Gorpcore is considered a fashion movement where utilitarian pieces, usually used for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, are used for daily wear in primarily urban settings.
Gorpcore got its name from the popular trail mix that hiking enthusiasts call gorp, a mix of “good ol’ raisins and peanuts.” Outdoor wear-turned-street wear is the core of this fashion style, and although it has been around for years, its ongoing popularity shows that it has become more than a trend. Outdoor wear brands like Patagonia, North Face, Columbia, Timberland, Arc’teryx, and Birkenstock, to name a few, have become more mainstream with the rise in demand.
Key pieces to the quintessential gorpcore outfit include practical performance pieces like puffer jackets, oversized ponchos, fleece pullovers, windbreakers, and hiking boots. These pieces are known for their durability as well as their utilitarian functionality. They also come in bright, bold colours that define the gorpcore, perhaps because they pop out against many urban backdrops. Mixing and matching the varied colours and textures make it a fun testament to the wearer’s personality and style.
Outdoor wear also tends to be baggy and loose-fitting. For example, the revival of cargo pants and wide-leg pants is a complete turnaround from the skin-tight skinny jeans that defined the previous decade. It says a lot about a preference for casual comfort that allows for more movement and flexibility.
Layering is another element of the gorpcore look. The voluminous silhouettes allow for layers like a shirt underneath a coat or jacket, ideal for the unpredictable weather we encounter. For accessories, backpacks, crossbody bags, beanies, and sunglasses will complete the look.
With celebrities from Rihanna to Kendall Jenner wearing the style, high-end luxury brands have jumped on the wagon, releasing pieces catering to the gorpcore style. Gorpcore fashion has graced the runways of Balenciaga, Prada, and Gucci.
No longer a trend being worn just by fashion influencers, it has become a part of mainstream fashion, which tells us, beyond any doubt, that gorpcore style is here to stay.
Image by marymarkevich on Freepik
