STYLING

THESE CLIMBING LOOKS WILL TAKE YOUR STYLE TO NEW HEIGHTS

By Flo Bellinger, 11 August 2025

Rock climbing (and frankly any outdoor activity that requires navigating uneven terrain) became somewhat of a cult moment in 2020, and has developed a culture of its own in the years since. The birth of gorpcore brought a deep-seated love for clothing that’s both practical and effortlessly stylish, and as the focus shifts from beaches to rustic locales, it’s the perfect time to step into the great outdoors. If you’re looking to upgrade your active wardrobe – or just fancy leaning into the climber aesthetic ahead of autumn – we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite boots, windbreakers and cargos that'll have you scaling a rock face in style (or the work commute, at least).

JACKETS

Whether you’re heading up a mountain or to the pub, a good outer layer is non-negotiable. This is where quality is key – you need something waterproof but still lightweight and breathable, and of course it needs to look good. When investing in a good climbing jacket, start with the basics: does it have pockets? A hood? A versatile colourway? Checking these boxes will ensure the investment pays off. After all, shopping for hiking gear doesn’t mean you can’t pair these pieces with the rest of your wardrobe. We’d encourage it, actually.

GET THE LOOK:

adidas Originals Street pullover jacket in camo, £100
Alpha utlity vest in acid wash beige, £90
adidas Outdoor Terrex t-shirt with chest print in black, £85
The North Face Dryvent™ mono mountain jacket, £250

BOOTS

Next up: footwear. Arguably the most important part of this lineup, a good shoe will keep your feet protected on high-octane climbs and prevent any unwanted injuries. Climbing boots are also great to have in the roster for any wet-weather outings – from camping to festivals. Opt for something waterproof with thick, durable soles to ensure you can get the miles in for years to come. These also look great with cargos and a simple tee for moderate adventures.

GET THE LOOK:

Helly Hansen Cascade hiking boots in black, £150
adidas Terrex ax4 mid beta hiking boot in black, £130
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP waterproof suede hiking boots in tan, £110
The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV waterproof hiking boots in khaki and stone, £135

SHORTS AND TROUSERS

As for your bottom half? It’s all about storage. From cargo straps to side pockets and panelling, these shorts and trousers have a home for all your essentials. Similarly to a climbing jacket, any good outdoorsy legwear should be light enough for sweat-free stomping and good at locking out harsh winds. We also love a denim cargo for a more versatile option that still works on the trail. And when it comes to colour palettes, reaching for earthy neutrals is a great way to bring the outside in without throwing the rest of your wardrobe off grid.

GET THE LOOK:

Columbia Hike Color Block shorts in green, £40
The North Face Exploration trousers in tnf black, £90
Gramicci O.G canvas mountain pants in oat, £152
adidas City escape woven shorts in tent green, £35

ACCESSORIES

Pictures: ASOS

It’s all well and good focusing on the fashion of it all, but climbing requires some serious forethought. When scaling new heights and tricky terrain, it's best to come prepared in the accessories department. Whether you go for a backpack or a vest, having somewhere to store extra essentials – like snacks and water – will give you peace of mind no matter the schedule. And as with any outdoor activity, sun protection is vital. This bucket hat will shield you from UV rays as well as unplanned showers (it even has a handy pocket for some easy-access bits and bobs).

GET THE LOOK:

Oakley BXTR shield sunglasses in white with orange lens, £154
Columbia Trek II bucket hat in beige, £30
adidas Terrex trail running vest 2.5L in black, £120
Rains Trail waterproof rolltop tote bag in black, £99