Gorpcore waterproofs are the hottest jacket trend – here's how to style them

Whether navigating tough terrains or staying dry during the city's expected showers, gorpcore waterproofs are functional fashion personified

Loli Bahia after the courrèges show at Garage Amelot during Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2022

Updated: October 28, 2025Oct 28, 2025, 1:14 PM GMT

Share this:

It’s no surprise that I sometimes receive curious stares from certain hiker dads when I pass by wearing the same waterproof jacket as them. For these men, brands like Arc'teryx were never thought to make a fashion statement – they were investments for top-tier protection during their annual mountain treks through the Dolomites.

So when a twenty-something woman is spotted sporting one through the streets of London, paired with a mini skirt and ballet flats, it’s easy to understand the raised eyebrows. So how did such a utilitarian garment find itself on our sartorial agenda?

Over the last few years, there has been a renaissance in what was dubbed gorpcore by Jason Chen for The Cut in May 2017. Gorpcore was named after the colloquial term for trail mix, 'Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts', and refers to garments created specifically for the outdoors – think hiking, climbing, and camping.

Models Mona Tougaard, Vittoria Ceretti, and Loli Bahia pose during Paris. Mona wears an oversized brown shaggy shearling jacket, blue hoodie, white trousers, red floral Balenciaga print purse, yellow North Face down slippers. Vittoria wears a black vest, small black neck pouch, white MM6 Maison Margiela shirt, brown leather pants, and black chunky boots. Loli wears a blue Arc'teryx jacket, black chain print pants, and gray and white Nike dunk sneakers Fashion Week — Arc’teryx shell jackets have made there way onto the fashion frontlines

The name goes beyond just rainproof jackets – gorporce has become an umbrella term for hiking boots, cargo pants, utility vests, and fleeces. It's where toggles embellish trousers and zips are a signature detail on nylon layers.

The sartorial trend found its way into the realm of high-fashion following a slew of nature-meets-luxury collaborations – Arc’teryx and Jil Sander, Palace and Off-White, and Gucci X North Face. Models clad in anoraks, fur-trimmed parkas, and puffer jackets graced down the runway during recent fashion shows.

Whether you're gearing up for your next hiking adventure this spring or just looking to stay dry during the UK's unpredictable weather while residing in the city, investing in a high-quality waterproof jacket is a must. While they may come with a steeper price tag, these pieces are sure to become timeless staples in your capsule wardrobe.

Gigi Hadid prepares backstage before the Off-White Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 show in a blue jacket — Arc'teryx jacket meets high-fashion

Take Arc'teryx, for example – the Canadian apparel brand was founded in 1989 as a harness company. In 1991, it rebranded to focus on creating high-performance gear for professionals in climbing, skiing, mountaineering, and various other outdoor disciplines.

The brand made waves in the mainstream fashion world through a slew of celebrity endorsements from the likes of Frank Ocean and Drake, along with featuring on Off-White’s autumn/winter 2020 runway courtesy of a coveted collaboration spearheaded by the late Virgil Abloh.

Arc'teryx's waterproof Gore-Tex and Beta LT shell jackets come in a wide range of colours, from sleek monochromatic neutrals to bold, fluorescent hues. Embossed with the brand's signature dinosaur fossil logo, these jackets have made the leap from rugged mountain trails to city streets, now worn by urban dwellers with a touch of fashion flair.

Andrea Steen seen wearing orange windbreaker jacket outside during Copenhagen Fashion Week — Arc'teryx waterproofs were popular during Copenhagen Fashion Week

It’s not just Arc'teryx attracting style-savvy customers with its functional, utilitarian aesthetic. 66North is another prime example. Under the creative direction of Kei Toyoshima, also the menswear designer at Louis Vuitton, the Icelandic brand’s iconic waterproof jackets have firmly established themselves on the fashion frontlines.

Luxury fashion houses are listening to the noise – for its spring/summer 2025 collection, Prada introduced a Re-Nylon line featuring waterproof pieces adorned with the brand's iconic logo emblem.

However, it can be a challenge to style jackets intended for low altitudes for a casual mooch around your local area. So we're here to help. Discover the best ways to style waterproof jackets below so you can rock gorpcore all season long.

How to style gorpcore waterproofs:

Olivia Hirst in bubble skirt and waterproof jacket

Bubble skirts

Though they might seem like contrasting styles, a balloon skirt beautifully complements a fitted waterproof jacket by adding layers and dimension through its voluminous silhouette and distinctive balloon hem. Known for its poufy, exuberant shape, the puffball skirt first debuted in the 1950s and later became a hallmark of the 1980s. It brings a playful, hyper-feminine flair to an otherwise utilitarian and unisex jacket, creating a striking balance between function and fun.

Influencer wearing white waterproof jacket with camo bag

Camouflage with camo

While camo print is traditionally seen as a must-have for outdoor excursions, on the fashion frontlines it refuses to blend into the background. Instead, it injects a bold 90s vibe into your outfit, letting you embrace the core spirit of gorpcore and outdoor style while mixing practical military influences with one of the season's hottest streetwear trends.

Olivia Hirst in blue waterproof jacket and plaid skirt

Plaid patterns

What does plaid print have in common with a waterproof jacket? They're both timeless staples that have weathered every trend. So why not bring them together for a look that feels both modern and edgy, while nodding to the classic heritage style rooted in the great outdoors?

Parisa wearing green waterproof jacket and sunglasses

Signature shades

No hiking trip is complete without a stylish, sporty pair of sunglasses – think Oakley. After all, at higher altitudes, you need reliable UV protection without compromising on a sharp, sartorial look.

momentsabloom wears grey waterproof jacket and camo pants

Cool caps

Don’t let your accessories fall flat when styling your waterproof jacket. A coordinating sunhat adds a fresh streetwear flair to complete your look.

Olivia Hirst wears cream waterproof jacket with navy long skirt

Ballet-core

While your first instinct for footwear might be a sturdy hiking trainer, the streetstyle set takes a different route – pairing their waterproofs with playful touches like ballet flats or tabis to contrast the sporty vibe.

Mia Regan in shorts and brown waterproof jacket

Micro shorts

By layering with a waterproof jacket on top, we can keep the legs bare with a pair of micro sports shorts – think a fitted silhouette that brings a feminine edge to the utilitarian piece, while still staying true to the sporty aesthetic.

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt shopping in Los Angeles. Jennifer wears red parachute pants.

Parachute pizzazz

If you're looking to ooze Gorpcore with a '90s twist, team your favourite waterproof jacket with a pair of parachute pants. Crafted from shell fabrics like nylon and polyester, these low-rise, ultra-baggy gems have been resurrected from Noughties girlband members in a slew of hues, from khaki and red to classic black and navy. For a nonchalant, rainproof look, channel your inner Jennifer Aniston with a dash of rugged hiker charm. Light enough for spring yet warm enough to handle a breeze, this look effortlessly combines practicality with undeniable coolness.

Frank Ocean wears an orange puffer jacket, a beanie hat from Arc'Teryx, outside Louis Vuitton, during Paris Fashion Week

Beanie bonanza

I recently came across a TikTok by user Selma Kaci Sebbagh, and I have to admit, I’m guilty of it – "Bought an Arc'teryx beanie and feel like I'm that guy who works in 'creative', wears Santal 33, dreams of living in a warehouse, buys £70 books he'll never read and will definitely ghost you after the first date."

The brand's coveted 'Bird Torque Beanie' pairs perfectly with their 'Beta' shell jackets – it's where slouchy skaterboy-core meets alpine enthusiasts. The knitted headpiece features Arc'teryx's wordmark and bird logo and offers the ideal snug fit for a day spent sprawling through East London's hotspots.

Close-up detail view of Salomon sneakers shoes, outside Paradis, during the Paris Fashion week

Step in style

For the ultimate Gorpcore look, team your shell jacket with a pair of Salomon XT-6 trainers. The shoes are available in a slew of different colourways to add an eye-catching statement to your monochrome look. Due to their utilitarian design, these items complement each other perfectly, and both brands are even owned by the same parent company, Amer Sports.

Sara Legge wears purple Miu Miu skirt outside the Miu Miu show during Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week

Clashing clothes

While pairing a shell jacket with a mini skirt may initially seem unconventional, this unexpected combination has quickly become a springtime It-girl staple. Take Miu Miu's elasticated skirts as an example. The garment provides a playful, city-girl twist to the classic Gorpcore aesthetic.

Bella Hadid's street style gorpcore themes and colour schemes

Fluorescent fashion

Bold colors are essential for fully embracing Gorpcore style. Vibrant and fluorescent hues not only make climbers visible as they navigate diverse terrains, but when paired with muted, earthy tones for camouflage, they create a look that captures the complete essence of Gorpcore fashion.

Gorpcore is beloved by TikTok's Gen Z influencers like Mia Regan and Romeo Beckham

Utility bags

Whether you're a rural trailer or a city dweller, keeping your valuables close is essential – be it you're exploring the mountains or simply visiting your local coffee shop. Cross body bags are the perfect solution – The North Face's 'Never Stop' iteration is crafted from recycled crinkly fabric for a vintage textured flair. The adjustable satin webbing shoulder strap allows you to easily drape the accessory round your body while on your daily city expedition.