public dress anymore.” u/No-Draw9345 remarked, “Because nobody really cares. I show up to school in clothes like that all the time. If I’m gonna be stuck somewhere for 8 hours, I’d wanna be comfortable.” u/askmeaboutmycats said, “ It's just more accepted now because comfort over fashion.” u/nicyole added, "I have stepkids and younger siblings that get up and do their hair, makeup, get themselves ready, etc., and then throw on pajamas (not the ones they slept in). It’s a fashion choice in itself."