What is Gorpcore?: Five Ways to Nail the Gorpcore Look 

What is Gorpcore?: Five Ways to Nail the Gorpcore Look

At the nexus of sportswear and streetwear, is the gleaming grail of Gorpcore – the holy conflation of two vibes. Gorpcore fans dress to be seen. They value comfort, they value staying dry in the rain, staying cool in the sun, and warm in the snow. They also value a firm handshake from the fashion runways, a knowing nod from a passing hiker, and the peace and quiet of nature.

Gorpcore is about more than just names or brands, but the lifestyles attached to them. And the more a brand not only talks the talk but walks the walk, the more they belong authentically to the Gorpcore space.

Gorpcore can be defined by context. Actually hiking in these fits may classify them as adventure gear or outdoor gear, but utilising these pieces out of their usual context – in the city – is what makes it recognisable as Gorpcore.

Like the word itself – I’ve never heard a trail hiker refer to their trail mix as “good old raisins and peanuts”, let alone “GORP” – this style has been adapted to a new, niche manner of dressing and is infiltrating the mainstream more by the day.

The key to wearing anything well – is having worn it a lot, and the assurance that comes with knowing that you can relax and be comfy in an outfit you love. This is no different for Gorpcore. It bears to know the five key elements that will make your entry into the world of Gorp that much easier.

Sustainability

Gorpcore first reared its boonie-hatted head in 2017 and continues to dominate the most sought-after trends at brands and retailers alike. It’s safe to say that this is no micro-trend, but instead something favoured by people looking for both form and function – enough so that it has carved a niche community which believes in good quality items that can be re-worn for years. This is no small feat in a world in the grips of fast fashion and plays an important role in dismantling ideas of transiency, and disposability in the consumerist mindset.

Look for recycled fabrics and organic materials, but also look for traceability. There is no sustainability without transparency, meaning that we can tell not only what our clothes are made of, but also who has made them, if they worked in safe conditions and if they are paid a living wage. Do your research into sustainability before you decide what you want to say to the world with your Gorpcore fit.

Colour

Gorpcore, since it’s designed for use in the great outdoors, usually favours colours that blend with the natural environment – khaki greens, browns, beige and black. The ethos around the best Gorpcore brands in the biz is that a modern human’s foray into nature should leave it, at worst, undisturbed from what it was when you got there, and at best, better than what you found it.

This sustainability ethos bleeds into the look of the garments as well. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t find Gorpcore in bright colours that are intended for the fashion-centric consumer as well. Shop brightly coloured vests and accessories to add a pop of colour to your fit. You can also shop colourful takes on camo print to subvert the look for city life.   

Layers

Another key element of the Gorpcore look is layering. This spells the difference between the guy on his daily power walk through the forest and the guy (or gal) who wants people to know that they know a little something about raisins and peanuts.

An easy way to delineate yourself from the Karen in her Lululemon fit is to layer a hoodie under a spray jacket or technical jacket. Make sure you have the hood sticking out so that other people can see it. Keep layers loose (except for your very base layers on a cold day) and pair with straight-leg pants as well. These could be simple khaki chinos, cargos or a more technical fabrication. This could even be a long cargo skirt if the trails you frequent are made of concrete rather than earth.

Layering with your loosest garments on the outside will ensure that you are recognised (and maybe even venerated) as a Gorp master. A relaxed and loose silhouette is a hallmark of Gorpcore, particularly in the fashion space. So don’t be shy if loose isn’t usually your thing. Comfort is always key, and in this case, it’s also an integral part of pulling off the look.

Weathering the outdoors can be wild. If you’ve ever camped out, or experienced 24 hours in Australia, you’ll know that while mornings can be bitterly cold, afternoons can be sweltering. Layering a graphic tee by Deus underneath your cool, Gorpy outer layers can ensure that you are ready to be seen no matter which layer you disrobe to throughout the day.     

Footwear

Shoes can really tie an outfit together, and Gorpcore can look really good with On Running, Asics, New Balance, Nike or any sneakers you already have lying around. However, if you want to go all the way (to the top of the mountain), reach the climax (of the mountain), go straight to third base (of the mountain also), then consider outdoorsy footwear to go with your fit. This means anything that might be used out in the natural world. Trail hiking shoes are a great way to begin, as these are basically regular runners with a more flexible and durable tread, and tubular laces. These sorts of shoes will also save you from waterlogging on rainy days, repel dust and promote breathability, more than the regular sneaker would.

As the Gorpcore trend has developed through the years, existing brands like Adidas and Nike have released collections that cater to the look, adding an element of performance sportswear to the world of technical fabrics and all-weather protection. However, the darkest horse in Gorp footwear is On Running, the brainchild of former Swiss Ironman Olivier Bernhard, who developed the brand after struggling to find the perfect shoe for use in athletic competition, on the market. On Running has since superseded ironmen and trail hikers and delved into the fashion world through Gorpcore.

Crocs are another brand that fit squarely in the Gorpcore space. While you might not wear these on your longer trips through the wilderness, Crocs are loved by fisherman and recreational water sports enthusiasts, as well as your friendly local Gorp afficionado.    

Accessories

You’d be surprised how easy it is to level up your Gorpcore outfit with an accessory. Is this a new look for you? Unconvinced that you’ve pulled it off successfully? Then do we have exciting news for you! Throw on a pair of sunglasses, wear a sling bag crossbody. If it’s cold, wear a beanie, and you’ve only gone and done it. Gorpcore naturally lends itself to practicality, so in this case, the more ready you look to take on any weather, the more aligned you are with the trend.

Explore Glue's Gorpcore collection online and in-stores now.