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.
Winter can be an especially challenging time to stay on track with your health and fitness plan. With the weather getting colder and the sun starting to set earlier, it may be difficult to have the same motivation and energy as you did in spring or summer. This is all completely normal and here we have 7 simple but effective ways to take care of your health and fitness during the colder months…
1. Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet
Maintaining a well-balanced nutrition plan throughout the winter months is essential to staying healthy. Make sure you incorporate a variety of fruit and vegetables into your diet. Do not forget to include plenty of lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates in each meal. A simple tip you can use is to try and make your plate as colourful as possible. This will ensure you provide your body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. However, remember that this does not mean you can’t enjoy your Christmas sweets and mulled wine. This is also completely fine in the context of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
– See also, our recent article with the list of our all-time favourite cookbooks here!
2. Make time for movement
It is understandable to feel less motivated to go out to the gym during winter. However, you should still schedule in some time for exercise you enjoy. For example, it could be a good idea to take up some online classes which you can do from the comfort of your own home. You can also go out for a gentle walk around your neighbourhood while listening to your favourite podcast or music playlist. Whatever you choose, make sure it is an activity you truly enjoy. This way, you are more likely to stick with it in the long-term. A daily workout regardless of the level of intensity is known to increase your energy and boost your mood.
3. Stay hydrated
Hydration is key to supporting your overall physical health. It can help prevent your skin from drying out during the colder months. In addition, it has been proven to help maintain your weight and body temperature. A simple tip you can try is to bring a reusable bottle with you everywhere. It may be beneficial to use a water bottle which monitors your level of hydration such asHydracy.
It is also normal to feel more stressed and anxious than usual around this time. With the holidays approaching, there is a lot more going on. This is why it is crucial to continue taking care of your mental health just as much as your physical one. For instance, you can try meditation, journaling or simply reading your favourite book. Ensure you set aside some time every day to do the activities that you find enjoyable. Remember that if you find that you are becoming overwhelmed, you can always ask for help. For example, the Samaritans have free help available via phone or email any time and day.
5. Get plenty of sleep
Following a consistent sleep schedule will help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the next day. There are many benefits to getting a well-deserved rest every night. Firstly, sleep can improve your concentration and bring your energy levels up. Moreover, it is the perfect way to support your immune system and maintain a healthy weight. Some useful tips you can try for a better night of sleep include switching off all electronics one hour before bed, developing a bedtime routine and keeping the temperature in your bedroom low.
Products to help:
– The sleep monitors on the smartwatches are great to help track your sleep. Check out the Apple Watch which is great for this or the Fitbit for a slightly more affordable version
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from infections is to ensure you remember to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. This is one of the most effective ways to kill germs which may spread from touching different surfaces. In situations where soap and water are not available, a hand sanitiser will do the trick.
7. Find an accountability partner
Remember that your friends may be feeling the same way as you. This means that you do not necessarily need to do all of this alone. You can help each other stay on track by going on daily walks together or sharing healthy recipes. This can give you extra motivation to do your daily movement and stick with your nutrition. Make sure you find someone who has the same values and goals as you. This way you can keep each other accountable.
– The sleep monitors on the smartwatches are great to help track your sleep. Check out the Apple Watch which is great for this or the Fitbit for a slightly more affordable version
