# Gorpcore

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**Gorpcore** is a [fashion trend](/source/Fashion_trend) in which [outerwear](/source/Outerwear) typically designed for [outdoor recreation](/source/Outdoor_recreation) is worn as [streetwear](/source/Streetwear). It has been described as "wearing functional outdoor wear in an urban, trendy style". This includes [technical](/source/Technical_textile) garments such as [puffer jackets](/source/Puffer_jacket), [hiking boots](/source/Hiking_boot) and [fleeces](/source/Fleece_jacket), and brands such as [the North Face](/source/The_North_Face), [Patagonia](/source/Patagonia,_Inc.) and [Arc'teryx](/source/Arc'teryx). While the trend has a practical basis, it has also been embraced for its stylish appeal, with celebrities incorporating outdoor gear into everyday outfits. Coined in 2017, gorpcore emerged as a popular [trend in the 2020s](/source/2020s_in_fashion); some analysts suggest that the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) in part influenced this.[1]

## Etymology

The term "gorpcore" was first introduced by writer Jason Chen in an article for [*New York* magazine](/source/New_York_(magazine))'s fashion blog *The Cut* in 2017. The term derives from the term [normcore](/source/Normcore) and the popular [hiking](/source/Hiking) snack, [gorp](/source/Trail_mix) (possibly an acronym of "good ol' [raisins](/source/Raisin) and [peanuts](/source/Peanut)", or "granola, oatmeal, raisins, and peanuts" but likely a [backronym](/source/Backronym)).[2] Initially, the term was used ironically to describe outdoors fashion that was seen as "defiantly ugly".[3][4]

## History

Gorpcore initially referred to the emergence of stylish yet practical clothing, and was further popularized during the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic) as people were drawn to outdoor activities.[2][5][3] The trend led to a surge in sales for [outdoor gear](/source/Outdoor_recreation) such as [puffer jackets](/source/Down_jacket) and [hiking boots](/source/Hiking_boot). Some fashion experts believe the trend started well before the pandemic, thanks to celebrities like [A$AP Rocky](/source/A$AP_Rocky) and [Frank Ocean](/source/Frank_Ocean) wearing hiking-inspired clothing.[3] Furthermore, certain outdoor brands such as [Timberland](/source/Timberland_(company)) have long been considered fashionable within various subcultures, such as the [hip-hop subculture](/source/Hip_hop_fashion). High-end fashion brands such as [Gucci](/source/Gucci) and [Moncler](/source/Moncler) have also contributed to the trend with collaborations featuring functional yet fashionable designs, such as Gucci and [the North Face](/source/The_North_Face)'s collaboration announced in September 2021.[6][7] Outdoor gear brands like [Patagonia](/source/Patagonia,_Inc.), [Columbia](/source/Columbia_Sportswear), [Mammut](/source/Mammut_Sports_Group), and [Arc’teryx](/source/Arc'teryx) have also benefited from the trend, with celebrities such as Frank Ocean, [Hailey Bieber](/source/Hailey_Bieber), [Kendall Jenner](/source/Kendall_Jenner) and [Bella Hadid](/source/Bella_Hadid) seen wearing their products at fashion shows as well as in everyday settings.[2][8][9][3] Gorpcore was a dominant trend in 2023, with fashion experts predicting its longevity and evolution.[3]

The essence of gorpcore fashion is centered on incorporating hiking-themed and mountainwear clothing items such as [cargo pants](/source/Cargo_pants), [hiking boots](/source/Hiking_boot), items lined with [Gore-Tex](/source/Gore-Tex), technical puffer jackets, [fleeces](/source/Fleece_jacket),[10] and other outdoor garments.[5][3][11] Accessories often include functional fanny packs and crossbody bags, minimal jewelry, and sporty sunglasses.[3] Although the trend typically leans towards looser fits, it allows for customization and versatility.[3] Color schemes are usually either nature-inspired and earthy or bright and bold. Pants often have many pockets or details.[5]

Popular brands associated with gorpcore fashion include Patagonia, [Hoka](/source/Hoka_One_One), [Teva](/source/Teva_Footwear), The North Face, [REI](/source/REI), Arc’teryx, [Black Crows Skis](/source/Black_Crows_Skis), Columbia, [Salomon](/source/Salomon_Group), 66North, [Outdoor Voices](/source/Outdoor_Voices), [Urban Outfitters](/source/Urban_Outfitters), and [Free People](/source/Free_People).[3] The demand for the fashion aesthetic has led to a series of new collaborations among fashion and outdoor brands like The North Face and Supreme, [Fjällräven](/source/Fj%C3%A4llr%C3%A4ven) and [Acne Studios](/source/Acne_Studios), and Reformation and [Canada Goose](/source/Canada_Goose_(clothing)). Cult brand [Sandy Liang](/source/Sandy_Liang) frequently incorporates gorpcore elements, such as in their first viral release, a fleece inspired by grandmothers in Chinatown.[10] According to Angela Wei of Fashionista.com, "Essentially, gorpcore became the new luxury streetwear", which has become apparent in the launch of items like the Jacquemus hiking boots the [Dior](/source/Dior) x [Birkenstock](/source/Birkenstock) collaboration, and [Prada](/source/Prada)'s popular nylon accessories.[12]

Gorpcore's appeal has been attributed to its combination of functionality and effortless style as well its association with activities like [skiing](/source/Skiing) and hiking that are often considered exclusive to [the wealthy](/source/American_upper_class). The trend's accessibility through [second-hand](/source/Second-hand_clothing) and timeless pieces makes it alluring to a mainstream audience. Gorpcore is seen as a form of investment dressing that remains practical even as styles evolve. It also provides a sense of comfort and adventure to its wearers by being prepared for the elements, making it an attractive [escape from reality](/source/Escapism).[5]

In South Korea, the style of "Gore-Tex jackets and hiking boots" was associated with the clothes middle-aged men and neighborhood uncles (*ajussi*) wear "for work, dining and socializing".[13]

## See also

- [Internet aesthetics](/source/Internet_aesthetics)
- [Athleisure](/source/Athleisure)
- [Normcore](/source/Normcore)
- [Sportswear (fashion)](/source/Sportswear_(fashion))
- [Surfwear](/source/Surfwear)
- [Techwear](/source/Clothing_technology#Techwear)

## References

1. ["Commentary: China has moved ‘Gorpcore’ firmly into the mainstream"](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/china-outdoor-brand-anta-arcteryx-kolon-descente-5623396). *CNA*. Retrieved 2026-03-11.

1. ["You May Be Guilty Of 'Gorpcore' And Frankly, We Don't Blame You"](https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/what-is-gorpcore-trend). *British Vogue*. 2021-05-08. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221016190524/https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/what-is-gorpcore-trend) October 16, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. ["Gorpcore Is the Sporty Spring Trend Approved by Bella Hadid"](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-gorpcore). *Teen Vogue*. 2023-04-05. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230513171108/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-gorpcore) May 13, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. Chen, Jason (May 25, 2017). ["First Came Normcore. Now Get Ready for Gorpcore."](https://www.thecut.com/2017/05/new-fashion-trends-normcore-gorpcore.html). *The Cut*. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. Ike, Noelle & Underscored, C. N. N. (2022-12-02). ["What is gorpcore? Stylists explain the fashion trend and share their favorite pieces"](https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/fashion/gorpcore-style). *CNN Underscored*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230427104540/https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/fashion/gorpcore-style) April 27, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-04-27.

1. Schneider, Ari. ["The North Face And Gucci Tease New High-End Gorpcore Line"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/arischneider/2020/09/27/the-north-face-and-gucci-tease-new-high-end-gorpcore-line/). *Forbes*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20251110192224/https://www.forbes.com/sites/arischneider/2020/09/27/the-north-face-and-gucci-tease-new-high-end-gorpcore-line/) November 10, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. ["Gucci Teams Up With The North Face"](https://www.elle.com/fashion/a34130215/gucci-north-face-collaboration/). *ELLE*. 2020-09-23. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230515013430/https://www.elle.com/fashion/a34130215/gucci-north-face-collaboration/) May 15, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. Dacre, Karen (2021-11-26). ["Gorpcore trend peaks again as extreme outdoor wear hits pub and park"](https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/nov/26/gorpcore-trend-rises-as-extreme-outdoor-wear-hits-pub-and-park). *The Guardian*. [ISSN 0261-3077](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0261-3077). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220930203740/https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/nov/26/gorpcore-trend-rises-as-extreme-outdoor-wear-hits-pub-and-park) September 30, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-04-27.

1. James, Harvey (2022). ["WHAT DO ACTUAL HIKERS THINK ABOUT GORPCORE?"](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/gorpcore-analysis/). *[Highsnobiety](/source/Highsnobiety)*

1. McCann, Allison (2019-09-19). ["The Fashion Week Diary of Sandy Liang, Fleece Phenom"](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/business/sandy-liang-fashion-week-diary.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN 0362-4331](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230513171107/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/19/business/sandy-liang-fashion-week-diary.html) May 13, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-05-13.

1. ["Will we ever say goodbye to gorpcore?"](https://www.ft.com/content/21d4ed38-eb59-4bb4-b187-0052bc58cf1d). *Financial Times*. 2023-03-08. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230427104540/https://www.ft.com/content/21d4ed38-eb59-4bb4-b187-0052bc58cf1d) April 27, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-04-27.

1. Wei, Angela (2022-12-05). ["The New Wave of Gorpcore"](https://fashionista.com/2022/12/gorpcore-clothing-luxury-fashion). *Fashionista*. Retrieved 2023-07-21.

1. Kyung-min, No. ["‘Gorpcore’ a global validation of Korean ajeossi’s fashion instincts?"](https://asianews.network/gorpcore-a-global-validation-of-korean-ajeossis-fashion-instincts/). Retrieved 2026-03-11.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gorpcore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorpcore) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorpcore?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.