What exactly is Gorpcore?
It's a weird-sounding word, but it's a trend we're seeing everywhere. Gorpcore comes from the acronym "GORP" ( Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts ), meaning the snack for hikers. It's basically a nod to outdoor culture, with its technical clothing, sturdy materials, and crampon shoes. Today, it's become a real fashion trend.
We saw it arrive timidly a few years ago, with the return of zip-up fleeces and fanny packs. Then it exploded. Arc'teryx in collaboration with Jil Sander, Salomon on the feet of models, Columbia in Parisian shop windows. Historic hiking brands have become the new streetwear benchmarks.
But Gorpcore isn't about brands. It's a way to dress your everyday life like an expedition (without having to climb a peak). It's about choosing clothes that resist, protect, and warm... all while looking good.
In short, wear technical clothing in the city, without compromising on style.
Why is the “Gorpcore” style so appealing?
Because it ticks all the boxes. Gorpcore is comfortable, practical, and visually assertive. It's also a style that lets you breathe, move, and walk, without sacrificing your look. We're a far cry from fragile or uncomfortable pieces: here, everything is designed to last... and that's a hit.
Another reason: this style fits with the times. After working from home and lockdowns, we've retained a taste for practical clothing. In the city, too, we want to be comfortable. And while we're at it, with pieces that look like something.
Finally, there's the viral effect. TikTok, Instagram , Pinterest : social media have largely contributed to the rise of the trend. Outdoor brands have become streetwear icons.
Shoes, the centerpiece of the Gorpcore look
Why do technical shoes dominate the look?
In Gorpcore, shoes set the tone from the moment you put them on. Massive, sturdy, and firmly anchored to the ground, they tell a story of adventure, even at the bottom of an escalator. They draw the eye, structure the silhouette, and add a truly functional dimension to the look.
They're also ultra-practical: crampons, thick soles, waterproof materials, and the promise of never ending up with wet feet between two metro stations. We see them on the feet of those who want comfort, but without falling into the banal.
Our "favorite" models to match the trend
TARAGHA : a trekking shoe, yes, but with the right style. Its high upper, metal hooks, and contrasting details make all the difference. The kind of shoe that effortlessly transforms a basic silhouette into a statement piece.
AM IARA : lighter, designed for fast hiking, but perfectly at home in the city. Its lugged sole and precise lacing give it a truly technical look. A special mention for the purple version: ultra-cool, it stands out without being over the top. Wear it with wide-legged pants or structured shorts.
MALUMBE : The most urban of the three, with a low-cut silhouette inspired by lifestyle models. But it retains its outdoor DNA with its thick sole, reinforced inserts, and colorful details. Perfect for a clean yet grounded look.
How to make the “Gorpcore” style your own?
You don't have to dress like you're going on a camping trip to adopt the style. The idea is to keep the outdoor DNA (the cuts, the materials, the technical details, etc.) but to integrate them into everyday outfits. What matters is balance.
Mixing technique and simple everyday pieces
Cargo pants, a zip-up jacket, a fleece: these work very well with a plain T-shirt, a fine-knit sweater, or a simple sweatshirt. The trick is to keep things simple. A strong outdoor piece is enough to set the tone. The rest follows, as long as it's comfortable and well-cut.
Playing with volumes and materials
Gorpcore loves loose cuts and layering. Slightly oversized jackets, sleeveless puffer jackets, wide-legged pants... Layering works well, especially when there's contrast in the materials: quilted with cotton, nylon with wool. It structures the silhouette and gives it a lift, effortlessly.
Focus on neutral or earth colors to balance the “equipment” side
Khaki, beige, gray, sand, navy… These tones bring a touch of sobriety and make combinations easier. They also allow you to highlight a more striking piece: a purple pair, a colorful jacket, or a highly visible technical bag. You avoid the total "expedition" look while maintaining style.
Outdoors is making a lasting impression in urban fashion
Beyond being a trend, “Gorpcore” has highlighted something deeper: the need for clothes that have meaning.
And above all, this style fits our lives. We want pieces that last, that can go from the office to the weekend, that adapt to the weather, and that don't mind a wet sidewalk. Outdoors has become a practical, aesthetic, and coherent solution.
Kimberfeel is part of this dynamic: models designed for the outdoors, which find their place everywhere, even where there is not a summit in sight.
Choose your way.
