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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Streetwear Masquerading As Military
- Avery Trufelman describes finding a leather shearling coat at Natick that turned out to be Stussy, not a genuine military jacket.
- The story shows how fashion interpretations of military gear can be indistinguishable from authentic pieces to veterans.
How Naming Sparked A Trend
- Jason Chen coined “gorpcore” to name the trend of wearing outdoor gear in urban contexts, combining technical materials with fashion sensibilities.
- Naming the phenomenon helped it spread into mainstream and luxury fashion conversations.
Soho Got 'Gorped'
- Amelia Petrarca and Avery Trufelman observed Soho turning into a hub for outdoor and technical brands around REI.
- The neighborhood showed how retail clustering made gorpcore visible on the street.