Background information

Fashion words: You don't know what gorpcore is? But you're probably already wearing it .

Laura Scholz
22.11.2022
Translation: machine translated

The "Gorp" in Gorpcore stands for "Good Old Raisins and Peanuts". Do you have any idea what they might have to do with your outfit and, more importantly, a fashion trend?

In the understandable case that you are still in the dark: Sultanas and peanuts are the two representatives in this situation for the deliciously practical nut mix we know as trail mix. Bridging the gap from the snack bag to your outfit, however, seems a bit far-fetched. If good things are so close at hand and are suddenly to be declared a trend, perhaps its name must be particularly far-fetched for the corresponding fuss.

Ültje Trail mix 50g (50 g)
Snacks + Chips
Quantity discount
CHF2.65 per piece for 4 units CHF70.–/1kg

Ültje Trail mix 50g

50 g

Seeberger Student food (150 g)
Snacks + Chips
Quantity discount
CHF7.15 per piece for 3 units CHF52.66/1kg

Seeberger Student food

150 g

Nectaflor Trail mix (200 g)
Snacks + Chips
Quantity discount
CHF8.– per piece for 3 units CHF44.50/1kg

Nectaflor Trail mix

200 g

Ültje Trail mix 50g (50 g)
Quantity discount
CHF2.65 per piece for 4 units CHF70.–/1kg

Ültje Trail mix 50g

Seeberger Student food (150 g)
Quantity discount
CHF7.15 per piece for 3 units CHF52.66/1kg

Seeberger Student food

Nectaflor Trail mix (200 g)
Quantity discount
CHF8.– per piece for 3 units CHF44.50/1kg

Nectaflor Trail mix

The derivation justifies the fashion world in this sense as follows: Where do you most like to reach for a nut and a sultana? When hiking. What do you wear when hiking? Functional clothing. So Gorpcore means nothing other than wearing functional clothing. In everyday life. Wow.

As a Swiss, you're probably looking a bit irritated. This is suddenly supposed to be a trend? Yep, all your walking shoes, fleece sweaters and windbreakers that you've most likely had in your wardrobe for years and consider solid basics have been given the accolade by high fashion brands like Prada and Coach.
The Swiss are probably looking a little confused.

Opposites attract (and you)

Other labels show even more devotion to the Gorpcore phenomenon and not only send their own outdoor pieces down the catwalk, but also cooperate with long-established brands for entire collections. The German luxury house Jil Sander, for example, teamed up with the Canadian outdoor professionals from Arc'teryx. Italian brand Gucci and the creative minds at The North Face want to lure us outdoors with fleece jumpers, rain capes, hiking boots and even a $3,500 tent.

Safe durch den Schnee mit Jil Sander und Arc'teryx.
Safe durch den Schnee mit Jil Sander und Arc'teryx.
Source: Instagram @jilsander
Mit Gucci und The North Face geht's auf Wanderung.
Mit Gucci und The North Face geht's auf Wanderung.
Source: Instagram @gucci

Of course, with all this hype, classic functional fashion is also becoming increasingly popular outside the classic outdoor bubble. Model Bella Hadid, for example, hardly likes to leave the house without functional clothing, while rapper and producer Pharrell happily combines trekking shoes with shorts and a hoody.

Bella Hadid in sportlicher Zipjacke, Kniestrümpfen und Wanderschuhen.
Bella Hadid in sportlicher Zipjacke, Kniestrümpfen und Wanderschuhen.
Source: Instagram @bellahadidmidias
Pharrell Williams freut sich über seine selbst designten Adidas Terrex Trail Maker.
Pharrell Williams freut sich über seine selbst designten Adidas Terrex Trail Maker.
Source: Instagram @pharrell

One trend, three benefits

Budget-friendly

The basics of being part of the gorpcore movement are probably already in your wardrobe. So all in all, it's a pretty inexpensive trend. All you need now is the willingness to combine your favourite functional pieces in a different way. Not only for actual hiking or as a wind- and weatherproof complete look, but also for getting coffee, working or strolling around. Well mixed (like the said nut bag) with chic, "unsporty" pieces that provide a certain style break.

No "I don't wear it anymore" danger

Today in, tomorrow out? It doesn't matter to you. In the Gorpcore case, you're not in danger of succumbing to a fast-moving fad. All the pieces that you already own or buy will still have their raison d'être after the hype - if need be, exclusively on the trail and piste. For once, no one is throwing money out the window.

If you want to be beautiful, you don't have to suffer

What could be better for winter than a trend made up of windproof jackets, warm boots and cosy knits? I can't think of anything. Can you?

In the series "Fashion Words" I regularly try to shed light on the darkness of communication. If you too are sometimes lost in translation, I'm sure I can help - just slide your input into the comments.Aufmacherbild: Tetiana Bykovets via Unsplash

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Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.


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