Modern Techwear brands
Arc’teryx
Established by climbers in 1989, Arc’teryx is a Vancouver-based company that has dedicated 30 years to developing and refining high-performance technical apparel. Designed to endure outdoor challenges, Arc’teryx gear encompasses a range of products, from lightweight and agile (FL) climbing equipment to heavy-duty, weather-resistant (SV) shells equipped with taped seams for blizzard conditions.
In the realm of outdoor climbing, an Arc’teryx jacket is likely to find a new owner due to its exceptional quality. However, the brand's reputation goes beyond durability and functionality—it is renowned for its commitment to design. The groundbreaking Alpha SV Jacket revolutionized the perception of GORE-TEX jackets, transitioning from baggy and oversized designs to the sleek silhouettes we see today. Arc’teryx continues to uphold this tradition of innovation with recent advancements, such as slimmer waterproof zippers.
Having expanded its portfolio to include the technically advanced menswear line Veilance and the lifestyle-focused 24 range, Arc’teryx has become one of the most sophisticated gear manufacturers in the market, comparable to the Range Rover of techwear. Its products combine style, premium craftsmanship, and a rugged essence. Look out for the brand's distinctive logo depicting a bird fossil in many techwear ensembles.
The North Face
When it comes to technical apparel, The North Face is an indispensable name. While outdoor clothing brands existed before 1968 and Eddie Bauer pioneered the down jacket, The North Face's ingenuity and focus on functionality have made gear-as-fashion a standard concept.
Inspired by the north face of Yosemite's Half Dome, this California-based outdoor powerhouse has undeniably shaped the perception of techwear through its innovative designs, materials, and technologies. The iconic Denali, a zip-front Polartec fleece, can be seen as the precursor to the popular sherpa style. Likewise, the Mountain Jacket, featuring multi-paneled GORE-TEX construction, may have influenced the incorporation of contrasting black shoulders in general designs. In the realm of fashion, The North Face stands out by collaborating with influential partners to set trends. Among these collaborations, Junya Watanabe MAN's Backpack Jacket reigns supreme as a true standout.
While numerous brands produce techwear, only one brand can truly claim to have defined and popularized it: The North Face.
adidas Terrex
While adidas may not be traditionally associated with outdoor gear, it has successfully altered that perception through its Terrex collection, which has been offering outdoor equipment since 2011. adidas integrates robust materials like nylon ripstop, which grants a wind and water-repellent coating, and utilizes treaded Continental rubber outsoles that ensure excellent traction on challenging terrains. Collaborations with esteemed brands such as and wander and Y-3 have further elevated the Terrex collection's visibility, placing it in the spotlight. Moreover, adidas has made a commendable commitment to incorporating recycled materials into its products, showcasing a dedication to sustainability.
Post Archive Faction
Post Archive Faction, a prominent brand from South Korea's thriving fashion scene, defies the typical outdoors brand archetype due to its close association with high fashion. This recognition was exemplified by its nomination for the prestigious 2021 LVMH prize. However, despite its emphasis on abstract shapes and experimental details, Post Archive Faction maintains its position as an exceptionally functional clothing brand.
The brand offers an extensive range of innovative garments, including transformative pants featuring pockets that can double as bags, as well as lightweight balaclavas with internal ear loops. Among its diverse collection, the standout pieces are undoubtedly its puffer jackets. These jackets are meticulously crafted from performance-specific fabrics and feature unconventional elements like off-center zippers and contrast puffy fabric billowing out from carefully placed holes. As a result, Post Archive Faction's outerwear has gained a cult-like following and is highly coveted by fashion enthusiasts.
ACRONYM
The debut release of ACRONYM's KIT-001 in 2002 marked a significant milestone in the development of what we now recognize as "techwear." This groundbreaking collection, featuring a jacket, bag, soundtrack, concept art, and more, drew inspiration from military surplus, technical sportswear, and the cyberpunk aesthetic. ACRONYM swiftly established itself as one of the premier outdoor clothing brands, presenting a vision that transcended traditional boundaries.
Using functional garments as a medium, ACRONYM skillfully incorporates a wide range of references, such as zip sleeves, magazine pouches, and the futuristic world depicted in Akira, resulting in beautifully finished products that command luxury price points. This ethos has been embraced and upheld by labels like Guerrilla Group, Stone Island Shadow Project, and Enfin Levé, among others, who have drawn inspiration from ACRONYM's pioneering approach. Even those who may not be aware of it are influenced by ACRONYM, as evidenced by individuals referring to their all-black Nike outfits as "techwear," which is a testament to the brand's impact.
It is also worth noting that ACRONYM co-founder Errolson Hugh has been involved with several other notable techwear brands, including Tilak's Poutnik. Additionally, ACRONYM has collaborated with an impressive roster of sportswear and street culture icons, including Futura and Nike. In fact, Hugh played a pivotal role in overseeing Nike's revitalization of its ACG outdoor line from 2014 to 2018, further cementing ACRONYM's influence in the industry.
Patagonia
Patagonia, named after the breathtaking region renowned for its unspoiled beauty, stands out as a brand with a distinct identity and purpose. With its iconic logo and clear mission, the brand maintains a firm focus on doing things ethically and responsibly.
It is no surprise that Patagonia deeply cares about the Earth—an aspect that permeates their entire existence. The company boldly declares on their website that they are in business to save our home planet, and this commitment is evident in every aspect of their operations. From crafting durable and sustainable products to donating their tax cuts for environmental causes, Patagonia aligns all of its endeavors with this overarching goal. They have even taken legal action, such as suing Donald Trump, in their unwavering dedication to environmental protection. This unwavering commitment, combined with their exceptional products, has contributed to Patagonia's widespread recognition as a leading brand in the techwear space.
While Patagonia may, somewhat paradoxically, encourage consumers not to buy their jackets, their SST model is definitely worth considering. Despite its roots in fly-fishing, the SST jacket boasts oversized pockets and high-tech fabrics that make it a perfect choice for techwear enthusiasts.
ROA
ROA, named after the scenic hiking spot Forcella della Roa, draws inspiration from its mountainous namesake to create hi-tech footwear specifically designed for hiking trails. Established in 2015, the brand has garnered a following for its Vibram-soled, durable footwear. Despite its strong focus on functionality, ROA's minimalist aesthetic has also resonated with the fashion world. This is evident through numerous co-signs from notable figures like Drake, as well as collaborations with fashion-forward brands such as A-COLD-WALL* and 1017 ALYX 9SM.
While initially renowned as a shoe brand, ROA has recently expanded its offerings to include outdoor-ready clothing that upholds the same principles of form and function found in its footwear. The label now presents a range of classic outdoor apparel, including shell jackets, fleeces, and nylon pants, but with a touch of stylistic finesse that distinguishes it from traditional outdoors brands. This fusion of practicality and aesthetic appeal has further propelled ROA's popularity within both the outdoor and fashion communities.
Merrell
Merrell, founded in 1981 by Clark Matis and John Schweizer, former executives of the Rossignol ski company, established itself as a renowned brand by creating durable hiking boots. One of its most notable models, the Moab hiking boot, has achieved remarkable success, with the brand estimating sales of over 28 million pairs. Throughout the years, Merrell has maintained its position as a leading brand in the realm of outdoor active footwear, expanding its offerings to include clothing and accessories tailored for outdoor exploration.
While Merrell gained recognition primarily for its footwear, it truly captured attention with the introduction of its Hydro Moc model. These slip-on water shoes have become a fan favorite, not only for their practicality but also for their futuristic aesthetic. The Hydro Moc's innovative design has struck a chord with consumers, further solidifying Merrell's reputation for combining functionality with cutting-edge style.