Zebra Print Is the It-Print
Why cheetah is out and stripes are in.
by Ella Maniloff ★ April 1st, 2025
Photo credit: Layne Colombo
For years, cheetah print has ruled the fashion jungle. It has been the go-to for an effortlessly sexy, slightly chaotic, and always bold statement. Now, there’s a new print dominating our feeds, our closets, and our Pinterest boards: zebra print.
Zebra is taking over for a reason—it’s edgier, sleeker and gives off that cool girl energy without feeling overdone. While cheetah print has been a closet staple for years, it’s starting to feel a little… expected. We've seen it on every micro mini, corset top, and faux fur coat in the book. But zebra? She’s a little more unpredictable. She’s high contrast, dramatic, and most importantly, she makes a statement without trying too hard.
The Zebra Effect: Why It Works
Zebra print is having a major fashion moment, and it makes perfect sense. The boldness of zebra is simply unmatched, and it's finally her time to shine in the world of patterns. It’s the perfect mix of edgy and elevated, standing out without looking chaotic. Black and white? Always chic. Stripes? Universally flattering. The combo? Chef’s kiss.
And let’s talk about versatility. Cheetah often leans into a more vintage, Y2K, or even borderline tacky aesthetic (which, don’t get us wrong, has its place), but zebra? Zebra is effortlessly modern. A zebra-print micro mini with an oversized sweater? Effortless chic. A zebra corset top with black denim? Instant hot-girl energy. A zebra-print blazer? Power move. It’s the kind of print that can be dressed up, toned down, or styled to match any vibe.
Even better? Zebra print plays well with others. Layer it with neutrals for a minimal moment or go full-throttle with color—zebra pairs shockingly well with hot pink, deep reds, and even other patterns. It’s giving ‘90s supermodel off-duty, it’s giving high fashion editorial, and most of all, it’s giving fresh.
Who’s Wearing It? The Celeb Stamp of Approval
If you need more proof that zebra print is taking over, just look at the It-girls. Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, and Kylie Jenner have all been spotted rocking zebra, proving it’s not just a passing trend—it’s a full-on takeover. Designers are fully embracing it too, with brands like Marc Jacobs, Retrofête, and Balmain making zebra the star of their collections. And, of course, TikTok’s fashion It-girls are leading the charge, with zebra pants, dresses, and knee-high boots flooding our feeds.
Even accessories are going wild for zebra. A striped mini bag? A total outfit maker. Are those zebra kitten heels? The ultimate way to level up an all-black look. And if you really want to make a statement, try zebra print in color—because brown or red zebra stripes? That’s next-level fashion energy.
Cheetah, You Had a Good Run—But It’s Time to Move On
Look, we’re not saying cheetah print is canceled—fashion is all about personal style, and there will always be room for the classics. But if you’re still clinging to cheetah like it’s 2019, it might be time for an update. Stripes are in, spots are out, and this season, the wildest print isn’t dotted—it’s striped.
So if you haven’t already, consider this a sign to add some stripes into your wardrobe for something a little fresher, a little sleeker, and a lot more fun. Because in 2025, zebra is running the fashion jungle. And trust us—you’ll want to be part of the stampede.