Gorpcore

Gorpcore is a fashion aesthetic centered on wearing technical outdoor apparel—hiking boots, Gore-Tex jackets, fleeces, and trail shoes—as everyday urban clothing. The style emerged in the late 2010s and exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought durable, functional clothing for outdoor activities. Key brands include Arc'teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, and Salomon. Unlike pure techwear's futuristic aesthetic, gorpcore embraces the authentic look of hiking and mountaineering gear with earth tones, bold primary colors, and utilitarian details. The trend represents a shift toward functional fashion that offers genuine performance value rather than purely aesthetic appeal. Critics note that gorpcore enthusiasts often wear $800 technical jackets to coffee shops rather than mountains, spawning TikTok trends of people showering in Arc'teryx to demonstrate water resistance. High fashion has embraced the trend through collaborations like Gucci x The North Face, while original outdoor brands have seen significant revenue growth from fashion-conscious consumers.