In recent years, the sport and performance clothing market has seen substantial growth, fuelled by the rising popularity of hobbies like running, hiking, and climbing. But now a new trend is reshaping the market – Gorpcore.
First coined by The Cut in 2017, the term ‘Gorpcore’ describes a fashion trend which combines practical, outdoor clothing with everyday fashion. Since then, the trend has exploded, with the global performance apparel market projected to have a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.9% between 2025 and 2035. Gorpcore has brought performance apparel into the mainstream, with consumers seeking clothing that combines technical function with contemporary style.
Combining Fashion and Function
Outdoor apparel brands are now being worn in cities as well as on trails, making the need for versatility across fashion and function essential in keeping up with consumer demand. This demand has led to innovations in fibre technology and garment construction that push the boundaries of what performance clothing can achieve.
Many outdoor clothing brands are now creating functional clothing that moves seamlessly between everyday wear and outdoor use.
For instance, Arc’teryx’s uses precision lamination and lightweight textiles to create high-performance outerwear with stylish silhouettes. Similarly, Salomon’s GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper technology delivers windproof and water-resistant protection while maintaining breathability and comfort.
Patagonia operates its own inhouse fabric testing laboratory to ensure that its products are high-performing and durable. While Berghaus’ Hydrodown technology applies a hydrophobic coating to natural down, ensuring insulation remains effective even in wet conditions.
High-street brands have also followed the trend in functional fashion, introducing collections that combine performance technologies with everyday fashion. Uniqlo’s AIRism range incorporates breathable fabrics into everyday clothing, while Marks and Spencer’s Heatgen thermal clothing uses specialised yarns designed to trap body heat.
These innovations reflect a shift towards fashion that performs, meeting consumers’ growing expectations for functionality without compromising on style.
Understanding the Fibres Behind Function
Understanding the fibres behind effective sports and performance clothing is crucial when creating clothing that looks good and functions well.
The PACE Sports and Performance Clothing: From Fibres to Function course is designed for professionals across the textiles industry who want to deepen their understanding of performance clothing.
Led by Dr. Mark Taylor, a sports and performance clothing specialist, this two-day course enables learners to:
- Identify and evaluate the key functionalities of technical textiles.
- Explore the structure and working mechanisms of performance garments.
- Gain insight into industry-standard performance requirements and testing methods for technical apparel.
- Differentiate between textile materials used in constructing performance clothing.
This hands-on course will be delivered on the University of Leeds campus, and you will learn through a dynamic mix of theory and practical demonstrations.
As the boundaries between outdoor clothing and everyday wear continue to blur, the brands and professionals leading the way will be those who create performance clothing that is both fashionable and functional. Understanding how fibres, fabrics, and finishes influence performance is no longer just a technical skill; it’s a creative advantage that will shape the next generation of sports and performance clothing.