Gorpcore fashion combines street style with technical outdoor wear made for nature-oriented adventures. It’s arguably an extension of normcore’s vanilla aesthetics but gorp style features more volume and function. The gorpcore trend is influenced by hiking and other outdoor activities as the clothes incorporate elements for utility purposes.
Gorpcore is named after the colloquial phrase “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” or “gorp” to describe trail mix, the favorite snack of hikers and mountaineers. The term was coined in 2017 by The Cut’s fashion editor Jason Chen who spotted the trend on the streets of New York. He noticed people wearing fleece vests, windbreakers and parkas for everyday outings like grabbing a cuppa joe or walking down Wall Street.
Hip-hop celebrities like A$AP Rocky and Drake helped popularize gorpcore street style by wearing full-zip fleeces and windbreakers at high-profile events and stage performances. Soon enough, the gorpcore trend became mainstream as the style can be spotted on every block and corner. What was once considered high-performance sportswear for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts has become a fashionable choice for daily wear.
When one thinks of extreme outdoor wear, boring-looking clothes that prioritize function over style may come to mind. However, gorpcore fashion reworks extreme outdoor wear with streetwear elements for greater visual appeal. Outerwear plays a major role in gorpcore fashion, such as fleece vests, parkas and windbreakers. Other gorpcore-approved wardrobe essentials include anoraks, ponchos, cargo shorts and pants, and hiking shoes. Technical clothing fits the gorpcore style too, although gorpcore clothes don’t need to have practical, high-performance functions as they are worn for everyday occasions.
Gorpcore is the aesthetic of choice for those who prefer functional yet stylish wear over preppy or cute looks like kawaii fashion or K-pop style.
Well-known outdoor clothing and gear brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia and Arc’teryx are the staple of gorpcore. Each gorpcore brand’s mission is to create outdoor apparel geared for exploring nature and withstanding harsh environments. The technical and durable products are made to support an outdoor lifestyle and activities like camping and mountaineering. Several gorpcore fashion labels also have eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable fabrics and methods for production of the goods.
Luxury runway fashion brands have joined the gorpcore fashion trend by teaming up with the OG outdoors brands. These gorpcore high fashion collaborations helped pave the way for gorpcore fashion to become popular amongst the wider public. Manolo Blahnik partnered with Birkenstocks to release a collection of sandals in 2022. Gucci teamed up with The North Face for an outdoor-inspired collection that was aligned with a campaign shot in Iceland celebrating themes of self-discovery and exploration.
In recent years, the pandemic has led many people to venture outdoors, resulting in skyrocketing demand for gorpcore fashion items from luxury outdoor brands. Canada Goose and Moncler are two high-end brands that specialize in winter sports wear with an opulent touch.
Styling a gorpcore outfit is all about mixing and matching outerwear with vogue street pieces, so you can brave the elements while looking stylish. You don’t need to get your hands on functional wear from luxury labels to create the ‘fit. All that’s needed are a few essential items to nail down the gorpcore aesthetic.
What makes an outfit gorpcore are the 3L’s − logos, layering and loose-fit pieces. A lot of brands associated with gorpcore make their logo very visible in the clothing designs. Layering is key because when you’re out in the wild, you have to be prepared for every type of weather condition. Bracing for strong winds and cooler temperatures are part of the deal as adventurers of the outdoors. Comfortable wear is also important as the clothing must be designed for action-packed adventures. Thus, gorpcore outfits tend to be loose and stretchy to accommodate swift body movements.
Coats and jackets are integral pieces to gorpcore fashion. Puffer jackets, anoraks, windbreakers, fleeces and padded vests all fall under the gorpcore umbrella. Puffer jackets have made a winter weather comeback, particularly those in bright colors with street style flourishes.
While the gorp-style trend is more readily associated with men’s fashion, women can very well pull off the look. Steal the spotlight in a bright orange or yellow puffer jacket and pair it with a tracksuit or cargo pants. For a warm weather ensemble, go for a cropped version. For something chic, wear a puffer jacket over a bodycon dress and thigh-high boots. If the bulky silhouette isn’t your style, consider a cozy fleece jacket or a padded vest. Fleeces tend to have a loose fit and can come in a cute aesthetic due to the soft and fluffy material. Some fleeces are made with extra functional features, such as a two-sided design that can be reversed and worn as a windbreaker.
If you already have outerwear staples in your closet, you can easily put together a gorpcore-inspired look. You don’t have to wear hiking clothes to create a gorpcore fashion ensemble. Start with a simple base layer, like a cotton shirt, and layer on a pullover or sweatshirt before adding bulkier outerwear on top. A sports tee made of breathable and sweat-absorbing material would do the trick as a base layer piece. In a similar vein, pants made of water-resistant material and fashioned in a straight-leg yet loose-fit style with an elasticized waistband are ideal for a gorpcore look. This is where cargo pants come into the picture. Cargo pants are often made in a comfortable fit with an elasticized or drawstring waistband, not to mention classic flap pockets to store small essentials.
Finish the gorpcore look with a pair of sturdy yet modish trekking shoes. Hiking boots and trail running shoes are the only options when it comes to gorp-style footwear. To keep things suited for both nature and the streets, go for high-tops and chunky soles that can at least withstand wet terrain, like puddles. Lastly, throw on a crossbody bag or fanny pack to store your personal belongings and, most importantly, your trail mix.
