The Rise of Technical Fabrics in Everyday Fashion
Not too long ago, fabrics like GORE-TEX®, ripstop nylon, and water-repellent coatings were strictly for people scaling mountains or trekking through the wilderness. Fast-forward to today, and those same materials are just as likely to show up on your morning coffee run as they are on a trailhead. Technical fabrics have traded the campsite for the sidewalk, reshaping how we think about daily wear. Now, brands everywhere are blending outdoor know-how with lifestyle design—creating pieces that can handle whatever the day throws at you, while still looking right at home in the city. From Trail-Tested to City-Ready This isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a full-on mindset. We all want clothes that do more for long commutes, weekend trips, or even just unpredictable weather. Technical fabrics make it easy to adapt without sacrificing style. Nike’s ACG line has been championing this for years, with sneakers like the GORE-TEX Mountain Fly—rugged enough for off-road terrain but still sharp for the streets. Salomon, once a niche favorite for trail runners, is now a go-to for everyday rotations with cult classics like the XT-6 and ACS Pro. Even at FEATURE, our own Keane Cargo XL leans into this idea—built with ripstop fabric and functional pocketing, they’re equal parts utility and all-day comfort. The Fabric Cheat Sheet GORE-TEX®: The gold standard for waterproof and windproof gear, now in your sneakers, jackets, and more. Brands use it to give you all-weather protection without the stiff, heavy feel of traditional rain gear. Ripstop Nylon: Lightweight. Durable. Tear-resistant thanks to its signature grid pattern. We use it in our Pablo Utility Cargo Pants for its texture and toughness, while brands like Stüssy bring it into everyday overshirts, pants, and accessories. Water-Repellent Coatings (DWR): Think of it as an invisible shield—water beads up and rolls right off. Perfect for outerwear that still feels soft and breathable, without the “plastic raincoat” vibe. Performance Stretch + Softshells: Made to move with you while blocking wind and light rain. Softshells are the go-to for transitional weather—flexible, durable, and way more comfortable than the crunchy shells of the past. Technical fabrics just fit into modern life. They go from the city to the outdoors without missing a beat, and their clean, streamlined designs pair easily with everything from graphic tees and hoodies to tailored jackets. Neutral tones dominate, but bold colors and color-blocking are having their moment, too. The Future is Function-First The boundary between performance gear and lifestyle fashion is officially gone. Whether it’s a collab, a seasonal drop, or our own FEATURE Ready-to-Wear Collection, the future is about clothing that doesn’t just look good—it works for you.
Not too long ago, fabrics like GORE-TEX®, ripstop nylon, and water-repellent coatings were strictly for people scaling mountains or trekking through the wilderness. Fast-forward to today, and those same materials are just as likely to show up on your morning coffee run as they are on a trailhead. Technical fabrics have traded the campsite for the sidewalk, reshaping how we think about daily wear.
Now, brands everywhere are blending outdoor know-how with lifestyle design—creating pieces that can handle whatever the day throws at you, while still looking right at home in the city.
From Trail-Tested to City-Ready
This isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a full-on mindset. We all want clothes that do more for long commutes, weekend trips, or even just unpredictable weather. Technical fabrics make it easy to adapt without sacrificing style.
Nike’s ACG line has been championing this for years, with sneakers like the GORE-TEX Mountain Fly—rugged enough for off-road terrain but still sharp for the streets. Salomon, once a niche favorite for trail runners, is now a go-to for everyday rotations with cult classics like the XT-6 and ACS Pro.
Even at FEATURE, our own Keane Cargo XL leans into this idea—built with ripstop fabric and functional pocketing, they’re equal parts utility and all-day comfort.
The Fabric Cheat Sheet
GORE-TEX®: The gold standard for waterproof and windproof gear, now in your sneakers, jackets, and more. Brands use it to give you all-weather protection without the stiff, heavy feel of traditional rain gear.
Ripstop Nylon: Lightweight. Durable. Tear-resistant thanks to its signature grid pattern. We use it in our Pablo Utility Cargo Pants for its texture and toughness, while brands like Stüssy bring it into everyday overshirts, pants, and accessories.
Water-Repellent Coatings (DWR): Think of it as an invisible shield—water beads up and rolls right off. Perfect for outerwear that still feels soft and breathable, without the “plastic raincoat” vibe.
Performance Stretch + Softshells: Made to move with you while blocking wind and light rain. Softshells are the go-to for transitional weather—flexible, durable, and way more comfortable than the crunchy shells of the past.
Technical fabrics just fit into modern life. They go from the city to the outdoors without missing a beat, and their clean, streamlined designs pair easily with everything from graphic tees and hoodies to tailored jackets. Neutral tones dominate, but bold colors and color-blocking are having their moment, too.
The Future is Function-First
The boundary between performance gear and lifestyle fashion is officially gone. Whether it’s a collab, a seasonal drop, or our own FEATURE Ready-to-Wear Collection, the future is about clothing that doesn’t just look good—it works for you.
