Carabiners at the ready – it’s time to talk gorpcore. Whether you’ve heard the word thrown around a million times by your hiking buddies or you’ve never heard the term until now, gorpcore is an aesthetic to get to know. But what is gorpcore? And is “gorp” even a real word?
Now it is, thanks to the loyal followers of outdoor style. Gorpcore focuses on utilitarian (a.k.a. useful, rather than attractive) clothing that’s designed to help you hike steep terrain, keep the rain out and chill when camping, and carry all the gear you need for your nature-based activity. .. fashion. Think super practical sneakers, Nalgene water bottles, windbreakers and fleece sweaters.
Confusing, we know. But while it may seem like these new aesthetics are a dime a dozen, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the new terms the internet is coining to describe different types of styles. Understanding the dozens of “-core” aesthetics will help you articulate specific styles you can Google for pre-purchase inspiration, leading to better purchases and a wardrobe you’ll actually love. So if gorpcore coats, cargo pants, and waterproof shoes are calling your heart out, you’ll want to read this guide that answers all your questions, from “what is gorpcore” to how to buy it right now.
Where did the name gorpcore come from and what does “gorp” mean?
Gorp is an acronym. It’s a shortened version of the phrase “good raisins and peanuts” commonly used by hikers to describe a variety of trail mixes. O Los Angeles Times wrote about the term in 1997, “[Gorp has] evolved to mean a mixture of all kinds of nuts and dried fruit, often with a little chocolate or other snacks thrown in,” especially in outdoorsy and Girl Scout circles.
The phrase “gorpcore” was first used in an article by Jason Chen for The Court back in 2017, coined to describe the “defiantly ugly” outerwear worn by fleece-loving Patagonia that was slowly starting to trend that year.
Why is gorpcore trending?
“Gorpcore essentially takes traditionally functional and utilitarian outdoor clothing outside of its intended use,” explained stylist Todd Johnson. CNN. While gorpcore lovers have unique reasons for leaning into the fashion trend, common advantages include comfort, practicality, and affordability.
The aesthetic takes pieces that weren’t meant to be fashionable (like a pair of practical, waterproof hiking boots) and uses them intentionally to create a ~look~. You might even already have gorpcore items in your closet without knowing it—that old one your mom bought you at The North Face three years ago is totally gorpcore.
What styles and accessories are part of the gorpcore aesthetic?
There’s luxury gorpcore (think $1500 ski jackets), street style gorpcore (Bella and Kendall play this vibe sometimes), and super practical gorpcore that will have you ready to climb a mountain at a moment’s notice. But there are some standout gorpcore styles that span every subcategory: you’ll want to stock up on quilted coats, ponchos, rain jackets, fleeces, and colorful vests. For footwear, any all-weather, all-terrain shoe will do: think Tevas sandals, hiking boots, and non-thick dad sneakers are must-haves. Oh, and don’t forget your reusable water bottle and hiking backpack.
Which celebrities have worn gorpcore clothing?
Everyone from Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and A$AP Rocky to Justin and Hailey Bieber have gotten into the gorpcore trend. Hailey recently stepped out in a casual outfit like that gorpcore: The model wore a sunset colored fleece pullover with a forest green baseball cap and chunky brown sneakers for an outing with friends in Los Angeles.
Hubby Justin Bieber previously got in on the gorpcore action with a look of his own, layering a colorful, camp-ready breezy jacket over a New York sweatshirt, baggy jeans and practical sneakers. It even rocked black patches of star-shaped spines.
What are some gorpcore brands?
As you might expect, many gorpcore brands are simply outdoor, hiking and camping clothing brands. These are some common places to buy gorpcore clothing.
How can I buy the gorpcore aesthetic?
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite gorpcore picks for you to buy for yourself, to gift to your fattest friend, or for inspiration below.
Polar Synchilla® Fleece Anorak
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket
The North Face Denali Jersey
REI Co-op Nalgene Sustain Graphic Water Bottle
Sunhiker small waterproof hiking backpack
Palladium REVOLT HI TX OLIVE
Teva All Gender Hurricane XLT2
Hannah is the assistant fashion and e-commerce editor at seventeen and covers all style, shopping, culture and entertainment. Hannah has spent thousands of hours analyzing TikTok style trends, reviewing celebrity fashion and reading vintage fashion magazines. seventeen he taught her how to dress when she was younger, and now she spends her work hours passing on that experience. On weekends, you can find her buying books and drinking decaf lattes. Follow Hannah on social media at @hannahohx.