Gorpcore fashion: stylish must-haves
Gorpcore combines outdoor fashion with an urban streetwear look and turns functional clothing into a fashion statement. We will explain what gorpcore is and the easiest way to style this fashion trend. We will also show you which essentials you need for a trendy gorpcore style whatever the weather.
What is Gorpcore?
The "Gorpcore" fashion trend is an exciting combination of modern streetwear and practical functional clothing. Items of clothing that are typically worn for outdoor activities can be reinterpreted in a fashionable way and emphasise a modern, urban look. These include fleece jumpers and jackets, softshell and hardshell jackets, quilted down coats, hiking boots and practical cargo trousers.
The term Gorpcore is made up of "Normcore" and the abbreviation "Gorp". Normcore is a trend that defines "average" everyday clothing as a fashion statement. Gorp, on the other hand, is often used as an abbreviation for dried fruits and nuts, which can be eaten as a healthy snack. Lots of people who enjoy hiking quite often snack on dried fruits and nuts for an energy boost during their hike.
How to be outdoor fashionable
Gorpcore is perfect for an active lifestyle and offers you the opportunity to express your personal style with functional and comfortable clothing. Follow the tips below to put together the perfect Gorpcore outfit for everyday wear:
Outdoor clothing in muted colours (e.g. beige, brown, black, grey, dark blue or olive green) can easily be combined with different styles. Gorpcore outfits also look fantastic in monochrome colours or earth tones.
If you choose functional clothing in striking colours, these colours will make your outfit stand out. Combine a colourful rain or down coat with a pair of black trousers and plain shoes to make a fashion statement.
Gorpcore doesn't mean that you have to wear only functional clothing. Combining outdoor clothing and everyday wear always looks very good, for example, wear a hardshell jacket with a pair of jeans, a lumberjack shirt with cargo trousers or even a sporty down jacket over an elegant woollen dress.
Outdoor fashion with an oversized fit is perfect for unisex Gorpcore styles. However, you can also find close-fitting styles, such as fitted rain or down coats, which will perfectly show off your sporty figure.
Gorpcore style allows you to skilfully put together a layered outfit, which will help you to be prepared for all weather conditions. The breathable functional clothing is designed to be worn in several layers, giving you a variety of possible combinations.
Gorpcore also allows you to get the most out of your outdoor wear. You can wear Gorpcore styles for shopping trips, shorts walks or for your commute to work. This is also a good idea if you have just bought a new pair of hiking boots, as you will be able to wear them in. A layered look is the best option to help keep you warm and if you get too hot, you can simply take off a layer.
Everything you will need for a fantastic Gorpcore look
Gorpcore style became popular in 2020, but it is here to stay as this fashion trend is also considered relatively timeless. Functional clothing retains its practical properties even if certain trends evolve. Investing in weatherproof sportswear is all the more worthwhile if you don’t only wear it when you go hiking. You can easily combine it with other items of clothing for a wonderful look. We will show you below which outdoor essentials you need for a Gorpcore style:
Gorpcore jackets: stay warm and dry with functional jackets
Practical jackets for outdoor activities are one of the most important Gorpcore basics. They are windproof, breathable and water-repellent or waterproof, depending on whether the jacket has a hard or soft shell. Functional jackets are indispensable for outdoor activities, but they are also an ideal everyday companion, especially in changeable weather. They will protect you from the cold and rain and are very comfortable to wear.
Sporty and elegant styles in muted colours can be combined with many outfits. Longer functional jackets can help to protect your work clothes or evening wear from getting wet or dirty when you're out and about.
Gorpcore coats for a sporty style
Quilted coats are the ideal choice for a cold winter’s day. They will help keep you warm and protect you from the wind and rain at the same time. Quilted coats in bright colours are great for creating a modern and casual streetwear look. They go perfectly with sporty outfits, but also provide an exciting contrast to more elegant clothing.
However, you should keep in mind that thick down and quilted coats maybe a little too warm for commuting to work or for a casual stroll around town. Lightweight quilted coats that you can also wear in milder weather are therefore more suitable for an urban Gorpcore style.
Gorpcore jackets: warm fleece jackets
Fleece jackets are an absolute must-have for your Gorpcore wardrobe. They are cosy, soft, pleasantly warm and breathable. Fleece jackets are a popular choice thanks to their insulating layer, which is also known as a mid-layer.
They are the perfect addition to your outfit for outdoor activities and also for an urban layered look. Fleece jackets and jumpers give your outfit a robust and sporty retro charm, which many gorpcore styles are based on.
Gorpcore outfits: smart quilted waistcoats
Quilted waistcoats are really versatile and a great addition to your wardrobe. They are perfect as an insulating and warming layer for a smart casual look. In addition, they are comfortable to move about in, whether you are going on a hike or going into town.
Most quilted waistcoats have handy side pockets that allow you to store your essentials when you're out and about without needing a backpack or bag.
Gorpcore trousers: practical and stylish cargo trousers
Cargo trousers made of breathable, hard-wearing fabrics are a reliable choice for anyone that loves hiking. Their simple, timeless design also makes them the perfect everyday companion. The side pockets are very practical for walks in the countryside as well as for city breaks. Cargo trousers have a casual, comfortable fit and can be combined in lots of different ways.
You can wear a pair of cargo trousers with a jumper or shirt to create a cosy casual look. Combining them with a lumberjack shirt or a sweatshirt will make your trendy Gorpcore look stand out.
Casual & comfortable cargo trousers
Conclusion: making a fashion statement with trendy Gorpcore outfits
Gorpcore focuses on functional, practical and comfortable clothing. You can wear weatherproof clothing for heading into town or for exploring the countryside and at the same time you can benefit from their special properties and fantastic fabrics to create a stylish streetwear look. With the right combination of different items of clothing, you can make functional outdoor clothing very trendy, which will help you to enjoy and get the most out of your outdoor clothing.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/mihailomilovanovic
All other images are from C&A