Techwear is short for technical wear, and it is a type of fashion that revolves around maximising functionality and comfort. Due to this specific brief many techwear outfits incorporate clothing associated with militaries like cargo pants and chest harnesses for their utility like extra pockets. In the spirit of high functionality, most techwear outfits incorporate waterproof materials, a hood and multiple layers. Of course, the outfits vary with the seasons; it wouldn’t be very functional to venture out into a heatwave in heavy waterproof clothing. The outfits usually feature darker colours too.
Techwear has risen in popularity in recent years and has infiltrated popular social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. For many creators/influencers on these sites, their content revolves around showcasing their techwear looks such as @yijihoon and @xshad0wboii on TikTok and @greppigraphics on Instagram.
It can often be confused with darkwear and warcore but techwears highest priority is functionality rather than aesthetics. Darkwear places more emphasis on aesthetics than techwear, and warcore uses as much military inspired clothing as possible. There is a lot of crossover within these styles, so the confusion is understandable and some may argue that the outfits I discuss could be any of them.
Techwear retailers tend to be expensive, so it’s worth remembering that for some of your techwear wardrobe, you don’t necessarily need to shop at a techwear specific store. You could get it anywhere! For example, turtlenecks, caps, cargo trousers and boots are available in most clothing stores or online retailers (I got my first pair of cargo trousers from Amazon, my boots from Shoe Zone, turtleneck from Boohoo Man and my favourite cap from Romwe).
All the attributes detailed above make techwear perfect for winter! Multiple layers will keep you warm in those harsh winter winds and waterproof clothing will protect you from the damp weather. The popularity of face masks in techwear looks is also pretty fitting during a global pandemic and cold and flu season.
An Example Winter Fit To start with I would recommend a good pair of cargo trousers. They are comfy, functional and you will be warm and in no danger of running out of pockets. Next up, a comfy pair of trainers. Some people choose boots over trainers, but when traversing a city, especially if you rely on public transport, boots can compromise functionality by their cumbersome nature. In addition, they can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time, especially when walking a lot. However, if you are reading this article from a secret bunker in the mountains or a forest, feel free to stick to a reliable set of boots!
Now let’s get into layering…
I would recommend three upper body layers to a winter techwear outfit. The first is a long-sleeved t-shirt, the second is a turtleneck jumper, and the third is a waterproof techwear cape/poncho. The multiple warm layers will be perfect for winter, and the cloak/poncho will add an extra layer of protection against the weather (bonus points if you can find one with a hood attached to it). After that, add gloves to your outfit to keep you warm and keep up the aesthetic. Many people go for motorcycle style gloves rather than woolly mittens, but there are plenty of other styles for you to choose from! I would just advise you not to go with a fingerless pair, which might compromise our winter look and the all-important functionality of the outfit.
See the examples below to help you make a decision:
You can accessorise this fit with a beanie for extra warmth or, if you prefer a darkwear aesthetic, consider swapping it out with a baseball cap. I would also recommend some attachable pouches for your poncho or cloak. Alternatively, you could go with some chest harness bags and/or a techwear style rucksack for functionality and style!
Like a dog, fashion is for life, not just for Christmas. Consequently, here’s how to alter your techwear look for the hotter seasons.
You can stick to cargo trousers if you like, but you may want to swap them out for cargo shorts in hotter weather. I recommend sticking to a baseball cap as an accessory for sun protection; however, a bucket hat could be a good alternative. Layering is less prominent in hot weather, and most techwear looks stick to black or grey t-shirts (long or short sleeves depending on personal preference and the weather) made from a thin, breathable material.
We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about techwear, its two offshoot styles and how to make your own outfit. For more great articles consider subscribing to The Renaissaint and following us on our social channels.
