Gorpcore has been a pervasive fashion trend for the past few years, but it is now experiencing something of a revamp. Although the trend has often prioritized function over being fashionable, brands in the gorpcore arena are now heading for a more subtle, yet stylish aesthetic. Enter quiet gorpcore.

First, let’s define “gorpcore.” The term coined by The Cut’s Jason Chen in 2017, refers to a fashion aesthetic characterized by outdoorsy, utilitarian clothing and accessories. “Gorp” is an acronym for the “good ol’ raisins and peanuts,” which make up the trail mix frequently eaten by hikers and enjoyers of the outdoors. Typical gorpcore pieces include puffer jackets, cargo pants and vests, hiking boots, and rain jackets. Gorpcore clothing brands such as The North Face, Arc’teryx, and Patagonia produce pieces that are designed to withstand the rigors of the elements.

This emphasis on functionality and sustainability caught the attention of the fashion world, leading to style tastemakers like Bella Hadid and A$AP Rocky sporting gorpcore pieces. Even high fashion brands like Prada, Dior, and Jil Sander have made outdoor garments part of their permanent collections.

Bella Hadid in Gorpcore by Marc Piasecki/GC Images via Instyle.com

The pandemic also fostered the popularity of gorpcore, just as it did for the long-standing athleisure trend. Just as people shifted toward more physical activity during the lockdown, so too did they shift toward outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Speaking to Modern Retail, Beth Goldstein, footwear and accessories industry analyst at Circana, notes that gorpcore is a variation on “the idea that you look like you’re working out, even if you’re not.” While many have returned to their pre-pandemic routines, there is still demand for gorpcore pieces, not just on a functional level, but on a fashion level as well.

Jil Sander-Arc’teryx Collaboration via TheGuardian.com

Now that gorpcore has taken off, what is its new spinoff, “quiet gorpcore?” The quiet luxury trend emerged as a counterpoint to the logomania that pervaded luxury fashion houses. Similarly, quiet gorpcore embodies a less ostentatious approach to outdoor utilitarianism. London-based designer Kiko Kostadinov and sportswear brand Asics have collaborated on a joint Novalis line, which includes parkas and cargos in subdued hues. According to the brand, the collection offers a “no-nonsense rejection of the superficially spectacular in favor of subtle elegance.”

Just like quiet luxury, quiet gorpcore aims to shift the focus from obvious branding to more subtle design cues. Consumers have become less interested in showy sportswear and are leaning more towards high-quality performance clothing with minimal logos. Additionally, quiet gorpcore intends to integrate more seamlessly into one’s everyday, indoor wardrobe. In this way, the quiet gorpcore wardrobe embodies both the elegance of indoor life and the adventure of the great outdoors.

As noted by the BOF Team and McKinsey & Company, brands are aiming to combine both fashion and practicality by creating styles designed for use in both urban and natural environments. This focus on utility and durability is likely to find favor with budget-conscious consumers, according to Kassi Socha, director analyst at Gartner. Staple gorpcore brands like Arc’teryx and The North Face offer warranties related to product quality and life cycle, thereby making them appealing options for those who would like to make their purchasing dollars stretch.

Salomon x MM6 Maison Margiela Collection Launch Campaign via Collater.al

The emergence of quiet gorpcore marks a turning point for both established outdoor brands and more recent entrants from the fashion space. Staple outdoor brands no longer rest on their laurels, but now offer stylish options with aesthetic appeal, while maintaining outdoor functionality. In a similar vein, fashion brands seeking a larger piece of the quiet gorpcore pie must ensure that style does not overpower substance when it comes to the utility of their pieces.

Article by Ren Wilson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Chenglin Qu, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Quiet Gorpcore: The Next Big Trend for 2024