Outdoor clothing and sneakers are an important part of today's streetwear. A few years ago, classic streetwear brands like Stussy or Carhartt WIP dominated the scene. But as in the fashion world in general and streetwear in particular, new trends and styles are developing.
Nike ACG, for example, is a separate division of the sporting goods giant from the USA. All Condition Gear means clothing that can be worn in any weather as it is a mixture of functional and sportswear. Nike ACG releases a new collection twice a year, which includes apparel as well as sneakers which are a perfect mix of streetwear and functional clothing.
Some of the long-established brands, which in the beginning were known only to insiders, have been around for quite some time. The Nuptse puffer jacket from The North Face is not only since the collaborations with Supreme the first choice when winter is just around the corner. Actually, you have to thank the high-fashion labels for collaborating with outdoor brands. The North Face and Gucci, Arc'Teryx and Jil Sander, or Maison Margiela with Salomon are just a few examples from recent years.
These beginnings culminated in the GORPCORE trend in 2017. Designer Martine Rose brought iconic jackets from the Napapirjri brand up to date. The pieces were a mix of street style and tailoring that was kinda new. It was also at this time that the term Gorpcore was coined. Gorp is an abbreviation for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, a fruit and nut mixture that is especially popular with hikers, which brings us back to outdoor functional clothing.
Our clothing has to become more and more functional and should still look good. Water-repellent and breathable fabrics, not only make sense in the great outdoors but are also a useful companion in everyday life in the big city. Down jackets, climbing harnesses, carabiners, and shoes inspired by climbing and hiking are important parts of the Gorpcore trend. Water bottles, camping chairs, or multifunctional bags are also nice accessories to have.
Labels like Stone Island or C.P. Company are pioneers in terms of Gorpcore and were already around long before this term even existed. For the perfect Gorpcore outfit, we recommend the shoes from Salomon, which can be perfectly combined with the look.
These are the Gorpcore Essentials:
Technical materials - For the real outdoor look, you need tech materials like hardshell, softshell or Gore-Tex. These fabrics have useful properties, they are breathable and water-repellent and give your outfit that certain Gorpcore touch.
Layering Looks - As unpredictable as the weather is, your outfit should be able to adapt. Several layers on top of each other and in different lengths, give your outfit a multi-faceted look and offers exactly what you need, especially in unsettled weather.
Functional cuts - A large part of outdoor clothing is already perfectly adapted to your needs. A high degree of flexibility for the wearer is essential and therefore the cuts of Gorpcore clothing are not too tight. Optimally, there are elastic bands to find the perfect fit.
Gorpcore means more is more - Minimalism doesn’t fit the Gorpcore trend. Bright colors, sophisticated details, and high-tech fabrics are definitely part of it. Also, the garments have useful properties that can be used in everyday life.
Material mix - outdoor clothing is always functional. It becomes exciting when different textile structures are combined. Especially with layered looks, new looks can be created with exciting contrasts.
Logos - The hype around flashy logos has flattened out a bit in recent years and it has become more subtle. Gorpcore is no different, with a focus on the practicality of the clothes. However, the most famous brands celebrate nature. By now, everyone knows what the logos of The North Face, Patagonia, and Arc'Teryx look like.
