What is the Gorpcore Trend 2025? How to Get the Look
Once reserved for mountaineers and trail hikers, Gorpcore has quietly climbed into the haute fashion lexicon. The name comes from “gorp” (“Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts”, a classic trail snack). Over time, the “core” suffix (as in normcore) was appended, giving us a name that suggests a style centred on outdoor readiness.
At its heart, Gorpcore is about bringing functional, technical outdoor gear into everyday, citywear wardrobes. Think waterproof shells, fleece mid-layers, cargo trousers with zip pockets, and rugged boots. Not necessarily worn for hiking, but as daily style statements.
By 2025, the trend has evolved into something more refined, more hybrid: a blending of performance and aesthetics, of utility and urban fashion. Designers are now pushing Gorpcore into luxury territory, experimenting with mixed materials, high-end detailing, and cross-genre collaborations.
How does one spot Gorpcore? Look for a signature mix of technical fabrics like ripstop nylon and performance fleece; earthy, nature-inspired colour palettes like olive, khaki, and sand, slate; layers and modular design such as vests and shells, zip-offs; utilitarian elements including multiple pockets, toggles, drawcords and weatherproofing; and footwear borrowed straight from the trails like hiking boots or trail sneakers.
Gorpcore isn’t just about looking like you might bundle up for a summit; it’s about style that can survive rain, wind, or unexpected errands. In a world where climate-consciousness and functional fashion are rising, Gorpcore is resonating deeply.
Gorpcore in the wild – blending utility with streetwear.
Photo Credit: @lexiwood
Gorpcore on the Catwalk
Gorpcore is no longer an outsider aesthetic. It has become a recurring motif on luxury runways in 2025. High fashion houses are reinterpreting outdoor gear through their own lens, pushing the limits of what “performance chic” can be.
One standout is how Prada’s menswear AW25 embraced rugged plaids and lumberjack references, making pieces that nod to wilderness sensibilities while retaining tailoring finesse. Luxury is going outdoors – not just in function, but in mood. In Prada’s case, rugged plaids, heavy outerwear, and earthy tones ran alongside tailored staples.
Another direction is the concept of “gilded gorpcore”, where opulence meets outdoor utility. Cartier, for example, has used carabiner hardware in jewellery form; Gucci and The North Face collaborations further blur the line between gear and glam.
In Milan Fashion Week 2025, Gorpcore-themed pieces featured prominently: waterproof jackets, trekking trousers, and hiking-boot silhouettes appeared in collections juxtaposed with silk and tailoring. Gucci, Diesel, and other fashion power houses experimented with pairing technical outerwear with feminine or dressy staples to create tension.
In short: on the catwalk, Gorpcore becomes narrative. It’s no longer just about layering pieces; it’s about storytelling – the idea of “adventure meets runway.”
Luxury meets utility – Gorpcore on the runway.
Photo Credit: @gorptech
Gorpcore Off the Catwalk: Celebrities & Influencers
The real power of Gorpcore lies in its versatility, and that’s perhaps best shown off the runway, on streets, airports, cafés – wherever celebrities and influencers roam.
Jisoo (of BLACKPINK) leaned into the aesthetic in summer 2025: she wore a white cropped top with long cargo shorts and black Salomon trail-style sneakers, finishing the look with a baseball cap and sporty socks. Her version melded summer ease with outdoor edge.
Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have often been spotted layering Gore-Tex shells or Arc’teryx pieces over everyday outfits. Sometimes over dresses, sometimes over tailored pants, adding just enough technical contrast.
On TikTok and Instagram, influencers are styling lightweight puffers, utility vests, and oversized cargos with street staples (like hoodies, sneakers, baseball caps), often tagging “@gorpcore” or “#quietgorpcore.”
Some fashion editors call the 2025 off-duty interpretations “quiet gorpcore” – subtle, restrained, but still functional. That means muted tones, less logo, clean lines, and smart layering so the look feels intentional, not costume.
Shop the Look: 7 Gorpcore Pieces to Build Your Wardrobe
Below are seven items you can shop now (or use as inspiration) to get the gorpcore look.
1. Technical Gorpcore Jacket: Techwear UK
A shell-style outerwear piece (likely waterproof/windproof).
Price: £145.72
Great for layering over a hoodie or fleece.
2. Outdoor Technical Trousers: Techwear Canada
Black tech cargo pants with multiple pockets.
Price: $134 CAD
Pair with a more structured top or knit to balance the “hard” outdoor bottom.
3. Unisex Gorpcore Hoodie: The North Face
A house-brand hooded sweatshirt.
Price: £138.97
Use as a middle layer under a shell.
4. Gorpcore Sleeveless Utility Vest: Techwear Canada
https://thestorymag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Image-6-13.10.webp
Sleeveless vest in a neutral/olive shade.
Price: £49.90
Great over long sleeves or under a jacket for added function.
5. Functional Backpack: Y2k-streetwear.store
A utilitarian backpack (like y2k / coyote tone).
Price: £34.44
Perfect for “gear meets street” vibe.
6. Layer Top: ABOUT YOU
A top or mid-layer.
Price: £8.27
Use as insulating layer.
7. Y2K Gorpcore Bag: Y2k-streetwear.store
A small accessory bag (crossbody or sling) in black.
Price: £47.76
Use to carry essentials while staying on aesthetic.
How to Wear & Style Tips
1. Layer smartly. Start with a base (e.g. t-shirt or light fleece), add insulation (mid-layer fleece or hoodie), top with your technical shell. Use vests or zip layers as intermediates.
2. Mix with “non-outdoor” items. A Gorpcore jacket + a midi skirt, or cargo pants + blazer, softens the rugged edge.
3. Stick to a muted palette. Earth tones, neutrals, moss greens, slate gray. You can add a pop (e.g. safety orange or rust) as accent.
4. Footwear matters. Trail sneakers or light boots (Salomon, Hoka, ROA) are ideal.
5. Use functional accessories. Crossbody packs, carabiner keychains, utility belts, cuffs.
6. Balance silhouettes. If your bottom is bulky (cargo pants), pair with something more fitted above, or let an oversized shell do the talking.
Explore more 2025 trends in our Crinoline Fashion Trend 2025
Final Thoughts
Gorpcore in 2025 is more than a trend – it’s a philosophy about dressing for both purpose and place. The movement toward functional fashion isn’t slowing. As climate, sustainability, and hybrid lifestyles shape what we wear, Gorpcore offers an aesthetic that feels rooted and forward-looking.
If you adopt just one piece from your wardrobe – a waterproof shell, a utility vest, or rugged boots – you can channel the spirit of Gorpcore without going full expedition. The goal is not to look like you’re ready for basecamp, but to have clothing on hand that could handle it, with style.
By Liv Brewin