Jason Chen first used the term “Gorpcore” in an article for The Cut back in 2017 to define a kind of neo-normcore aesthetic that had begun to emerge.
The name comes from a colloquialism coined for trail mix – “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts” – and encompasses the practical, outdoorsy style exemplified by brands such as The North Face, Patagonia and Arcteryx, to name a few.
Since 2017, however, Gorpcore has taken on a life of its own – its influence trickling into even the deepest recesses of the fashion world. Collaborations between high street, utilitarian brands and luxury fashion houses have brought the aesthetic to the fashion forefront, and it’s seemingly here to stay.
From Gucci’s campaign with North Face, to Prada’s outdoor capsule collection with Reese Cooper, to the recent Salomon x Maison Margiela trainers, sporty and utilitarian styles have been entering the high fashion sphere in unexpected ways – and we, for one, are here for it.
In an article for Grailed in 2019, Marc Richardson detailed the key components to any Gorpcore outfit, including breathable base layers, wide-legged pants, down-filled puffer jackets and – of course – a fleece mid-layer, for which he argues there’s “no single piece that defines Gorpcore better.”
Layered in the winter with a big puffer, or simply as a zip-up jacket in its own right, a fleece is as versatile as it is incredibly cosy. You might opt for an oversized teddy bear fleece with a high-neck for that almost blanket-like comfort. Or, you might rather be in the market for a woven blend of luxurious merino and sheepswool that fits comfortably under a duster jacket.
If your affinity for the aesthetic errs on the side of practicality, a fleece made from recyled polyester is probably your best bet. Brands such as Patagonia are particularly well known for producing fleeces in this heat-trapping, quick-drying and breathable fabric.
Whichever material, woolblend, shape or size that you choose, you can be resolutely sure of one thing: you’ll be keeping perfectly warm while looking extremely cool all throughout the winter months.
So, if you’re wanting to join the likes of Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Frank Ocean, we’ve put together a roundup of the coolest fleeces on the market right now, for all your Gorpcore needs.
Patagonia Classic Retro X-Jacket
Starting off strong. It doesn’t get more classic than a Patagonia zip-up fleece. The true embodiment of practicality and fashion, and therefore the very essence of Gorpcore, the Retro-X is slim-fitting with a warming and comfortable high neck. It’s made from 50 per cent recycled plush polyester fleece, so it’s not only extremely cosy, but environmentally friendly too.
Buy now £209.00, End Clothing
Free People Hit The Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket
Part of the FP movement range, this fleece jacket is an iconic winter wardrobe staple. It comes in a variety of funky prints and patterns and is the perfect oversized piece for lots and lots of layering. The pop-button fastening makes it easy to slip on and off depending on the weather, or the activity, and will go the distance in terms of wear and tear.
Buy now £158.00, Free People
Allbirds Women's Fluff Fleece Pullover
So, you want a chic and stylish fleece, but you’re not about all those colours and patterns? Allbirds has got you covered with this perfectly warm and fluffy high neck pullover. With a quarter-length pop-button fastening and a kangaroo pocket, you can be sure that all your extremities will be nice and toasty when you’re on the move.
Sewn together from a woven blend of merino wool and recycled fabric, this piece is both durable and ultra-soft. It’s a win-win.
Buy now £120.00, Allbirds
Lazy Oaf Mixed Emotions 1/4 Zip Fleece
Show your contempt for the winter season while making a fashion statement with Lazy Oaf’s Mixed Emotions fleece. Maybe you’ve been bingeing Wednesday on Netflix like us, maybe you haven’t – either way, we think this is something our brand-new, Gen-Z Wednesday Addams would be all over.
Pair it with a maxi utility skirt and some chunky boots and you’re all set for some modern goth-ified Gorpcore.
Buy now £110.00, Lazy Oaf
Free People Hit The Slopes Colorblock Pullover
If you were utterly obsessed with the above Free People button-up, but prefer a pullover type of fleece, the brand has answered your prayers. This variation of the Hit The Slopes fleece has a quarter-length pop-button fastening, a handy zip-up breast pocket and still falls perfectly at the hips like its sister style for a slouchy silhouette.
Buy now £118.00, Free People
iets frans... Grey Mock Neck Fleece
For a chic sporty look, this iets frans mock neck fleece has a retro-style colour block design, elasticated yet slouchy hem, and a classic pop-button quarter-length fastening at the neck. A versatile pitch-to-pub piece, this is a great fit for all of our active socialites.
Buy now £52.00, Urban Outfitters
Champion Full Zip Teddy Fleece
Crafted from ultra-soft teddy bear fleece fabric, you’ll be battling the British winter with absolute ease in no time thanks to this full-zip number from Champion. It’s so warm and cosy that you might not even feel the need to layer with a puffer – for it works just fine as a jacket in its own right. We know it’s Gorpcore blasphemy to forgo that essential layering, but the brand has knocked it out the park with this one.
Buy now £68.00, Champion
Gramicci Sherpa Jacket Natural Swirl
You can be sure you’ll be in for a warm, practical and incredibly stylish look with this tie-dye fleece from American climbing company Gramicci. Founded in California in the 70s, Gramicci has been making functional outdoor-ready clothing that is built for movement for a while now – and its pieces somehow just keep getting better. This fleece is the very definition of functionality meets streetwear, and we’re all over the purple and white swirl design.
Buy now £159.00, End Clothing
Columbia Helvetia cropped half snap neck fleece in landscape print
The calming and warm colour palette of the landscape featured on this Columbia snap neck fleece is all the motivation you’ll need to get exploring. Whether you’re sporting a fleece as a true activewear piece, or simply bringing the outdoor vibes indoors for some extra comfort, this throw-on printed wonder will be your very best friend this season.
Buy now £65.00, ASOS
Dickies Falkville Fleece
Made from super-soft jacquard fleece with a bold geometric design, Dickies’ take on the printed fleece is an instant favourite for us. This particular design is part of the brand’s ‘Neo Nomad’ collection, which features a range of earthy patterns and southwestern prints. With two front welt pockets to fit your hands, and a zip-front pocket for all your essential items, you simply can’t go wrong with this fleece.
Buy now £76.00, Dickies
L.L. Bean Women's Bean's Sherpa Fleece Jacket
Founded in Maine in 1912, L.L Bean are experts at all things outdoors. More recently, however, they’ve produced the perfect combination of the fan-favourite Patagonia full-zip silhouette and the ever-practical, super handy pop-button fastening. This piece is slightly fitted with a nevertheless slouchy look, and a high-neck for that all important breeze-battling extra coverage.
Buy now £106.42, L.L. Bean
Monki Bright red faux fleece half-zip sweater
Primary colour lovers rejoice for your winter colour-blocking desires shall be met with this fire-truck red, oversized fleece from Monki. Sink into the high, yet slouchy, zip-up neck during your daily commute, when the office aircon blasts directly above you, or when you’re all tucked up and ready for bed.
Buy now £40.00, Monki
Uniqlo Fleece Button-Up Pullover
For the same feel as the classic Patagonia Synchilla fleece, but for a fraction of the price, scoop up this button-up pullover from Uniqlo and solve all your winter blues with immediate effect. The deep navy-blue colourway makes a fantastically versatile winter staple in any wardrobe.
Buy now £24.90, Uniqlo
