Unisex Clothes, Trending Sneakers – How GenZs See Value Beyond Price Tags

As per a recent report by Praxis, GenZs love their sneakers. “Sneakers are Gen Z’s style statement and a way to express identity and vibe,” the report named ‘Trendspotting: Generational Appeal’ says.

They look for comfort in their clothes too and are top consumers of athleisure. They want their clothes to be comfortable yet stylish. They also add substance to style. The generation which is known for its inclusive appeal also does not care for gender tags or labels on their clothes. They love unisex clothes too. “GenZ chooses unisexual apparel to break boundaries and celebrate authenticity,” the report adds.

GenZs who are born between 1997 and 2009 – living between Y2K and the sub-prime crisis, are born in the social media age where they are overloaded with choices. Being purpose-driven and self-expressive, they’re also hyper aware (being born in the information age) and challenge many norms.

Buzzing & Trending Products

There was an old saying which said ‘Fashion changes every hour in Paris’. With the advent of social media, it became literally true. “If a brand isn’t trending, it’s forgotten—this generation is driven by what’s viral, not what’s legacy,” the report adds.

While millennials were young at the cusp of the digital transformation, they’re much more adaptive than their next gen. GenZs challenge the traditional norms, refuse to bow down to brand loyalty and look for value more than perception.

FMCG major HUL had to change the name of its face cream to Glow & Lovely from its popular brand, Fair & Lovely. “What worked before, like Fair & Lovely’s old ads, doesn’t fly with us. We expect brands to grow with our values,” a working professional aged 25 years from New Delhi was quoted in the report.

GenZ also does not take many claims on face value. Most GenZs regularly check ingredients on packs of both food as well as cosmetics and make informed choices. They also demand much more from their brands – a seamless phygital experience, webrooming, Virtual Reality try-ons and much more.

As per a recent report by Praxis, GenZs love their sneakers. “Sneakers are Gen Z’s style statement and a way to express identity and vibe,” the report named ‘Trendspotting: Generational Appeal’ says.

They look for comfort in their clothes too and are top consumers of athleisure. They want their clothes to be comfortable yet stylish. They also add substance to style. The generation which is known for its inclusive appeal also does not care for gender tags or labels on their clothes. They love unisex clothes too. “GenZ chooses unisexual apparel to break boundaries and celebrate authenticity,” the report adds.

GenZs who are born between 1997 and 2009 – living between Y2K and the sub-prime crisis, are born in the social media age where they are overloaded with choices. Being purpose-driven and self-expressive, they’re also hyper aware (being born in the information age) and challenge many norms.

Buzzing & Trending Products

There was an old saying which said ‘Fashion changes every hour in Paris’. With the advent of social media, it became literally true. “If a brand isn’t trending, it’s forgotten—this generation is driven by what’s viral, not what’s legacy,” the report adds.

While millennials were young at the cusp of the digital transformation, they’re much more adaptive than their next gen. GenZs challenge the traditional norms, refuse to bow down to brand loyalty and look for value more than perception.

FMCG major HUL had to change the name of its face cream to Glow & Lovely from its popular brand, Fair & Lovely. “What worked before, like Fair & Lovely’s old ads, doesn’t fly with us. We expect brands to grow with our values,” a working professional aged 25 years from New Delhi was quoted in the report.

GenZ also does not take many claims on face value. Most GenZs regularly check ingredients on packs of both food as well as cosmetics and make informed choices. They also demand much more from their brands – a seamless phygital experience, webrooming, Virtual Reality try-ons and much more.

The Value & Worth of GenZs

Brands too are pandering to GenZ’s changed systems – and why not? They’re the top spenders too. GenZs account for 30% of OTT subscribers, 40% of news media subscriptions are taken by them, and also make up for 45% of food delivery subscriptions.

They’re also miles ahead of other generations when it comes to tech spends. As per Praxis, GenZs allocate 8% of their budgets to gadgets while it's at 3% for GenX or millennials.

GenZs buy over 40% of headphones and TWEs (true wireless earbuds); and 44% of total smartphone, tablet and laptop sales are contributed by them. They’re among the top users of wearables, gaming consoles and are very keen on smart glasses and Augmented Reality headsets too.

GenZs also spend a lot more on areas which matter to brands. As much as 18% of GenZ budgets are allocated to ‘experiences’ which is on par with rent & utilities as well as savings & investments — both at 20%. Experiences include movies, tours and sightseeing, sports and concerts, experiential activities, performing arts and events.

They’re not tightfisted with money when it comes to experiences. The report says that 80% of India’s Gen Z plans a solo international trip with 80% their first paycheck. In comparison, millennials allocated only 8% of their budgets to gaining from experiences.

GenZs who are now in the age bracket of 16-28 are also establishing themselves in the workforce. Added to that, they’re also an essential part of the credit economy. As per Praxis, GenZs contribute to 20-25% of the digital borrowing market.

“As much as 60% of Coachella (a music and arts festival) general admission ticket buyers used Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans to secure passes. As much as 39% of the live entertainment audience has been GenZs in FY25,” says Praxis.

Auto Ordering, Speed and AI Reccos

GenZs, like young people across generations, are restless. Since the market now provides rapid deliveries, they lap them up, and do not hold back on paying a premium for them.

“I literally don’t remember the last time I waited more than a day for something. If there’s no same-day or express option, I just bounce. It’s not even about being impatient. I just value my time way more now,” says a 20-year-old Mumbai-based student, as quoted in the report.

They also allow AI to provide them with personalised recommendations to add to convenience. A few brands now even offer options where consumers can place orders on auto pilot to save them the pain of ordering by clicking on the phone.

“Reordering the same thing repeatedly is such a chore. I’d rather have it just auto-ship every month, especially if it saves me a few bucks or gives me loyalty points. I don’t want to think about toothpaste, protein, or coffee — just let it come,” said a 24-year-old Gurugram MBA student.

However, it does not mean that GenZs are reckless about money. “Gen Z makes every rupee count—prioritizing functional products and smart packaging. They see functionality, fairness, and value beyond the price tag,” the report adds.