You may have noticed folks wearing a lot of hiking boots, fuzzy quarter zips with plenty of pockets, and sweat-wicking layers.
There isn’t an actual increase in hikers and campers out there; it’s just another trend on the fashion wheel. Let us introduce you to Gorpcore.
What Is Gorpcore?
The outdoorsy people in your life have probably heard about this phrase for years. Essentially, gorpcore focuses on function over fashion. The main priority here is that you’re always dressed to go on an adventure, rather than out for dinner.
Gorpcore is usually associated with carabiners, fleeces, windbreakers, vests, cargo pants, and hiking shoewear, often with bright patterns or colors. This type of clothing features more relaxed fits so you can climb those mountains with ease.
The funny thing about the “gorp” part of gorpcore is that it’s actually an acronym for the phrase “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts,” your classic trail mix combination.
Where Did It Come From?
While it has existed much longer, the actual term “gorpcore” only appeared in 2017. It was first used by Jason Chen in an article for The Cut.
In his article, Chen writes, “this new aesthetic worships the Woods, strictly defining itself by the idioms of hiking-camping-outdoor apparel. It telegraphs an enlightenment beyond urban, bourgeois concerns.”
Gorpcore likely stemmed from normcore, which prioritized plain jeans and neutral tees, but with an outdoorsy twist. The premise of both fashion trends remains the same: a priority on high-quality, durable, and comfortable clothing.
How To Sport The Gorpcore Look
If you want to start rocking the granola aesthetic, here’s how to do it.
For spring and summer, your best options are some Patagonia shorts, Birkenstocks, hiking shoes or sandals, and a bit of tie-dye just to tie it all together.
When the weather changes, you can start opting for a puffy vest and cargo pants. You can also break out the more weather-appropriate hiking boots and fleecy sweaters at this point. Parachute pants are also a good option.
Come winter, puffy jackets are all the rage. Baggy jeans, Fleece-lined activewear, and windbreaking layers will help combat the cold.
The main point of gorpcore is not to “look good,” it's to feel comfortable. Luckily, modern fashion has been able to blend the two more seamlessly.
If you want to take inspiration from the fashion pros, look to stars like A$AP Rocky, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and even the Biebers.
Good Gorpcore Brands To Consider
- ACG
- Outdoor Research
- Solomon
- Patagonia
- G2G
- Snow Peak
- Columbia
- Arc’teryx
- ASICS
- Mammut
Accessorizing Gorpcore
- A functional fanny pack is a must
- Don’t forget your Nalgene water bottle
- A carabeaner. It doesn’t have to be for rock climbing; it can just be for your keys.
- A brightly colored winter hat that keeps you protected from the wind
- Purses are a gorpcore no-no. Opt for a backpack instead. If you do prefer a purse, a simple crossbody bag will do just the trick
- A pair of high-quality sunglasses will complete your look
