How China’s Gen Z will dress in 2026

Fueled by global social media culture, youth style subcultures evolve at breakneck speed, with new “core” aesthetics emerging frequently. On platforms like Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), Chinese Gen Zers consistently categorize fashion choices into aesthetics shaped by societal moods and trending visual languages. What emerges is a constellation of “core” subcultures that offer insight into how Chinese Gen Z thinks, feels and spends. These aesthetics rarely endure, though some — from Lulicore to Softcore — have proven more resilient. Just as a core gains traction as a hashtag, it may already be cresting. Together, these trends form a cultural radar, revealing how Chinese Gen Z navigates emotion, economic pressure and identity in a fragmented digital world. Taken from Jing Daily’s “Chinese Gen Z: Value-Driven Mega Spenders” market research report, the following style subcultures are helping define consumer psychology for 2026. Emotional excess: Maximalism as release One of the most visible shifts in 2025 has been a turn away from restraint. After years of “quiet luxury” and muted palettes, Chinese Gen Z embraced expressive, emotionally charged dressing. “Kawaii,” Kidcore, Y3K and the revival of “Gyaru” all sit within this broader move toward visual excess. The Labubu phenomenon foreshadowed this more-is-more pivot. What began as a collectible toy evolved into a fashion accessory obsession, with plush charms dangling from luxury bags. These playful objects inject humor and nostalgia into otherwise muted wardrobes, allowing young consumers to soften status symbols with irony and affection. Kidcore pushes this impulse further, colliding bright colors, cartoon references and DIY styling into an intentional rejection of minimalism. The Xiaohongshu-trending Y3K aesthetic leans futuristic: metallic textures, sculptural accessories and cyber-inflected beauty that blurs the line between human and avatar. Gyaru’s return adds another layer — a reclaimed hyper-femininity that once challenged beauty norms and now resonates with a generation eager for visibility. “Chinese Gen Z are a study in duality: unmistakably trend-driven, yet fiercely self-stylizing,” China market journalist Junjie Wang tells Jing Daily. Recessioncore: Creativity under constraint Lulicore, with its dessert-inspired tones and cozy textures, exemplifies the emotion-driven shopping mindset prevalent among Gen Zers. The appeal lies less in brand prestige than in color, mood and comfort. Similarly, Garbagecore (or Dirtycore) embraces worn-in garments, visible mending and intentional messiness, reframing scarcity as authenticity. This pragmatism extends beyond clothing. Renewed interest in counterfeit culture and Y2K technology — wired headphones, flip phones, CCD cameras — reflects a broader desire to opt out of relentless upgrades. These choices signal taste and insider knowledge while reflecting a generation leaning into digital detoxes. Mindful consumption: Calm amid chaos Despite the noise around maximalist micro-trends, minimalism has not disappeared. For many Chinese Gen Z consumers, mindful dressing remains a stabilizing force. “Clean Girl, Softcore and elevated basics emphasize dressing for calm. This aesthetic prioritizes feeling anchored over being noticed. Structured tailoring, neutral palettes and tactile fabrics offer emotional regulation in a volatile environment. These quieter looks often coexist with louder accents — a Labubu or Monchhichi charm on a trench coat, or pastel knits paired with statement accessories. Together, these three currents reveal a generation negotiating consumption paradoxes. Chinese Gen Z dresses for joy and self-expression while seeking comfort. In doing so, the cohort is building a visual language that evolves constantly, disrupts social norms and redefines “Made in China” with local designers leading the way.

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How China’s Gen Z will dress in 2026