Gorpcore, a term coined by The Cut in 2017, is the new sporty streetwear that is taking over London. It has continued to grow in popularity in urban cities like London. Gorpcore incorporates pieces of outdoor wear and makes it an urban fashion statement. The North Face, Arc’teryx, and Stone Island are becoming mainstream fashion brands within Gorpcore, rather than for their intended purpose of being durable in all weather conditions. The comfy, casual and trendy wave of outdoor wear has transpired its natural roots and grown into the urban city. 

Gorpcore has emerged as a leading streetwear trend, making running trainers, raincoats, and hiking accessories popular to wear in everyday urban life. Freelance fashion journalist Antonia Kraskowski noticed that after gorpcore had been seen on celebrities such as Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber, there has been a “crossover from practical to stylish… North Face’s classic 1996 Retro Nupse jacket has had an unexpected revival”. Although one of its core aspects is being overly casual, many pieces are high-budget. The North Face 1996 retro puffer jacket sits at a pretty substantial £250.  

When stereotypically unstylish garments are seen on models and influencers, social media spirals into a debate of whether it’s a new trend or not. The momentum it creates over controversial looks influences Gen X to deep dive into seeing more of the brands.  

“Once upon a time trends were dictated by catwalks, now social media has the power to take the smallest street style trend and launch it into the fashion stratosphere,” says Antonia. Antonia’s take on micro-fashion focuses on the link between the rise of social media, and Gen X being influenced by the elite, whether it’s a luxury brand or a sportswear brand.  

Although this casualwear can range in affordability, Antonia suggests that if you’re keen to ease into it, you should start with a well-chosen accessory “a colourful beanie or bucket hat or try swapping your shoes for a pair of sturdy hiking boots for some trail-inspired chic”.  

If your budget can’t stretch to high-end gorp-core brands such as And Wander, Arc’teryx, and ROA, there are many affordable ones too. Consider Berghaus, Craghoppers, and of course, there’s always the local charity shop or Vinted. “Sherpa fleece jackets have been gaining popularity, and you don’t need to break the bank to look good!” adds Antonia. 

While gorp-core is a growing trend, Antonia predicts “popularity is likely to wane as seasons move on – particularly once the weather warms up and people switch to lighter summer clothes.”. As we go into sunnier seasons perhaps the waterproof and insulated pieces won’t surface for a few months, so beware before spending £300 on an Arc’teryx jacket! 

However, for now, it’s still prevalent in urban spaces and Nettle spotted some people sporting gorp-core in Goldsmiths University, South-East London,  

Kieran, 19, Leeds, explained that he has “repurposed” his Salomon running shoes for everyday wear. After moving from Leeds to London for university, he thinks gorpcore is a miniature act of rebellion. “In London wearing gorpcore is going against the grain, it’s a Gen Z act of rebellion to be different,” he says. “Its ‘ironic-ness’ is especially seen in Goldsmiths since its students are mainly art students.”  

Liza, an employee in the Goldsmiths art department, grew up in Cornwall and now lives in London. When asked about her gorpcore-inspired outfit, she shared that it feels familiar to wear sportswear after growing up around nature. “I also like to play around with fashion, layer different pieces together,” she says. “I think there’s influence from people who moved from the countryside to this city, and it influences trends bringing new looks in. It’s interesting to see it as a part of streetwear– that it’s ‘cool’ to look like you’ve been on a hike”.