The icebreaker Gorpcore guide

November 27, 2022 | icebreaker

Gorpcore is a growing fashion trend combining outdoor tech wear with city chic aesthetics so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds. First things first, we need to clarify some slang within the outdoor community. The term “gorp” comes from the hiker’s snack of choice: Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts, aka trail mix.

In the last few years, all-weather technical clothing has become a frequent sighting on the streets, and many outdoor brands have emerged in the high-fashion market – including us, icebreaker!

The large gap between “granola” (another common term for outward-bound enthusiasts) and urbanite is shrinking, and we’re excited to see the growing interest between these two subcultures. In this guide, we’ll help you shape your own Gorpcore outfits and create your own function-meets-fashion look with staple icebreaker pieces.

What is Gorpcore

Gorpcore is the fusion of hiker and fashion-lover styles: the mountain wear, natural performance functionality and aesthetic with the comfort and street rep of brand names. But the unique thing about Gorpcore – it isn’t reliant on any one brand or audience. The look lives outside the borders of two seemingly polar opposite groups. With the right combination of defined colours, volume, and fits, you can put together a true Gorpcore outfit.

Gorpcore fashion essentials

So, what makes a look fit this trend? A careful blend of pieces and layers that make you look like you’re about to hit the trail even though you’re actually taking the train. Follow the four style essentials to marry functional wear with street fashion:

● Colour palette
● Layers
● Volume
● Fit

Clothing inspired by the outdoors, made for the outdoors and worn on the street.

Colours

Traditional outdoor gear tends to be colourful and bright – think of the Crayola-like purples, oranges, reds, blues, and greens of snow jackets, hats, and tents. This colour palette is inspired by the beauty of nature, and for safety reasons, we appreciate crystal blue rivers, verdant forests, and fiery sunrises while making ourselves noticeable in case we need to be rescued.

For fashion lovers, this bright colour palette adds a retro vibe to the look. However, since your outfit isn’t actually being worn in the woods, neutral earth tones are popular too. Beige, olive green, slate grey, and dark brown are the colours of utility and practicality. Any icebreaker item comes in multiple colours, and a typical Gorpcore outfit incorporates these colour palettes, like a beige jumper layered under a purple puffy vest or jacket.

Layering

Any outdoors enthusiast worth their salt knows that a layered clothing system is a must, and this strategy is also a key part of the fashion trend. Urban life doesn’t pose the same environmental challenges that hiking does, so layered clothing is more about the look than survival. Still, you’re wearing high-quality technical clothing, so you want to enjoy the benefits.

A common Gorpcore look is an open, unzipped parka over a fleece jumper – also potentially open to reveal a T-shirt or thinner jumper. You can follow the same layering rules as if you were actually trekking into the wilderness, but on the streets, you’re showing off your layering system. You can follow icebreaker’s guide to layering for inspiration.

Volume

With so many layers to show off, the look is the opposite of minimalist. Gorpcore outfits are voluminous: clothing is bulky and roomy enough to fit multiple items beneath it without being too tight to move. Even your mid-layers should be relatively loose-fitting so that you’re comfy on the streets and on the trail.

Fit

When it comes to fitting your layers, they should be loose but adjustable. The bulky look is typical for outdoor wear, where you need to fit multiple layers over each other, but most items have some form of adjustability to properly regulate your temperature and allow for full mobility.

To make your clothes all fit together in one outfit, use an icebreaker principle: versatility. Trousers with adjustable belts, jumpers that fit at the wrists, drawcord hoods, etc. Clothing is boxy but not hazardous; trousers are wide-legged but not flared, jacket sleeves are full but not falling over your wrists, and jumpers cover your torso but do not reach to your thighs.

icebreaker’s Gorpcore outfit

You can put together a full Gorpcore outfit with icebreaker’s functional and fashionable staples! We have natural performance options for every layer and environment, so you can find all your pieces and fit all four style essentials.

First layers

Shirts

Start with the first layers, which should be moisture-wicking and fit your aesthetic (since you’ll wear your layers unzipped, show off a loud pattern or bright colour!). Our base layer and first layer pieces come in a variety of designs and work in multiple environments, so you can pick which is most comfortable for you.

On a warmer or more active day, opt for one our short sleeve t-shirts which are cool and fashionable. They are great options for colder climates and come in a variety of designs to ensure you are always looking your best.

Pants

Your pants should be loose to complete the look but of course, still functional. For warmth, comfort and functionality look no further than icebreakers range of pants and joggers. From options of chino style pants that look the part while being highly functional to joggers which ensure your warmth and comfort, icebreaker has a plethora of naturally made options to ensure you always have the gear you need.

Mid Layers

Your mid layers are where the fit and volume elements really come into play. Just like hiking, your mid-layer choices depend on your style, comfort, and environment; luckily for you, icebreaker has plenty of options.

Take a look at our warmer pieces, such as Hoodies and Sweatshirts, which are ultra-warm and feature ultra-comfortable merino. For everyday wear, opt for of our long sleeve hoodies, featuring breathability and our unique moisture-wicking Cool-Lite™ merino jersey fabric. Of course, you can wear multiple layers and unzip them to show them all off!

Outer Layers

Finally, complete your ensemble with a jacket that looks cool and can scale Mount Kosciuszko with you. Brave the outdoors with one of icebreakers jacket options, complete with mountain-worthy insulation and street-worthy style.

Can you actually hike in Gorpcore?

You have the gear, so can you use it? In many cases, yes. icebreaker’s lifestyle gear is naturally made for the outdoors, so even if you wear it on the street, it’s still just as functional.

You likely aren’t ready for a multi-day backpacking trip with just a Gorpcore outfit, but a day hike is absolutely doable in your Merino mid-layers and shell jacket. Hikers have varying attitudes towards this up-and-coming trend. The hardcore community tends to disapprove of their hard-won technical gear being reduced to fashion, and many have voiced concerns over trend influencers lacking actual appreciation of the outdoors.

There is some ground for this concern, as many mountaineers have witnessed their favourite campsites be taken over by car parks, paved trails, and overdevelopment when they gain popularity.

But others would argue that this trend has the potential to grow enthusiasm: it can lead people to want to experience their clothing as it was meant to be used and make outdoor activities feel more accessible. Like many cultural trends, Gorpcore has the power to bridge the gap between two seemingly contradictory lifestyles, and at icebreaker, we’re all for growing our community and spreading nature love. Fancy trying the trend yourself? Check out icebreaker’s latest items and start your Gorpcore journey.