Although Gorpcore was a term coined by The Cut back in 2017 to describe an outdoorsy fashion style that fuses functional outerwear, utilitarian pieces, and sportswear, it’s a trend that’s come back every year since. And what better way to tap into the aesthetic than with a technical waterproof jacket?
Whether it’s Prada’s Spring/Summer 2017 menswear collection where the trend started, Gucci’s collaboration with The North Face in 2020, Jil Sander’s collection with Arc’teryx in 2021, or just this month’s partnership between Supreme and Nike ACG (Nike’s outdoorsy diffusion line), it’s a style that’s exists both in the mountains and at the highest points of the fashion industry. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get the look.
A waterproof jacket from performance brands like Berghaus, Patagonia or Salomon is not only bang on the fashion agenda, but also an absolutely necessary in the depths of the British autumn when a downpour of rain could hit at a moment’s notice, leaving you looking like you’ve decided to try showering with your clothes on.
You can go one of two ways - keep it toned down with blacks, whites, and neutrals, or go all out with bright colour-blocked designs that are offered by the likes of The North Face. Most importantly, make sure any coat you choose has a hood for maximum protection from the elements, as well as extra pockets, vents for breathability, and reflective accents as an added bonus.
Another all important tip - ‘Gore-Tex’, which is trademark for a type of fabric that’s waterproof and breathable, is basically a stamp of weatherproofing approval when it comes to performancewear, so when you spot it, you know you’re in safe watertight hands.
For the full gorpcore effect, complete the look with waterproof trousers from the same brand and a bright pair of hiking shoes or trainers - even if the extent of your hike doesn’t go beyond the realms of a London park. If that’s a little too Bear Grylls for your liking, you could wear an understated style over your day to day look to keep yourself protected from whatever the unreliable UK has in store for you.
We’ve rounded up the best available to buy now, so it’s time to get gorpy!
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Berghaus Men's Arran Jacket - Dark Grey/Black
Practicality and style go hand in hand with Berghaus’ waterproof jacket. Named after Arran, a Scottish island that’s popular with walkers, it’s created for those who love to brave the outdoors whatever the weather.
Crafted using the brand’s fully waterproof fabric, it’s lightweight, breathable, and offers four pockets, articulated sleeves for ease of movement, adjustable cuffs and a drawcord to help you find the perfect fit. Designed in navy and black, it will keep any outfit dry in style.
Buy now £200.00, Berghaus
Salomon Outline Gore-Tex 2.5 Layers
Mainly known in the fashion world for their hypey trainers, French brand Salomon also offers a range of other technicalwear and utilitarian garments - and this Outline jacket is one of them.
Protective, lightweight, and breathable, it is crafted using Gore-Tex Paclite, which is not only durably waterproof and windproof but also made using 100 per cent recycled polyester. This is a consciously made piece without compromising on functionality.
With an adjustable hood, waterproof zip, and glued hems, you’ll be bone dry whether you’re caught in a storm on Ben Nevis or in a drizzle on the way to work.
Buy now £180.00, Salomon
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
From partnering with the Albanian government to create the world’s first wild river national park, to providing renewable energy to communities across Europe, down to manufacturing their products sustainably, Patagonia is an ethical brand through and through.
The Torrentshell jacket is made using 100 per cent recycled nylon, features a drawstring hood and adjustable cuffs, and can be packed into the handwarmer pocket for ease of packing on your hike - or to keep in your work bag for any unforeseen commute-based-downpours.
Buy now £169.00, End Clothing
Arc'teryx Stonle Komorebi Jacket
A favourite of Frank Ocean, Drake, and the late Virgil Abloh, Arc’teryx is not only loved by those who have a penchant for the outdoors. Founded by climbers in 1989, the Canadian brand’s purpose is to build the finest products for an elevated outdoor experience - and the Stonle Komorebi Jacket fits the bill.
Delivering alpine performance with style, it’s crafted using Gore-Tex technology for fully waterproof, windproof, and breathable credentials, and features a unique print that would look at home worn in the city. With two hand pockets, two security pockets, adjustable hood, hems and cuffs, and reflective logos for visibility in low light situation, it’s a jacket that ticks all the boxes.
Buy now £600.00, Arc'teryx
Norse Projects Ursand Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
Copenhagen-based Norse Projects started, like Supreme and Palace, as an in-store only skating brand, and has since become a contemporary fashion label offering a selection of minimal high quality menswear, womenswear, and accessories - most recently teaming up with Gore-Tex to bring an improved finish to their iconic jackets.
Totally windproof, water resistant, yet extremely breathable, this jacket minimises the wind’s chilling effect with no risk of the dreaded overheating. Designed in khaki and black with a pop of blue, it’s cool and understated. Pair with the matching trousers for maximum weatherproof protection.
Buy now £375.00, End Clothing
Columbia Ampli-Dry™ Waterproof Shell Jacket
Founded in America in 1938, Columbia have over 80 years expertise in designing outdoor apparel with function and style in mind - and you can’t go wrong with a classic black jacket.
Crafted in the brand’s waterproof yet breathable fabric, this jacket will keep you dry from the inside out. Fully seam-sealed and finished with a coated zipper closure, you’ll be protected from even the worst of storms.
With four-way stretch, underarm vents, and zippered hand and chest pockets, you’ll feel comfortable whether you’re ascending a mountain or mooching around town on the weekend.
Buy now £108.00, Columbia
The North Face Men’s Stratos Hooded Jacket
A go-to for all things outdoorsy, The North Face was founded by two hiking enthusiasts back in 1966 to become one of the biggest brands dominating the industry today.
Whether you’re running for your train or meandering along a hiking trail, you can wave goodbye to the sweaty wet-from-inside feeling with this waterproof, windproof, yet, most importantly, breathable jacket. It also features underarm zips if you need to let off any extra steam.
Buy now £145.00, The North Face
Asics Fujitrail Waterproof Jacket
One of the leaders in running gear, Asics’ waterproof jacket is designed with runners in mind - and was even tested by trail athletes in mountain conditions to get the design just right.
Fully waterproof, breathable, and packable, it’s a super lightweight style that is easy to stow away if the sun decides to make an appearance. Featuring a drop shoulder for ease of movement, reflective details for visibility at night, and a fully seam-sealed construction for complete protection, it’s a jacket that does it all. And hopefully the cherry tomato red design will help tone down the rosy post-workout cheeks.
Buy now £208.00, Asics
Craghoppers Men's Toledo GORE-TEX Jacket
For outstanding outdoor performancewear, Craghoppers is the place to go, whether you’re looking for a collection to provide protection against biting insect in hot-climate countries to insulated jackets for alpine conditions.
Designed in a fully waterproof Gore-Tex stretch fabric, this parka will protect you in even the wettest conditions - and has ample space across six pockets for all of your hiking, or city-exploring, essentials.
Not only is it crafted using recycled bottles, but if you register your purchase with the brand, they’ll guarantee it for life, meaning if anything goes wrong, they’ll replace it with the same or something similar.
Buy now £275.00, Craghoppers
