If you’ve been noticing an invasion of fleece liners, waterproof quilted jackets and trainers that look like they came off a hiking trail in the middle of urban asphalt lately, you’re not seeing visions. You are witnessing the unstoppable rise of the Fashion GorpcoreThe trend that fuses technical outdoor clothing with everyday city life. And yes, it’s pretty cool!
El Gorpcore borrows the best of mountain gear – its functionality, durability and comfort – and recontextualises it in an urban environment, creating a unique aesthetic that values practicality without compromising on style. It’s the paradox of wearing a jacket designed to withstand a blizzard while waiting for the underground, or hiking boots for a walk in the park.
But where exactly does this fever for the urban technical clothingWhat are the gorpcore brands and why we are so attracted by this tendencia outdoor fashion? Read on to decipher the Gorpcore phenomenon and learn how to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
What Exactly Does It Mean “Gorpcore” and Where Does It Come From?
The term “Gorpcore” was coined by Jason Chen in an article for The Cut and 2017. “Gorp” is a slang or acronym used by hikers that stands for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts” (good old sultanas and peanuts), the classic trail mix to refuel in the mountains. The suffix “-core” The new trend, common in the nomenclature of fashion trends, elevates it to an aesthetic category.
In essence, the Gorpcore describes a style that prioritises the functionality and usability of outerwear over the traditional aesthetic conventions of urban fashion. It’s about appreciating the engineering, technical materials (such as Gore-Tex), durability and comfort of garments designed to perform in demanding conditions, but worn in everyday situations.
Although it has its own entity, the Gorpcore is in dialogue with other trends such as the Normcore (the aesthetics of normality and anti-style), the athleisure (the integration of sportswear into everyday looks) and, above all, the utilitarian stylewith its emphasis on pockets, functional silhouettes and strength.
Key Gorpcore Brands: From Mountain to Catwalk
The heart of the Gorpcore lies in brands that were traditionally associated exclusively with outdoor activities, but have been able to connect with a wider, more fashionable audience.
Outdoor Titans Go Cool
- The North Face: Probably the brand most visibly associated with urban Gorpcore, thanks in large part to its iconic quilted jacket. Nuptsea winter staple in many cities.
- Patagonia: Famous for its polar linings (such as the classic Synchilla) and its strong commitment to sustainability, Patagonia embodies the most conscious and “anti-fashion” of Gorpcore.
- Arc’teryx: Originally an ultra-technical and niche brand for climbers and mountaineers, Arc’teryx has experienced exponential growth in urban popularity. Its Archaeopteryx logo has become an understated status symbol. High-profile collaborations, such as that of Arc’teryx x Jil Sanderand a growing presence at Fashion Weeks have cemented its coolness. Interest in the brand and the term “Gorpcore” overall shows a sustained trend in Google Trends since 2021.
- Salomon: What started out as a trail running shoe has become an urban running shoe phenomenon. Models such as the Salomon XT-6 or XT-4 are ubiquitous on the feet of fashion connoisseurs, sought after for their comfort and distinctive technical aesthetics.
Unexpected Collaborations and the Fashion Label
Gorpcore’s success has been driven by collaborations that fuse the technical world with luxury or streetwear. The aforementioned Arc’teryx x Jil Sander brought a sophisticated minimalism to technical garments. Gucci x The North Face added a touch of Italian maximalism to outdoor equipment. These joints legitimise the tendencia outdoor fashion within the industry and make it even more desirable.
Why are we so attracted to the Urban Outdoor Fashion Trend?
The popularity of the Gorpcore is no coincidence. It responds to various contemporary needs and desires:
- Real Functionality: Even if we don’t climb Everest on our way to work, we appreciate that our urban technical clothing protect us from rain, wind or cold. The waterproof jacketsThe breathable fabrics and grippy soles have tangible benefits in the asphalt jungle.
- Utilitarian and durable aesthetics: There is an inherent appeal in well-constructed garments, designed to last. In a world dominated by fast fashionGorpcore represents an investment in quality and resilience, aligning with the utilitarian style.
- Comfort First: Let’s face it, the polar linings are pleasant, the silhouettes are often relaxed and trail running inspired shoes are incredibly comfortable for walking around town.
- A Different Type of “Flex” : Go to gorpcore brands such as Arc’teryx or Salomon can be a way of signalling group membership. “enterado” who values function and quality over a flashy logo. It’s a kind of understated, practical luxury.
- Influence of Celebrities and Street Style: Style icons such as Frank Ocean, A$AP Rocky, Bella Hadid or Kendall Jenner have been photographed incorporating Gorpcore pieces in their looks, which inevitably boosts the trend and generates searches such as “Salomon XT-6 street style” .
La Fashion Gorpcore has proved to be much more than a passing micro-trend. It is a logical response to our desire to comfortable, functional and durable clothingThe new, but adapted to an urban context and with its own appealing aesthetics. It combines all-weather readiness with an air of understated adventure and an appreciation for thoughtful design.
Whether you are attracted by the promise of comfort, the durability of the garments or simply the technical aesthetics, the Gorpcore offers many ways to experiment and find your own balance between function and fashion. Dare to incorporate that one piece of urban technical clothing in your next look and see why wearing (a little) mountain wear in the city definitely MOLA.
What is your favourite Gorpcore brand or garment, how do you like to combine it, tell us in the comments!
