Techwear is a style emphasizing functional, technology-driven garments that prioritize utility, weather resistance, and freedom of movement. The aesthetic draws from military, outdoor, and athletic wear, reimagined for urban environments with a futuristic sensibility. Key features include technical fabrics (Gore-Tex, Schoeller), articulated construction for mobility, multiple pockets and storage solutions, taped seams, and predominantly dark colorways. The movement was largely defined by Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sachenbacher through their brand ACRONYM, founded in 1994. Their approach connected to earlier innovations by Massimo Osti at Stone Island and C.P. Company. Techwear exists on a spectrum from affordable functional basics to ACRONYM's premium pieces exceeding $1,500. The style has connections to cyberpunk aesthetics and is sometimes called 'urban ninja' for its emphasis on dark, functional clothing suited for navigating cities in any condition.
Definition T
Techwear
Functional, technology-driven clothing emphasizing utility, weather resistance, and futuristic aesthetics.
Origin & Etymology
Combines 'tech' (technology) with 'wear' (clothing). The term gained currency in the 2010s as online communities formed around functional fashion, though brands like ACRONYM had been producing the aesthetic since the early 2000s.
