The 26 Best Techwear Brands Bringing Performance to Style in 2024 (2024)

Arc'teryx, Patagonia

Published Jan 1, 2024

For years, aesthetic and performance in fashion were mutually exclusive. You had to pick one or the other to stay on top of trends. In the past decade and change, a new option has emerged: techwear. Built at the intersection of pragmatism and aesthetics, techwear allows those who buy a lot of outdoors gear (maybe for skiing) to treat their clothing as dual-use; a lot of outfits you wear for performance can easily be taken to the streets minutes after. The proliferation of gorpcore in recent years has only made techwear more popular. To help introduce the genre, we've compiled a list of the best techwear brands to take a look at today to get you started.

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Don't sleep on Robin Williams rocking the Salomons all the way back in 2006.

As the genre has gotten more and more popular, numerous brands previously relegated to the world of outdoor culture have escalated in terms of cultural popularity.

*Prices in this list are based on the most affordable men's jacket sold by the brand, to give a rough reference of overall price point.

• Located In: North Vancouver, CA
• Our Favorite Piece: Beta Jackets Men's, $400
• Pros: Arc'teryx boasts incredible quality and one of the most desirable logos in streetwear right now.
• Cons: Arc'teryx is certainly expensive, and the "hyped" nature of the brand might not be for everyone.

No brand is more responsible for the emergence of techwear in the past decade than Arc'teryx. From the brand's muted aesthetic to its minimal but recognizable branding, Arc'teryx is the blueprint. To this day, Arc is just as respected in streetwear circles as it is in the outdoor adventure community. Initiatives like their Regear program allow a lot of the pieces to be worn essentially forever. While the high price tag is certainly daunting, an Arc'teryx rain jacket is best in class and will eventually pay for itself after years of use.

• Located In: Ventura, CA
• Our Favorite Piece: Quandary Brimmer, $59
• Pros: Patagonia's commitment to sustainability is unparalleled and their products have been some of the best in class for nearly 50 years.
• Cons: Relatively expensive, but still probably the best bang for your buck in all of techwear. More of a laid back aesthetic than some of the precision minimalist style in the rest of this list.

What started as an outdoor gear company founded in 1973 targeted towards rock climbers has blossomed into the most well-respected brand in the outdoor adventure community. Patagonia is consistently committed to sustainability through production transparency, their Worn Wear program, and their pledge to put 1% of sales towards the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. Patagonia is a brand you can feel good buying and feel good wearing.

• Located In: Herzogenaurach, Germany
• Our Favorite Piece: Skychaser Tech Gore-Tex Hiking Shoes, $275, $248
• Pros: A bit more affordably priced than some other entries.
• Cons: Selection in the US is slightly smaller than in Europe and other locations.

Terrex is adidas line catered towards outdoor performance and durability. They have a great selection of rainwear and footwear, and the brand clocks in at a slightly more accessible price point than some of the other brands in the techwear game.

• Located In: Beaverton, OR
• Our Favorite Product: Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, $150
• Pros: A great specified line from the biggest sportswear brand in history and one of Nike's more sustainable lines. Wide variety of sizing for footwear.
• Cons: Usually a fairly limited selection, and the vintage pieces are often the most desirable for hypebeasts in 2024.

Nike ACG is just so cool. The vintage pieces can fetch some of the craziest prices in all of techwear, which makes sense. All Conditions Gear (ACG) is like coupling the hype of Nike with a pragmatism-focused outdoors line that also emphasizes sustainability. A lot of the newer pieces are also fairly competitively priced. Sneakers go up to size 15, and nobody is more trusted in he sneaker game than Nike.

• Located In: Munich, Germany
• Our Favorite Product: S34-PR Black, $600, $400
• Pros: Just plain cool.
• Cons: Exceptionally expensive and a bit more focused on aesthetic than some of the other brands.

Now we're getting into some of the hypier options on the list. ACRONYM is largely responsible for the proliferation of techwear before techwear, in an era when hyper-minimalist clothing comprised of high quality material began to gain popularity throughout the 2000s. The brand, founded in 1994 by Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sachenbacher, truly demonstrates the aesthetic possibility of techwear, foregoing branding for practical design and innovation. When Nike reinvigorated ACG, Hugh oversaw the line's reintroduction.

• Located In: Williamsburg, NY
• Our Favorite Product: Field Graphic Hoodie, $228
• Pros: Really interesting design arm from a trusted brand.
• Cons: Purple Label collections are still more accessible in Japan than in the US.

The North Face Purple Label was originally an imprint of the legendary outdoor brand only available in Japan, but they launched globally in 2019. Purple Label was launched in 2003 by Nanamica designer Eiichiro Homma (more on him later), and provides the most unique design within the North Face brand, invoking aspects of Japanese Americana into a still-pragmatic line of gear.

• Located In: Annecy, France
• Our Favorite Product: ACS Unisex Sportstyle Shoes, $175
• Pros: Unbelievably comfortable shoes that also happen to be in vogue right now.
• Cons: From a style perspective, the footwear is certainly the highlight of a line that otherwise prioritizes technicality over aesthetic.

This brand is sort of cheating for this list as Salomon's major reputation in techwear is informed entirely by its sneakers. While their other products are certainly technical and useful, the shoes themselves have become a mainstay of a contemporary sneaker rotation in 2022.

• Located In: London, UK
• Our Favorite Product: ACW x Timberland, $347.17
• Pros: Cool design and one of the more "hyped" brands on this list.
• Cons: This is a an aesthetic-first brand. That said, the pieces still perform very well in certain contexts.

Founder of ACW Samuel Ross boasts ones of the most impressive resumes in fashion, having worked for Off-White, Oakley, Nike and Barney's before starting his own label. Since its inception in 2015, A-COLD-WALL* has conducted interesting collabs with a myriad of major brands, and the kaleidoscopic design of the brand is a welcome departure from some of the more minimal stylings of a lot of techwear.

• Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY
• Our Favorite Piece: Bombtwill Spraypig Dungarees, $198
• Pros: Brings a really elevated design aesthetic to technical garments
• Cons: Might not be the right fit for those who prefer the aesthetic of traditional outdoors gear

Outlier's motto is "Material for the city" and that perfectly encompasses how the brand manages to toe the line between the technical and the stylish. Rather than making outdoor wear cool, Outlier is taking a lot of the materials that have made the culture's garments so durable and bringing it into more minimal designs meant to be worn in the city—but can certainly be taken into the outdoors as well.

• Located In: Rockford, MI
• Our Favorite Piece: MTL Skyfire 2, $200, $139.99
• Pros: Super comfortable and great for outdoor adventure.
• Cons: The style certainly isn't for everyone.

This one is also kind of cheating, but the proliferation of Merrells in urban settings as a "cool" shoe over the past few years has firmly cemented them as a mainstay of techwear footwear. While they still won't be everyone's cup of tea, Merrells are incredibly well-suited to a myriad of outdoor activities, and one of the most comfortable and accessible shoe brands in the game. The Hydro Mocs are a really great option for both aquatic and ground exploits. Check out more sandals here.

• Located In: Daikanyama, Japan
• Our Favorite Product: Gray Fair Isle Watch Beanie, $165, $56
• Pros: Too many to choose from; check out the about page. Overall, the brand emphasizes sustainability, quality and simplicity.
• Cons: High price point. Consider Uniqlo collabs as an alternative.

White Mountaineering's website describes the brand far better than I could:

“The field in which we wear clothes is all outdoors.” One, design. Two, utility. Three, technology. The imagination to fuse these elements together. The attitude of not submitting to sales or market needs.

Their collabs with Uniqlo are an amazing highlight and a good way to get a taste of their design style at a more approachable price point.

• Located In: Tokyo, Japan
• Our Favorite Product: Straight Chino Pant, $255, $166
• Pros: One of the most beautifully designed brands in the world.
• Cons: Very expensive.

Nanamica, helmed by the same guy who runs The North Face Purple Label, is a joy to behold. By combining the quality of techwear with a lot of style influences rooted in Japanese Americana, nanamica has a struck a perfect balance between performance and look.

• Located In: Tokyo, Japan
• Our Favorite Product: Goldwin Double Weave Gill Vent Hoodie - Men's, $290, $188.50
• Pros: Some of the most simplistic, approachable design in this list.
• Cons: A high price for minimal clothing might turn some away.

Unlike some of the other brands on this list that initially focused on hiking and other outdoor cultures, Goldwin originated in ski gear. Since then, they've expanded into other athletic clothing and more general-use lifestyle pieces as well, all still crafted with the same eye for quality.

Read more about Goldwin here.

• Located In: Sanjo, Niigata, Japan
• Our Favorite Product: Light Mountain Cloth Jacket, $154.95, $77.47
• Pros: Beautiful stores and a roster of all of the camping accessories you need for your adventures.
• Cons: None come to mind. They boast a roster that extends far beyond clothing, but the care and intention behind the garments is still present.

Snow Peak is just so epic. "Snow Peak believes that time outdoors with others restores the human spirit. For more than 60 years, we have cultivated restorative experiences in nature. Our products are minimalist, functional, and built to last," reads the brand's website.

Their NYC store is also a must-see if your've ever in the city.

• Located In: Denver, CO
• Our Favorite Product: Sherpa Jacket, $169, $75
• Pros: Great color options and super practical backpacks.
• Cons: Might not be the right fit for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.

Born in Colorado, Topo Designs strikes a perfect balance between fun and practicality. Their use of vivid color is distinct from a lot of the other more muted brands on this list, making it a good fit for those who like to don flashier gear—whether it be for outdoor use or the aesthetic. Topo also has a great roster of backpacks, a standout of their collection.

• Located In: Yamaguchi, Japan
• Our Favorite Product: Slim Fit Chino Pants, $49.90
• Pros: Most accessible price point on this list.
• Cons: Quality will drop a bit at this price point, but many of Uniqlo's collaborative collections boast some of the highest quality available at the price point.

So many of the options on this list are priced extremely inaccessibly. Techwear is a genre where spending more will actually impact durability and overall quality; that said, there are certainly ways to achieve the aesthetic without breaking the bank. Check out Uniqlo's technical gear (including collaborations with brands like White Mountaineering).

• Located In: New York, NY
• Our Favorite Product: Nuke Suit, $1,850
• Pros: Incredibly technical ski wear that is aesthetically minimal and well-suited to the city as well
• Cons: You're paying for both the quality and the versatility, so the brand's pieces come at a fairly high price point.

Aztech Mountain is another cool techwear brand for those that are heavily into skiing. Founders Heifara Rutgers and his husband David Roth set out to create a ski brand that you could comfortable wear on and off the slopes with a more versatile aesthetic than traditional ski garb. From their Nuke Suit, to their custom cashmere pieces in which the brand callsDuane Street Cashmere, a purchase from Aztech Mountain is both technical and stylish.

You can read more about Aztech Mountain here.

• Located In: Alameda, CA
• Our Favorite Product: Men's Jasper Oliver Drab, $120
• Pros: Technical footwear that can take you anywhere thanks to it's durability.
• Cons: Can steer towards the pricey side

Founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, KEEN is the place where you go for all of your technical footwear needs. Whether you are looking for hiking shoes, or something that steers on the casual end, you will almost certainly be able to find something from KEEN.

• Located In: Agoura Hills, California
• Our Favorite Product: Gadget Short, $90
• Pros: Tons of cool tech clothing and apparel along with fun collabs
• Cons: Style may not be for everyone

If you rock with clothes that have a mixture of street, punk, and skate, then Gramicci is the place for you to go and get the latest and greatest. The brand also frequently boasts collaborations with other notable names in the fashion space, including their recent linkups with Adsum, which have been one of our favorites.

• Located In: Ziano di Fiemme, Italy
• Our Favorite Product: La Sportiva x Janji Jackal II Trail-Running Shoes, $175, $69.83
• Pros: Apparel and gear for just about every outdoor activity/sport, versatile products
• Cons: Sometimes there's an issue with sizing/availability.

La Sportiva. The place where you can go for all of your performance driven and sportswear needs. Whether it's hiking, trail running, skiing, or mountaineering, La Sportiva has you covered.

• Located In: Bologna, Italy
• Our Favorite Product: Micro-M (R) Down Coat, $923
• Pros: Has been around for decades, has apparel for a wide range of sports and activities
• Cons: Can run on the more expensive side

Founded by Massimo Osti in 1971 in Bologna, high quality garments are the standard C.P. Company, who is the older brother of apparel brand Stone Island. Otsi, responsible for engineering the technique of garment dyeingwith multiple different fabrics and fiber types, C.P. Company continues to be an innovator in when it comes to techwear, constantly introducing new techniques. Their latest? P.Ri.S.M.—a brand new fabric created by the company in 2020 that is composed of an innovative two tone ripstop and polyurethane membrane. There's no shortage of jackets, t-shirts, blazers, jumpers, and more at C.P. Company, so make sure to browse through their entire catalog.

• Located In: NYC, New York
• Our Favorite Product: Voyager Down Jacket, $825
• Pros: Offers cutting edge clothing with great quality
• Cons: Has a smaller catalog compared to some other brands

Founded in 2008, ISAORA has become the standard sleek garments that are made with highly technical textiles. A sportswear brand that puts just as much emphasis on the performance element and durability of their products, what you get from the company is advanced technology produced in an innovative way, and state-of-the-art construction. They may have a limited catalog compared to other techwear brands, but that only serves to increase their demand.

• Located In: Ukraine
• Our Favorite Product: Resistance T-Shirt, $90
• Pros: Gives you a wide range of technical clothing at an affordable price point
• Cons: Nothing immediate comes to mind, but their stuff does have a tendency to sell out fast

Sometimes it's not always feasible to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on clothing. RIOT Division has you covered in this regard as they give you a wide range of high-quality luxury options to choose from that fall in the price range of $100 - $200. Designed and produced in Ukraine in 2010 by Oleh Moroz, RIOT's name and reputation continues to grow and speak for itself when it comes to unique take on clothing in the techwear space. It may be hard to cop items at times, but when successful the task of snatching up their stuff before everyone else does is worth it.

• Located In: Italy
• Our Favorite Product: Zip Mid Layer Shirt, $799
• Pros: Gives you a wide range of tech apparel suitable for lots of different activities
• Cons: On the expensive side

If looking for another luxury techwear brand that gives you a considerable range of coats, jackets, knitwear, trousers, and accessories—look no further than Ten c for all of your needs. Founded by former C.P. Company employers Alessandro Pungetti and Paul Harvey, Ten c's name to their game are high-endluxury outerwear made from the best of the best when it comes to materials. You might be paying much more upfront, but Ten c makes it clear that their products are ones that can literally last you forever. That's a solid tradeoff in our opinion, and their clothes are absolutely sick.

• Located In: Vancouver
• Our Favorite Product: HAVEN Prime Pullover, $319, $207
• Pros: Has a wide catalog that gives you options for all different seasons, carries a lot of different brands
• Cons: Stuff sells out fast

HAVEN has quickly become one of our favorite places to cop streetwear because it's something of a one-stop-shop that carries multiple brands in one in addition to their own signature line. HAVEN's catalog is one that consists of outerwear, tops, bottoms, accessories, footwear, along with plenty of other apparel you can check out. When we say the options are limitless—the options are limitless. Our only beef is that stuff can sell out quite fast. That's what you sign up for of course when shopping from a brand that's highly popular, but you really have to move fast if you're eyeing something on the site as it probably won't be there weeks/months later.

• Located In: Amsterdam
• Our Favorite Product: Multicolor Weightmap Sweater, $430, $129
• Pros: Has a wide catalog that gives you options for all different seasons, full of cutting edge style
• Cons: Doesn't have an actual online shop

BYBORRE is a great textile brand to shop from when you can get your hands on their products, but shopping from them can be tricky because when it comes to their clothing, they don't have an actual shop to purchase from—they can only be found on secondary retailers like SSENSE. That means unless you're one of the lucky ones that match the remaining sizes they have left in certain items, you either have to wait for a restock or until a brand new collection comes out. That aside, BYBORRE is the epitome of a brand that represents GORE-TEX to the fullest with their functional apparel and futuristic looks, making them one of the best techwear brands in the game.

A lot of vintage Patagonia, Gramicci and other classic hiking brands can be found in thrift stores and other resale locations. Also check out Grailed and look for the brands mentioned in this list—particularly Nike ACG, Arc'teryx and Patagonia. There is so much circulating from these brands that you can often find a good deal.

To learn more about hiking-influenced style, check out this intro to Gorpcore.

This article was updated on January 1.

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