Embracing the future: the rise of techwear
2 min read
Techwear is clothing designed for movement and weather, with the look of streetwear. The word joins "technology" and "wear": waterproof shells, articulated cuts, modular pockets and a mostly black palette.
Where it comes from
Techwear grew from outdoor and military gear. Acronym, founded by Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sargent, became a reference in the 1990s, and Arc'teryx Veilance brought a mountain-gear approach to city clothes in 2009. Japanese streetwear fans took up the style because it shares the same love of fabric and construction.
The features that matter
- Waterproof and breathable membranes such as Gore-Tex, used in shell jackets.
- Water-repellent finishes (DWR) on trousers and bags.
- Articulated knees and elbows that let you move.
- Modular pockets and straps that replace a bag for small items.
How to wear it
Choose one technical piece, usually the jacket, and keep the rest simple: plain tee, straight trousers, clean shoes. A head-to-toe outfit of buckles and straps tends to look like a costume.
Care and longevity
Technical fabrics last longer when you wash them as the label says and reapply the water-repellent finish when water stops beading. For the wider picture, see what Japanese streetwear is.