In recent years, the fashion industry has seen a trend towards practical, functional clothing that draws inspiration from the great outdoors. This trend, known as gorpcore, has captivated fashion enthusiasts around the world with its rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. But where did this trend come from, and what are some of the coolest moments that have emerged from it? In this article, we'll explore the history of gorpcore and highlight some of its most noteworthy moments.

When Jason Chen first coined the term “gorpcore” for The Cut, in May, 2017, he wasn't necessarily discovering a new aesthetic. The name is a nod to the popular hiking snack "GORP," which stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts." The term gorpcore encapsulates the idea of practicality and durability that is central to the trend. Santis has said that gorpcore is "a celebration of utilitarian clothing that prioritises function over fashion."

The roots of gorpcore can be traced back to the 1970s, when outdoor clothing brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia started to gain popularity among hikers and mountaineers. These brands were known for their high-quality materials and functional designs, which were designed to withstand the rigours of the great outdoors. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that outdoor clothing began to crossover into the mainstream fashion world. Labels like Stone Island and C.P. Company started to incorporate technical fabrics and functional designs into their collections, and it wasn't long before other high-end fashion labels followed suit.

One of the coolest moments to emerge from the gorpcore trend has been the resurgence of The North Face. The iconic outdoor brand, which was founded in San Francisco in 1966, had fallen out of favor in the early 2000s. However, in recent years, The North Face has become a staple of the gorpcore trend, with celebrities like Drake and Kanye West wearing the brand's signature puffer jackets and fleeces. In 2020, The North Face collaborated with Gucci on a collection that blended high fashion with outdoor gear, further cementing the brand's place in the fashion world.

Another cool moment in the gorpcore trend has been the rise of sustainable outdoor gear. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, many outdoor brands have started to prioritise sustainability in their production processes. Brands like Patagonia and Snow Peak have implemented programs to reduce their environmental footprint, and some brands have even started to incorporate recycled materials into their products. This has helped to shift the outdoor gear industry towards more sustainable practices, and has made it easier for consumers to make environmentally conscious purchasing decisions.

Gorpcore has also been influenced by other fashion movements throughout history. The utilitarian aesthetic has roots in the 1920s, when designers like Coco Chanel and Jean Patou started to create sportswear-inspired designs for women. The practicality of these designs, which were made from comfortable, durable fabrics, made them popular among women who were looking for more functional clothing. This trend continued into the 1930s and 1940s, when sportswear became even more mainstream, and designers like Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin created comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing that was perfect for everyday life.

Today, gorpcore has become a symbol of the "new normal" in fashion. In a post-pandemic world, people are looking for comfortable, practical clothing that can be worn both indoors and outdoors. The rise of gorpcore reflects a growing trend towards functional fashion that is both stylish and practical. As Teddy Santis puts it, "People want to be comfortable, but they also want to look good. And that's where gorpcore comes in."

In conclusion, gorpcore has certainly had a significant impact on the fashion industry and the way we approach dressing. It has brought the outdoors indoors and has allowed us to embrace practical clothing in a way that is both stylish and on-trend. And while the trend has evolved over the years, it continues to be a staple of streetwear and high fashion alike.

As the trend continues to gain momentum, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of gorpcore. From new collaborations between outdoor brands and high-end fashion labels to innovative uses of sustainable materials, gorpcore is likely to remain a mainstay in the fashion world for years to come.

So, whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for comfortable, functional clothing that can keep up with your daily routine, gorpcore has something to offer. It's a trend that celebrates practicality and durability, and it's a style that is here to stay.