Articles of Interest Gear: Chapter 6
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Nov 26, 2025 Explore the rise of gorpcore, where outdoor apparel meets urban fashion, thanks to its coined roots in 2017. Discover how designers transformed technical fabrics into stylish everyday wear, fueled by the athleisure trend and better sizing for women. Delve into the surprising connections between military design and the gorpcore aesthetic, with tactical gear making a fashionable leap into mainstream streets. Uncover the challenges of manufacturing in this niche and the cultural shifts that brought functional clothing to the forefront.
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Better Fit Opened Fashion Doors
- The rise of women's sportswear and better-fitting performance fabrics in the 90s made outdoor clothes flattering and street-appropriate.
- That evolution helped pave the way for gorpcore and athleisure as everyday styles.
Check For Technical Finishes
- When buying gear, look for technical finishes like bonded seams that improve performance and comfort.
- Check details beyond material to identify genuine outdoor functionality.
Sizing Became More Inclusive
- REI and other brands expanded sizing and fit practices using diverse fit forms to include more body types.
- Inclusive sizing and multi-form patterning are reshaping outdoor apparel design processes.