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https://www.blackenterprise.com/black-owned-brands-quarter-zip-trend/
The quarter zip has emerged as a critical fashion element in the transition from YN to YG era because it connects a casual and refined style with a conservative look that often projects maturity. The young gentlemen who are shirking YN culture for the quarter-zip trend are growing up and projecting themselves in a new light. They’re commanding respect and they mean business. As young Black mean change their mindset with this new trend, it’s only right to invest in Black-owned businesses that cater specifically to this quarter-zip look — and keep Black dollars circulating between Black hands. Here are six Black-owned brands that sell elevated quarter-zip styles with top craftsmanship.
Black Owned Everything
The Billie Quarter Zip Jacket, part of Black Owned Everything’s curated collection, features a windbreaker design with quarter-zip functionality and embroidered details on both front and back of the garment. The jacket is sold online through Black Owned Everything and blends streetwear elements with an elevated quarter zip look that suits the transition from YN to YG style. Young gentlemen can pair the jacket with a tee or light turtleneck and wear it with tailored joggers or dark denim.
(@blackownedeverything)The Black Of It All
The Black of It All’s Quarter Zip Pullover displays the prominent statement, “Minding My Black-Owned Business” both on its front and back. This pullover, which is currently available online, merges urban style with a grown-up mission. YGs could pair it with just about anything in their closets and minimal accessories.
D’IYANU
The Hamadi Men’s African Print Quarter Zip Sweater from D’IYANU, a Black-owned brand that combines African prints with contemporary menswear, comes in the “black cream tribal” pattern. This unique streetwear piece for grown men showcases a cultural print and a quarter-zip design and is currently available for purchase at D’IYANU’s online store. Create an elevated fashion look by matching this piece with solid trousers or dark denim.
Eastside Golf
The Signature Quarter Zip from Eastside Golf features a lightweight performance fabric in a quarter-zip design. The product can be purchased through online channels and at specific retail locations. The YG wardrobe upgrade needs this piece because it connects athletic apparel with streetwear fashion. The garment works well for golfing and casual wear when matched with chinos and tennis shoes.
Spencer Badu
The minimalist sportswear collection by Spencer Badu features quarter-zip pullovers and half-zips. You can purchase these items at Spencer Badu’s web store starting today. These pieces create a sophisticated grown-man appearance which balances street style with refined essentials. Combine these pieces with tailored joggers or dark slim-fit trousers and low-key sneakers.
Actively BLACK
The brand Actively BLACK, which supports and reinvests in the Black community, sells elevated basics including quarter zips which will be released soon. The company’s website and Instagram shop occasionally release new arrivals throughout the year. Supporting the basics category in Black-owned fashion is crucial, and these basics can be layered or worn solo. They match perfectly with tapered joggers or fresh sneakers.
RELATED CONTENT: Young Black Men Are Trading In The ‘YN’ Look For Matcha And Quarter Zip Sweaters
The quarter zip has emerged as a critical fashion element in the transition from YN to YG era because it connects a casual and refined style with a conservative look that often projects maturity. The young gentlemen who are shirking YN culture for the quarter-zip trend are growing up and projecting themselves in a new light. They’re commanding respect and they mean business. As young Black mean change their mindset with this new trend, it’s only right to invest in Black-owned businesses that cater specifically to this quarter-zip look — and keep Black dollars circulating between Black hands. Here are six Black-owned brands that sell elevated quarter-zip styles with top craftsmanship.
Black Owned Everything
The Billie Quarter Zip Jacket, part of Black Owned Everything’s curated collection, features a windbreaker design with quarter-zip functionality and embroidered details on both front and back of the garment. The jacket is sold online through Black Owned Everything and blends streetwear elements with an elevated quarter zip look that suits the transition from YN to YG style. Young gentlemen can pair the jacket with a tee or light turtleneck and wear it with tailored joggers or dark denim.
The Black Of It All
The Black of It All’s Quarter Zip Pullover displays the prominent statement, “Minding My Black-Owned Business” both on its front and back. This pullover, which is currently available online, merges urban style with a grown-up mission. YGs could pair it with just about anything in their closets and minimal accessories.
D’IYANU
The Hamadi Men’s African Print Quarter Zip Sweater from D’IYANU, a Black-owned brand that combines African prints with contemporary menswear, comes in the “black cream tribal” pattern. This unique streetwear piece for grown men showcases a cultural print and a quarter-zip design and is currently available for purchase at D’IYANU’s online store. Create an elevated fashion look by matching this piece with solid trousers or dark denim.
Eastside Golf
The Signature Quarter Zip from Eastside Golf features a lightweight performance fabric in a quarter-zip design. The product can be purchased through online channels and at specific retail locations. The YG wardrobe upgrade needs this piece because it connects athletic apparel with streetwear fashion. The garment works well for golfing and casual wear when matched with chinos and tennis shoes.
Spencer Badu
The minimalist sportswear collection by Spencer Badu features quarter-zip pullovers and half-zips. You can purchase these items at Spencer Badu’s web store starting today. These pieces create a sophisticated grown-man appearance which balances street style with refined essentials. Combine these pieces with tailored joggers or dark slim-fit trousers and low-key sneakers.
Actively BLACK
The brand Actively BLACK, which supports and reinvests in the Black community, sells elevated basics including quarter zips which will be released soon. The company’s website and Instagram shop occasionally release new arrivals throughout the year. Supporting the basics category in Black-owned fashion is crucial, and these basics can be layered or worn solo. They match perfectly with tapered joggers or fresh sneakers.
RELATED CONTENT: Young Black Men Are Trading In The ‘YN’ Look For Matcha And Quarter Zip Sweaters
Choosing your scent is like picking the right playlist—it sets the tone, boosts your vibe, and makes sure that you’re remembered for the right reasons. But before you head to class or link up with the crew, there’s one key move to get right: knowing the difference between cologne, deodorant, and body spray.
AXE breaks down how each one works and how to use them together without going overboard.
Cologne vs. Deodorant: The Basics
Cologne is your main event—the headliner that turns heads and leaves a mark. It’s loaded with fragrance oils, so the scent sticks around. Think of it as your go-to when you want to show up and stand out—dates, parties, big moments.
Deodorant? That’s your everyday MVP. It’s not trying to steal the spotlight—it’s making sure you stay fresh, dry, and not… memorable in the wrong way. It handles body odor so that cologne can do its thing without competition.
What Is Body Spray?
Wondering about the difference between body spray and traditional deodorants? It’s all in the scent strength and staying power.
Body spray blends the freshness of deodorant with the power of high-quality scent. A product that fights odor and smells so good it could pass for cologne. Basically, it’s like cologne’s chill cousin that still knows how to own the stage.
This new generation of body sprays is designed for everyday use. You get that fresh-out-the-shower vibe with the added bonus of a scent that actually lasts—no need to carry a separate bottle of cologne in your backpack.
Where does Eau de Toilette fit in?
By now, you know the basics: Deodorant keeps you fresh, cologne makes a statement, and body sprays give you a bit of both. But what about Eau de Toilette vs. cologne vs. deodorant?
EDT, short for Eau de Toilette, is like the middle ground in the fragrance game. It’s lighter than cologne but packs more scent than your everyday deodorant. Think of it as your daytime secret weapon—noticeable, but not overpowering.
Here’s the quick cheat sheet:
- Cologne = Bold, long-lasting, high fragrance concentration.
- Eau de Toilette (EDT) = Lighter than cologne, stronger than deo. Great for daily spritzing.
- Deodorant = Odor control first, light scent second.
- Body Sprays = Fights odor and smells good doing it—ideal for all-day freshness with a fragrance twist.
The key? Use them based on the moment. Going all out? Cologne. Keeping it casual? EDT. Everyday freshness? Deodorant or a deo-perfume.
Can You Use Deodorant and Cologne Together?
Cologne and deodorant are like peanut butter and jelly—iconic together, as long as they don’t fight for the spotlight.
Looking for the best deodorant to wear with cologne? Try a lightly scented deo that won’t clash. Start with your deodorant to combat body odor, then layer on your favorite cologne for that extra oomph. The key is to choose scents that complement each other and don’t clash.
If you’re rocking something bold, you might not need cologne—but if you want to level up, pair it with a scent that plays in the same note range.
For example, if you’re using a fresh, aromatic scent, stick with colognes in the same fragrance family—like other aromatics or light woods—so everything stays in the same vibe and doesn’t clash.
The Secret to a Signature Scent? Layering
Want to smell great all day without being that guy who overdid it?
Layering is the move.
- Shower with a body wash that matches your chosen scent.
- Apply body spray to your underarms (and chest, if you’re feeling bold).
- Add a spritz of cologne to your pulse points.
It’s the scent version of outfit planning—you’re building a full look, not just throwing on one piece and hoping it works.
Is It Okay to Put Cologne on Your Armpits?
Sure, it might seem like a smart move, but spraying cologne straight on your armpits? Not it. Cologne’s meant for pulse points—like your neck and wrists—where your body heat helps the scent do its thing. Plus, the high alcohol content can mess with your skin. Keep deodorant where it belongs (your underarms), and let cologne handle the spotlight zones.
Getting your scent game right is all about knowing what each product does—and how to make them work together. The right scent combo can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. Experiment with different combinations and find the fragrance that makes you feel unstoppable. After all, in the world of scent, you’re the DJ, in control of when to drop the beat.
This story was produced by AXE and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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Ahsoka season one took the story of several characters from the animated Star Wars Rebels into new and surprising directions. But perhaps the most surprising character glow-up came for Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). Despite being handy with the Darksaber in Rebels, most didn’t think a Jedi future was in store for her. But much of Ahsoka season one dealt with Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice taking on Sabine as a pupil of her own. One Rebels writer, Henry Gilroy, said that he never intended or wanted a Jedi status for Sabine. In fact, to him, her becoming a Jedi was “a mistake.” Here’s what he said on the Pod of Rebellion podcast (via Gizmodo).
It was absolutely not the plan… we really felt that not only did it step on Ezra’s story… it was a weak retread, we already did this. The idea of Sabine training as a Jedi when she is already this fantastic warrior of her own type, we felt like, ‘This is overkill.’ I had nothing to do with the Ahsoka series, so I was shocked. What I love about the story with the Darksaber is that you don’t have to be a Jedi to have Jedi ideals… I think that’s what’s really the more important thing, rather than Force-pushing Ezra a hundred feet when she’s never used the Force before.
Dave Filoni might not have wanted Sabine to become a Jedi during the events of Rebels. But in the years between series, he clearly had a change of heart. Or maybe he wanted Sabine’s training to take place in a story where Ezra Bridger is (mostly) off the table. Certainly, Henry Gilroy’s sentiments track with how many fans feel about Sabine suddenly learning the ways of the Force. We’ll see if Ahsoka season two does anything to convince Gilroy (and the fans) that Sabine’s destiny as a Jedi was a good call.
The post REBELS Writer Calls Sabine’s Jedi Status in AHSOKA “A Mistake” appeared first on Nerdist.
A woman went on a quick girls’ trip to Nashville only to get woken up by an unsettling encounter at her Airbnb.
“Why is there a man in our [Airbnb]?” she wondered. “And I looked at the door and I saw him,” said Erica Blake (@ericaaaablake) in a video that’s amassed more than 179,000 views. A man had randomly wandered into her rental at night, disturbing her and her friends while they were sleeping.