The Gorpcore Fashion Trend Is Giving a Boost to the Outdoor-Apparel Market

Business
Published 08.11.2023
The Gorpcore Fashion Trend Is Giving a Boost to the Outdoor-Apparel Market

The time period “gorpcore” was coined within the mid-2010s to explain the kind of utilitarian clothes worn by the “good old raisins and peanuts” (therefore GORP) crowd—hikers, campers and the like. When celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Frank Ocean began sporting grip-sole footwear and multi-pocket pants to sign their sartorial insouciance, mountaineering boots and cargoes grew to become stylish, trickling into the mainstream through viral TikTok movies and Pinterest boards. (The pattern was Googled 120,000 instances up to now 12 months.) But gorpcore’s roots are in Canadian manufacturers like Arc’teryx and Canada Goose, which have been outfitting outdoorsy sorts for many years. In 2022, the worldwide functional-apparel market was valued at $319 billion and is projected to develop by seven per cent by 2031.

Here, 10 gorpcore staples that retailers can’t preserve in inventory.

A ball cap, insulated mug and sunglasses
(Photography by Kate Ince; Styling by Nicole Billark)

Alder Hat

One of the newer Canadian recreation-wear manufacturers on the scene, Toronto-based Alder makes a speciality of ethically made attire and equipment.
$44, alderapparel.com

Yeti Rambler

Cooler model Yeti was began by two fishing fanatics, and now its insulated stainless-steel mugs are a standing image for metropolis commuters.
$48, yeti.ca

Smith Sunglasses

These vibrant, ’80s-inspired sunnies—full with reflective flip-up lenses—are wanted by skiers and social-media stars alike.
$220, altitude-sports.com

A lime green jacket on a background made of neon coloured straps, para cords and bungee cords
(Photography by Kate Ince; Styling by Nicole Billark)

Arc’teryx Jacket

Vancouver-based Arc’teryx expanded its bricks-and-mortar retail footprint in 2023 to satisfy buyer demand for its layerable fleeces and light-weight jackets.
$200, arcteryx.com

A Canada Goose sneaker on a background made of neon coloured straps and para cords
(Photography by Kate Ince; Styling by Nicole Billark)

Canada Goose Sneakers

Outerwear behemoth Canada Goose launched its first sneaker this previous summer season: a water-resistant shoe designed to go from metropolis streets to mountain trails.
$595, canadagoose.com

A pair of Gucci cargo pants
(Photography: Gucci)

Gucci Pants

Even luxurious manufacturers are going gorp. These cargo pants from Gucci characteristic its signature GG monogram.
$3,000, gucci.com

A light tan birkenstock with silver buckets and a tan sole
(Photography: Holt Renfrew)

Birkenstock Sandals

Product placement on this 12 months’s Barbie film was a advertising win for Birkenstock, which is now eyeing a US$10 billion IPO.
$210, holtrenfrew.com

A purple uniqlo crossbody bag shaped like a half moon
(Photography: Uniqlo)

Uniqlo Bag

After its viral cross-body bought out this previous summer season, the Japanese model re-released the design in nylon, fake leather-based and corduroy for fall.
$50, uniqlo.com

A pair of crew socks with a Canadian landscape on them.
(Photography: Friday Socks Co.)

Friday Socks

Socks with sandals is an important tenet of gorpcore, and this vibrant pair pay a enjoyable tribute to the Canadian Shield.
$19, fridaysocks.com

A metal carebiner keychain
(Photography: SSENSE)

Master-Piece Carabiner Key Chain

Look like a real-deal mountaineer with this brass and leather-based carabiner key chain from Canadian e-tailer SSENSE.
$95, ssense.com