Gorpcore: How to bring the outdoor look to the streets
Shortly:
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Gorpcore focuses on authentic outdoor pieces, combined with urban accessories and Japanese high-end brands. Gorpcore brings real outdoor wear to the streets.
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Typical elements include high-quality technical materials, layering looks, functional cuts, subtle logos and robust shoes.
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Gorpcore is combined casually: cargo pants, weatherproof jackets and trail runners meet boots or sneakers.
- Important brands include Arcteryx , Salomon , Patagonia , The North Face and labels such as Engineered Garments.
What is Gorpcore? – An overview of the fashion trend
Hiking clothes on the road? That's gorpcore. What was once intended only for hiking trips is now trendy. Gorpcore style is all about reinterpreting technical materials and outdoor brands for everyday wear. The looks are deliberately practical yet stylish, and they always fit. Gorpcore, by the way, stands for "Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts" – a nickname for classic hiking provisions. In Germany, we affectionately call this snack "student food." We'll show you how to integrate the outdoor look into your everyday life.
How did Gorpcore come about?
Gorpcore is more than just a hype. The trend began around 2017, when functional clothing suddenly became fashionable. Brands like Patagonia , Arcteryx , and The North Face found their way from mountain huts to the streets of big cities. The term "gorpcore" was first mentioned in 2017 and coined by author Jason Chen. His article is still online on "The Cut," and you can read it here. Originally, it was used rather ironically to describe the outdoor looks of celebrities. Frank Ocean wore a key outfit for the trend at Paris Fashion Week 2019. He arrived at the Louis Vuitton show wearing an Arcteryx beanie, a bright orange Mammut jacket, Diemme hiking boots, and classic straight-leg jeans. With this outfit, he embodied gorpcore in person, probably without having planned it.
Gorpcore isn't a trend that needs designer looks. Gorpcore is real outdoor wear. Fleece jackets, parkas, and functional cargo pants are part of the look, mostly from brands like Patagonia , The North Face , Teva, Columbia, or Birkenstock. These brands live and breathe the outdoors, and that's exactly what makes them so cool. They don't try to appear cool; they simply are. However, Japanese designers, who have long been reinterpreting American outdoor style, also have a strong influence on the trend. On social media, you'll find many creators sporting gorpcore fits who rely entirely on brands like Needles, Engineered Garments, or Snow Peak. These labels translate classic outdoor pieces into high-quality, high-end versions.
Typical elements of the Gorpcore style
Gorpcore combines functionality and comfort for outdoor activities with everyday practicality. The style focuses on practical cuts, loose fits, and functional details. Oversized jackets or knitwear create space for layering looks. Large or functional bags and trail running sneakers are also typical. Here are the typical elements of the Gorpcore style in detail:
Technical materials
Gore-Tex , fleece, ripstop nylon, softshell: Materials that are breathable, water-repellent, and robust complete your Gorpcore style. These fabrics add not only function but also structure to your outfit. The choice of materials is a key element in Gorpcore styling:
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(Ripstop) nylon is lightweight, durable and water-repellent: perfect for jackets, backpacks and bags
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Gore-Tex is the absolute classic: breathable and waterproof
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Fleece insulates and dries quickly: perfect for sweaters and vests
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Down is a must: light, warm fillings for jackets
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Cordura and canvas are extremely durable and perfect for trousers, backpacks and jackets
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Merino wool is temperature-regulating, odorless and sustainable, perfect for your base layer
Layering look
More is more! With Gorpcore, you combine multiple layers. Windbreakers over fleece, vests over long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts , and knitwear—there are no limits to your creativity.
Functional cuts
Utility first! Cargo pants, tech jackets, and oversized pieces define the look. Freedom of movement and practicality are paramount, without sacrificing style.
Eye-catching accessories
Gorpcore thrives on accessories ; crossbody bags or sling bags add a touch of style. This is where design and function meet. You can also break up the style with fancy sunglasses or leather bags. Don't take style too seriously.
Shoes
Trail running shoes, chunky outdoor sneakers , or hiking boots are key to Gorpcore. Classic sportswear labels like Nike, adidas, or New Balance don't really have much in common with the core of Gorpcore. But it's precisely this disconnect that makes it fun: A Gorpcore outfit with an Arcteryx jacket and cargo pants pairs perfectly with a pair of Nike Ar Max Plus (TN) , adidas Samba , or New Balance 990 , or even Birkenstocks .
Logos
While classic streetwear often features bold logos, gorpcore takes a more subtle approach. Outdoor brand logos are integrated more discreetly and serve more as a function than for show.
How to combine Gorpcore pieces correctly
Gorpcore is easy to combine: A complete outdoor look from head to toe would be too bold. Instead, functional garments are casually mixed with streetwear or high-quality accessories like leather bags or Birkenstocks. The goal: a relaxed look that seems as if it came about by chance.
Gorpcore thrives on its versatility. Here are a few tips to elevate the style to your level:
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Cargo pants or tech pants are the perfect base. Perfect for changeable weather. Pair them with a simple shirt and a functional jacket.
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Layer your tops: windbreaker over fleece, anorak over a hoodie —the layered look adds dynamism and functionality. There are no limits to your creativity.
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Choose weatherproof jackets: Parkas, anoraks, or windbreakers with adjustable details are key to your outfit. In winter, down jackets are perfect as an insulating outer layer, especially The North Face Nuptse.
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Use accessories correctly: Practical, (optionally) waterproof bags complete your look. You can also break up the style with leather bags.
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Opt for sturdy shoes: With shoes like trail runners or lightweight hiking boots, you'll be stylish and functional on the go. You can also try something completely new here. Brands like The North Face and Arcteryx also offer boots and sneakers . You can also break up the style with sneakers; these are our top 5 shoes:
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Nike Shox , alternatively: Air Max Plus or Air Max SNDR
Tip: There are no limits to your color choices. We recommend sticking with muted colors like olive, beige, anthracite, or navy. Bright colors like neon or orange are fine, but use them carefully and as a real eye-catcher in your outfit. It's best to choose bright colors for your jacket, hat, or shoes.
Gorpcore brands you need to know are the following:
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Arcteryx : The high-end pioneer of technical outdoor clothing
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Salomon : Known for trail running shoes that also cut a strong figure on asphalt
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The North Face : A classic that combines functionality and street style
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Patagonia : Sustainable materials meet iconic design
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Engineered Garments: A Japanese brand that perfectly masters the balancing act between fashion and function
FAQ: Your most important questions about Gorpcore
What is Gorpcore?
Gorpcore describes a trend that brings outdoor clothing into everyday life and the city. Function, comfort, and style are the focus here.
Who wears gorpcore?
Originally popular in the outdoor and streetwear scene, Gorpcore is now worn by fashion lovers and creatives all over the world.
What does the abbreviation Gorpcore stand for?
"Gorp" is slang for hiking snacks (Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts). In Germany, we would say "Studentenfutter" (student food).
Where does the term Gorpcore come from?
Jason Chen coined the term in a 2017 article on “The Cut” when describing the trend toward functional everyday fashion.
Which brands are typical for Gorpcore?
Arcteryx, Salomon, Patagonia, The North Face and Engineered Garments are among the big players.
Where can you buy gorpcore clothing?
In every well-stocked outdoor clothing store and also here at Asphaltgold you will find a strong selection of Gorpcore pieces.
Are there sustainable alternatives in the gorpcore style?
Yes, brands like Patagonia are increasingly focusing on recycled materials and fair production . But you can also easily buy outdoor clothing secondhand.
Author: Asphaltgold |