The North Face is infusing its line of outdoor performance gear with the street style appeal of denim.
The VF Corp-owned brand this week announced the launch of the Gore Denim pack, a new collection that pulls influence from iconic heritage styles. The products are modernized through the use of a water-repellent Gore-Tex denim.
The three-style capsule features the ‘92 Reversible Nuptse Jacket, inspired by the original puffer jacket by the same name that launched in 1992. The $380 style contains 600-fill recycled down, and is characterized by a boxy silhouette. Made weatherproof by a non-PFC durable water repellant (DWR) finish, the Nuptse’s internal hem drawcord adds adjustability and ensures a snug fit. A three-piece hood can be stowed in the stand collar using a hidden zip closure.
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The men’s GTX Mountain Jacket, also designed in the 1990s, features zip-in-compatible integration with the 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket and Denali Jacket with pit-zip venting. The lighter-weight style showcases secure-zip, reverse-entry alpine hand pockets, as well as an internal drawcord at the hem and adjustable cuff tabs. The style’s retro appeal is complemented by the dark-wash performance denim fabric, retailing for $450.
The men’s GTX Mountain Pant complements the jacket styles with its relaxed fit, elastic waistband and ankle cuffs. The jogger-style performance pant, which retails for $250, also features an internal drawcord to promote adjustability, zippable pockets on the sides and back, and articulated knees that enhance mobility.
While designed with solid performance attributes, the collection plays into the “gorpcore” movement, named for the “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” trail mix popular with hikers, that’s fueling interest in brands such as Salomon. The North Face saw 153-percent year-over-year trade growth on StockX in 2022, and the streetwear marketplace projected the continued popularity of outdoor brands continuing this year.
The North Face Gore Denim Pack is not the first time Gore-Tex has lent its materials expertise to the streetwear. In December, company teamed up with True Religion and Supreme on a line of hoodies, bomber jackets, jeans and accessories made with denim, twill and Gore-Tex signature fabrics.
