Urban camo, outdoor tech, and the juggernaut of Gorpcore…all these trends are still going strong. The fun and forceful mix of streetwear with outdoor utilitarian aesthetic seems to have found a home in the wardrobes of everyone from athletes (natch) to celebrities to the rest of us.
Looking to add some quality pieces of your own? You’re sure to have a few items in your rotation already but let’s take stock of what you’ve got and do some upgrading. We’ve got 10 solid, staple pieces from performance wear to Boots that will ensure your game stays strong.
First, let’s talk about those joggers. The cotton ones you’ve been living in are fantastically comfortable, but by now they’ve stretched out and gotten baggy. Your poly-performance joggers fit great, and are the ones you throw on when you’re working your stylish, off-duty mode…but that material isn’t always comfortable. Are you stuck with one or the other? HN. Enter your new best friend – Legend’s Precision Sweatpant. Made from dual-faced pique fabric, the inside is super soft while the outer layer is sleek and durable. The bungee enclosure front and comfort waistband are like your fav pair of sweats but the antimicrobial performance tech and slim tapered leg keep your silhouette tight and sleek like your best joggers. Smooth seam zipper pockets and reflective trims elevate these pants to next level.
Legends, Precision Sweatpant $115
Next let’s move to your feet. Most likely you’ve got a solid sneak collection and maybe even a hybrid hiking shoe or two, but if you’re looking to up your game, one of the best ways is to go OG. As in Timberland. These boots have been rocking the feet of hip-hop legends since the 90s and have only continued to grow in fanbase year after year. The hottest current pair is the Timberland 40 Below, which would set you back almost half a grand. But there’s no need for that, when the equally cool original 6″ Timbs can be had for a lot less. Looking to stand out from the crowd a bit? Get ’em in a fresh color like these Timberland 6 in Burnt Orange. Classic, with a fresh twist.
Timberland 6-inch Premium Waterproof Boot $198
When it comes to stashing your stuff, are you still rocking the high school Jansport? If so, let’s talk about an upgrade. One that even the American Chiropractic Association recommends because of its articulate shoulder straps, soft-to-the-touch material and rounded back panel. We’re talking about the cult-status, most popular backpack model of The North Face – the Borealis. Filled with a ton of compartments for everything from your phone to your laptop, this’ll get you from coffee shop to class and everywhere in-between. It’s a staple piece that you’ll have for years to come. And while every color is a classic with this pack, their tan camo version truly hits different.
The North Face, Borealis 28L Backpack $98.95
When the heat hits don’t let your game melt with it. With a 7.5″ inseam these shorts are versatile enough to take you from hiking the trails to the streets. Made from VCycled™ fabric, each short takes four to five recycled bottles out of the landfill cycle and into something you’ll love to wear every day. It has four-way stretch and with it’s anti-odor and quick-drying fabric it’ll keep you moving in style even on those triple-digit days. There’s over fifteen color/pattern options to choose from as well, though personally we’re a fan of the terracotta (as seen below).
Vuori, Banks Short in Terracotta $68
There are certain clothing items that never truly go out of style. Way up top on this list is the bomber jacket. This classic utility clothing item has been coming back year after year. We’re pretty sure you’ve probably got the defacto green one in your closet already, but hey this article is about upping your game, remember? So let’s take things next level, as in this drip looker from Legends. First off, the tech fabric is no joke. We’re talking durable, water-repellant and breathable (you don’t get that with other standard bombers). Added bonus – in addition to the front slash pockets there’s a zip pocket on the arm that’s perfect for your pods and inside the right slash pocket is a hidden zippered pocket for stashing your phone. Okay, all good stuff aside, the pattern we’re highkey obsessed with is their San Gabriel Camo (shown below). In a world of greens and grays, this jacket will have you standing out for all the right reasons.
Legends, Carson Bomber in San Gabriel Camo $150
From hip-hop artists to professional skateboarders, the Carhartt brand is king. This founded-in-Detroit, general working man’s brand is straight-up, no-nonsense utility at its best, but its spin-off brand WIP (work in progress) has eclipsed even the original brand in terms of cult popularity. This short-sleeve utility shirt will work great as a middle layer (over a long-sleeved tee) while the weather is chilly and makes a great stand alone shirt as summertime takes over and you’re looking to show up and show out at your brahs BBQ.
Carhartt WIP, Logo Patched Short Sleeve $74
A good cross-body bag is that ideal go to for when you’d rather skip loading up your jacket or pants pockets. It’s also a great opportunity to rotate in a fresh item to add to your utility look. Case in point, this adventure waist bag from adidas isn’t overly bulky (big enough for your wallet, phone, keys and a few other necessities) but it packs a nice punch in style. Lucky you, this fella is available online only, and we found it on sale. YW.
adidas, Adventure Waist Bag $24 (reg. $33)
Spring weather can be fickle, which is why a great utility vest is a must. The North Face Cuchillo vest is lightly insulated so it’ll keep you warm but not roasting. Plenty of pocket space and the diamond quilt reads instant off-duty casual. Our piece of advice on this one? Skip the expected black and blue (yawn…standard outdoorsy) and upgrade to a more utility-focused color…this arrowwood yellow will be way more interesting for your fit.
The North Face, Cuchillo Insulated Vest in Arrowwood $128.95
Okay for real though, not since the Male Romper has there been as polarizing a fashion item as the Croc. Once upon a time they lived entirely in the world of “Sunday Mornings with Dad” shoe apparel. But then came the Beiber, and the Beckhams and finally Kanye. At this point whether you love ’em or hate ’em, there is no denying 2022 is already “the summer of the croc”. If you haven’t tried them and are looking for a great gateway version, the Classic All-Terrain Clog in Chai/Multi has the look of a great summer sandal with all that Croc goodness.
CROCS, Classic All-Terrain Clog in Chai/Multi $27.48
Our last, but definitely not least piece shows that the utility look can, and should be a fit option for you even when you’re dressing to impress. Vuori’s Aim Pant has all the stylish look and material of a dress pant but with a utility twist. Lightweight stretch and plenty of pockets, it’s made with the same, top-quality moisture-wicking, odor resistant fabrics that Vuori uses for their performance pants. The difference is the cut, which has more in common with your fav tailored pant (but a helluva lot cooler and more comfortable). Once you slip on these dark charcoal blokes, you’ll be living in them.
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