the practical buys that are trendier than you think – Charm

Have your Gen Z children suddenly been raiding your outdoor clothing? Nicking dad’s Patagonia fleece and swapping out their Adidas Sambas for your Merrell hiking boots? That’s because practical clothes are trending and, yes, that’s right, kids…mom and dad have secretly been rocking this look for years.

What’s the trend called, you may ask? Gorp-core. The term evolved from ‘Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts,’ the classic trail mix snack beloved by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The hashtag #Gorpcore currently has over 1.8m likes on TikTok, and voilà – Gen Z has jumped on the bandwagon you’ve known about for years: function over fashion.

You might sigh in disbelief, but designer brands such as Miu Miu and fashion-forward urbanites have somehow managed to trendify a style that’s traditionally been unfussy and functional. It’s about function, not fashion. But stick with me – this is actually a good thing.

The trend, first coined in 2017, is now entering the mainstream lexicon. Take a stroll through your local market and notice how many people are wearing Salomons or spot Arc’teryx jackets at music festivals or their beanies in Clapham Common (I once counted 24 on a single lap of the park!). But hold the eye rolls! If Gen Z and Millennials are ditching plastic-heavy, fast fashion in favour of high-quality functional gear, isn’t that something to celebrate? These are items you can wear both as a fashion statement and on a weekend hike in the Scottish Highlands.

I grew up in Devon, where nearly everyone dresses with a Gorp-core state of mind. During a recent bank holiday in Cornwall with friends, fleeces, Salomon trainers and zip-off hybrid trousers were in abundance. But the question remains: is the rise of Gorp-core subtly influencing our purchasing habits (I know it has with me)? Or are we finally getting what our parents have been saying for years? Did our parents who made us wear sturdy school shoes over the Polly Pocket dolly shoes we cried over actually have the right idea all along? The answer is yes. Practical clothing is best.

Trends may come and go, but I firmly believe this one is better than most. Practicality and style can coexist and Generation X have always known this. These items below represent the best of both worlds – perfect for everyday wear or your next outdoor adventure for any age or lifestyle. Pieces that will last a lifetime and become the hardest-working pieces you own. Happy shopping to the OG Gorp-core enthusiasts, we thank you!