More and more people are prioritizing their health above all else. The younger generation is highly health-conscious and values their time. They believe that as long as they remain strong and passionate, they can overcome any failure.
Additionally, future generations are well-educated about their purpose and how to thrive in the hustle and bustle of big cities, where available spaces for outdoor activities like exercising, picnicking, hiking, and climbing are far more limited compared to rural areas.
This has given rise to a new outdoor lifestyle, centered on seeking community and self-expression while improving mental and physical health. Dive into this article to explore the latest outdoor trends and their origins, and learn how to align your outdoor fashion with the preferences of young consumers.
Where does Outdoor style come from?
The outdoor style boomed in 2015 as nature became an essential remedy against modern ailments like burnout, aligning with the growing trends of health-conscious and eco-friendly consumption. It offered a much-needed mental escape from the constant demands of online activity. While Gen Z is the first generation to embrace a fully "phygital" (physical and digital) lifestyle, Gen Alpha is expected to grow up in a world that is 100% internet-driven.
When it comes to outdoor style, the term “gorpcore” is impossible to ignore. In the 1990s, rappers like Mase and Notorious B.I.G. brought outdoor fashion to the streets, laying the groundwork for the gorpcore trend with windbreakers, colorful cargo pants, and dad sneakers. “Gorpcore” is a fashion style centered on utilitarian, outdoor clothing. Gorpcore often uses expensive clothing from brands that specialize in outdoor apparel, such as The North Face, Snow Peak, and Arc’teryx.
Since then the word “gorpcore” has happened more and more often. It’s no longer enough to describe the complex interweaving of sport and fashion. Today, iconic gorpcore brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Salomon, and Hoka have evolved into stylish powerhouses, competing with high-fashion names like Gucci and Chanel for a place in the fashion spotlight. In the coming time, the future gens will completely redefine outdoor as a new fashion style, as for now it’s a part of self-expression for themselves in particular.
The states of “Outdoor”
-
Outdoor is a new luxury
Gone are the days when outdoor clothing was dismissed as functional, unattractive, or uninspired. Outdoor clothing has shed its old image of being functional but unattractive. Now, it blends seamlessly with high fashion, Gucci and The North Face made a 70s outdoor collection, proving when outdoor gear meets street fashion.
Rihanna was sporting a full red limited-edition of Salomons at the Superbowl Halftime Show–a perfect mix of hiking boots and functional winter gear, stealing all the spotlights of the entire event. Her look highlighted the utility and street fashion aesthetics, sparking interest among fashion enthusiasts in the contrasting elements of these two styles.
On the other hand, celebrities like Bella Hadid and EmRata have made hiking boots and functional body-shape clothes iconic. Collaborations like Nike x The Jacquemus blur the lines between sportswear and luxury. The result? A versatile style that transitions effortlessly from city brunch to hiking trails.
Nike x Jacquemus: Tracksuit.
-
Outdoor is for everyone
Activities today are for everyone, anytime, anywhere—made effortless with the right stylish designs. There's no pressure to showcase your enthusiasm for sports or fashion. While younger generations have embraced utility as a core aspect of their lifestyle and wardrobe, outdoor style transcends age and background. It's for anyone looking to maintain a healthy, active life while navigating the hustle and bustle of city living, all without compromising on style.
-
Diverse target groups
As its utility grows, it becomes clear that this style is designed for everyone, embracing a diverse group of individuals. This inclusivity represents the future of fashion—products made to suit everyone, for any occasion. From sporty, performance-driven buyers to gorpcore enthusiasts, this broad spectrum of consumers is redefining how we think about target audiences.
Brands must prioritize this dynamic and diverse group, as they embody the evolution of fashion’s role in everyday life. Whether it’s outdoor gear doubling as casual wear or functional pieces with high-fashion appeal, capturing this audience’s attention should be a strategic priority for every forward-thinking brand.
Top Outdoor Apparel Trends in 2025
-
Inclusitivity and Diversity
The fashion industry is increasingly embracing inclusivity and diversity by expanding size ranges and offering inclusive sizing options. Whether your brand is for athleisure or what, today consumers require clothes that accommodate a variety of body types, ensuring outdoor activities are accessible to all.
Furthermore, the industry is recognizing the importance of inclusive marketing strategies. By showcasing diverse role models and telling stories that resonate with a broader audience, brands can break down barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from participating in outdoor activities. More fashion brands are prioritizing inclusivity on their runways, shifting the focus from traditional ideals of beauty and slimness to utility and longevity. Gender-fluid fashion is gaining momentum, driven by consumers who value inclusivity and self-expression in their style choices.
-
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
The outdoor apparel industry is witnessing a heightened focus on environmental impact as consumers actively seek brands that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Products made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and hemp are increasingly popular among environmentally conscious shoppers.
The global ethical fashion market, encompassing sustainable fashion, is projected to grow from $9.81 billion in 2025 to $15.17 billion by 2030, with a 9.1% CAGR, according to The Business Research. This growth underscores the rising importance of social responsibility and ethical practices in the industry.
Modern consumers demand transparency, fair labor practices, responsible material sourcing, and contributions to environmental and social causes. Brands that commit to these values earn customer trust and loyalty while standing out in a competitive market. As such, integrating social responsibility into business strategies has become essential for outdoor apparel companies aiming to succeed in an increasingly conscientious marketplace.
-
Customization and Personalization
Customization and personalization are new trends of the fashion industry, both in designing and manufacturing. Consumers ask for more customizable designs like their personal stuff. To understand what they want, a fashion brand must learn and dive deeper into their democracy and consumption behaviors. It’s not time for “I sell, you buy” anymore, it’s time to buy only what they actually want. Moreover, the current designs are smartly personalized, satisfying every requirement of a customer, so indie fashion is increasingly becoming a new competitive competitor of fashion giants like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Indie fashion flips the script by producing personalized designs easily for their target audience with high-quality materials like luxury fashion. This shift is disrupting the industry, creating new challenges for the luxury fashion market.
-
Smart Apparel
Amid fluctuating weather conditions, smart products are revolutionizing outdoor gear by adapting to body temperature, monitoring heart rate and breathing, tracking calories burned, steps taken, and even UV exposure during activities. Technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy, smart sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile integration are driving innovation and opening up new possibilities for outdoor products.
Today, many fashion brands are embracing smart materials to meet consumer demand for utility and innovation, even if it comes at a premium. For example, Uniqlo incorporates smart materials in its collections, creating versatile pieces suitable for both hot and cold weather. This approach allows consumers to pack lighter for long vacations, reducing the need for weather-specific clothing while maximizing convenience
-
Outdoor Lifestyle Influencers
Today, consumers constantly have their mobile devices in hand, demanding a better and more convenient way to shop for fashion. Future generations, accustomed to the innovative touch of technology from an early age, have contributed to the rise of online social influencers as one of the most sought-after careers. This shift marks the beginning of a new era in how people live and work.
Based on MarketsandMarkets’ latest data, the global influencer marketing platform market is anticipated to reach a 37.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2038. Consequently, fashion giants and indie brands are leveraging influencer partnerships and user-generated content (UGC) to effectively engage with their target audiences.
In conclusions,
The appreciation for nature has sparked innovation and lifestyle shifts, with consumers seeking outdoor experiences like hiking, camping, and eco-conscious living. This trend has influenced industries such as sustainable fashion, outdoor gear, and eco-friendly products. Sports, fitness, and endurance activities are on the rise, as more people invest in outdoor equipment and activewear.
This nature-inspired trend is reshaping how we live, with consumers seeking products that evoke calm and authenticity. The growing demand for ready-to-wear fashion and eco-friendly materials and ethical production highlights the shift toward sustainability. Investments in athletes and outdoor enthusiasts further reinforce the movement toward a healthier, nature-connected lifestyle, set to continue growing.
Stay ahead in the outdoor trend by starting production today. As a fashion brand, access Inflow's platform to discover must-have items for your outdoor collection and explore current and future global top utility trends. Are you scared of not performing well? Partner with Inflow to produce in low order quantities quickly and precisely in just 30 days, and gain exclusive insights into the fashion market to give you a competitive edge.
Related contents:
-
Sportswear 2024 Update: Lift Up Performance Collection with Inflow’s Best Textile Recommendations.
-
8 Steps to Build a Brand that Commands Loyalty and Case Studies to Follow