China's Generation Z is flipping the script on office attire, opting for comfort over couture. What was once considered a fashion faux pas - wearing pajamas to work - is now a statement of sartorial rebellion among young professionals across the country.
Cindy Luo, a 30-year-old interior designer from Wuhan, Hubei province, epitomizes this trend, proudly flaunting her "gross" pajamas in the workplace. "I just want to wear whatever I want," Luo told The New York Times, dismissing the need for elaborate attire.
The phenomenon of "gross outfits at work" has gained traction on Xiaohongshu, China's social media platform akin to Instagram. Here, a wave of young workers showcases their disdain for traditional dress norms, embracing everything from sweatpants to sleepwear.
The rise of pajama chic reflects the growing "lying flat" movement among China's youth, who reject the relentless pursuit of success championed by previous generations. This countercultural shift symbolizes a desire for a more relaxed, uncomplicated lifestyle in the face of economic uncertainties and shrinking opportunities.
Psychologists in Beijing reportedly see this trend as emblematic of societal progress, asserting that clothing choices should not define one's professional competence.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many to work remotely, accelerated the normalization of loungewear as acceptable attire. However, the phenomenon extends beyond China's borders, with American Gen Zers similarly pushing boundaries with their workplace attire.
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