Are you tired of sacrificing comfort for style? Do you find yourself drawn to clothes that are ready for a mountain trail? Then, gorpcore is the style for you. In this article, you’ll learn not only the gorpcore meaning, but also how to rock the rugged look.
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What Does Gorpcore Mean?
The word ‘gorpcore’ might sound out of this world, but it’s actually a mashup of the words ‘gorp’ and ‘core.’
‘Gorp’ is short for “good old raisins and peanuts,” a classic trail mix. On the other hand, ‘core,’ used as a suffix, denotes anything (style or trend) as aesthetically pleasing.
So, gorpcore is a stylish trail mix? Well, no. The ‘gorp’ in gorpcore is a quirky nod to hiking culture. In short, gorpcore is a fashion trend centered on wearing technical outdoor gear.
The term itself gained traction around 2017. Jason Chen, a writer for New York Magazine’s fashion blog, The Cut, is often credited with coining the name in his May 2017 article, “First Came Normcore. Now Get Ready for Gorpcore.”
Is Gorpcore Fashion the Same as Normcore?
Something to keep in mind, though. Gorpcore is different from normcore. Normore is deliberate blandness yet timeless styles, while gorpcore is less about blending in and more about being ready for anything.
When Did Gorpcore Become Popular?
Gorpcore didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It has its origins in the larger athleisure movement. Folks began rocking gym wear to brunch and other outings, and this opened the door for more technical apparel to become trendy. The trend really gained momentum in the mid-to-late 2010s.
What Does Gorpcore Style Look Like?
If you think of gorpcore as just a beanie and a puffer jacket, you’re pretty much on point—but that’s not the whole picture. There are other pieces that really make gorpcore, gorpcore:
- The silhouette is loose and comfortable.
- The color scheme features bright primary colors combined with more neutral shades, such as beige and black.
- Layered volume is king. The more layers, the better; sometimes this can include two jackets.
- There is a focus on brands. The brands themselves are a big part of the appeal.
What Are the Gorpcore Staples?
Want to rock the gorpcore look but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the key pieces that make up a gorpcore wardrobe.
- Cargo Pants: These are the backbone of many gorpcore outfits. The extra pockets add a utilitarian flair. They also offer a relaxed, comfortable fit.
- Fleece Sweater: A cozy fleece is a must-have for this style. It’s perfect for layering and is excellent for keeping you warm.
- Down Jacket / Puffer Jacket: This is the ultimate statement piece. The puffy silhouette and bold colors are instantly iconic.
- Vests: You can swap a down jacket for a vest to achieve a more versatile layered look.
- Wide-Leg Pants: Don’t need the extra pockets of cargo pants? Swap with wide-leg pants instead.
- Hiking Boots: Don’t just save these for the trail. Brands like Merrell and Salomon make stylish options. They can be worn with anything from jeans to dresses.
- Beanies and Bucket Hats: These accessories add a must-have finishing touch. A beanie is a classic choice for colder weather, while a bucket hat adds a cool, street-style edge.
- Functional Accessories: A simple fanny pack or a technical backpack is perfect for an outdoorsy aesthetic look.
What Are the Best Gorpcore Brands?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, brand is critical if you want to complete your gorpcore ensemble. Here are some popular brands you can get your gorpcore attire from.
- Arc’teryx: Known for its high-performance gear and sleek designs. Their jackets are a status symbol in the gorpcore community.
- The North Face: Their puffer jackets and fleeces are instantly recognizable, and they are top quality.
- Patagonia: Famous for its commitment to sustainability. They have a cult-like following for their fleeces and vests.
- Salomon: This brand makes some of the most stylish trail runners and hiking shoes. Their sneakers are often a key part of a gorpcore outfit.
- And Wander: A Japanese brand that combines high fashion with outdoor functionality. They offer unique designs and premium materials.
How to Style Gorpcore?
Styling gorpcore is simpler than you think. It’s all about mixing and matching. Here are a few ways to get started.
- Start with the basics. Grab a pair of cargo pants or wide-leg trousers and pair them with a simple tee or a hoodie.
- Layer, layer, layer. Throw a fleece over your top. Then, add a vest or a lightweight shell jacket. The main point is, don’t be afraid to mix colors and technical fabrics like GORE-TEX and nylon..
- Choose your footwear wisely. Hiking boots are a classic choice. But you can also wear technical sneakers. Brands like Salomon or Hoka work great.
- Accessorize for function. A beanie or a bucket hat adds to the outdoorsy look. Make sure to add a small fanny pack or a backpack for your essentials. Just don’t go oversize with that fanny pack or you’ll ruin the whole look!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Gorpcore style is rocking outdoor clothing even when you are not hitting the mountain trails. The goal is to look like you could hike a mountain at a moment’s notice, just dressed in the clothes you had at hand by the bed, even if you’re going to grab some coffee.
