If you’ve never owned any techwear at all, it can be a daunting task to pick the correct fit and style for yourself. Jumping in “headfirst” is a bit of a challenge, so the first thing anyone looking to get into this world needs to do is determine their goals. What do you want to accomplish? Why are you looking to add this style element to your wardrobe?
Techwear got its start from the crossover of both the fashion and outdoor industries, popularized by people seeing the benefit of adding the logistics of outdoor wear to their daily style. It combines high tech fabrics, style, and function to create a fashionable utilitarian experience. It goes beyond merely covering your body, it also serves a further purpose.
It’s important to note that “full-blown” techwear is geared more towards certain industries and workers that have to move around a lot and typically experience the “elements” through their work. This could include security and surveillance, messengers as well as delivery personnel that frequently work outdoors, or even those working in construction. Since techwear is typically low on embellishment and high in functionality, it is ideal for those of us needing to spend more time focusing on other aspects of our day and not so much on if we are warm, cool, or dry.
So now if you’re still looking into the style, you need to know exactly where to begin. Start with your basics: tops, bottoms, and footwear!
In any area of fashion, it’s important to start with your base layer. One of the basic elements of techwear is learning to master the layer, so you should start with a good base. In fact, that’s going to be the advice you get in any area of interest, from cooking to painting. Starting with a sturdy foundation can get you going in the right direction.
Start with the right type of shirt. Consider the Cloudburst Stonecutter.1997 t-shirt in black.
This shirt is made of a breathable layer of cotton, but it also includes a system of slings and locks that are common with the style to be able to adjust the length of the shirt. This is a great base piece to build an outfit around.
If you’re leaning towards a “standard t-shirt” look to stay more on the conservative side, give Riot Division’s Wide T-Shirt in Black a go
They come with tape-treated seams for additional strength to the garment, as well as four spacious pockets for functionality.
Perhaps you’re looking for a fully-functional pair of long pants. Cloudburst’s Taskmaster.Pnt Ver.1.0 are exactly what you need. They are made from a three-layer membrane fabric that is also waterproof with factory sealed seams to prevent leakage. Six pockets have magnetic, automatic closing clasps and two hidden pockets with zippers happen to be waterproof as well.
The look of techwear footwear is a sturdy, mostly functional sneaker or boot. The key here is waterproof and functionality. We recommend giving the Nike SF-AF1 shoes a go if you’re looking to fully commit to the techwear look. These meet the “function look” by coming up high to protect the lower leg and ankle from the elements while providing comfort and mobility usually found in a pair of sneakers.
Now that the base layer is complete: top, bottom, and shoes, you should move on to accessorizing. This will include a sturdy, functional jacket or coat.
Nike ACG GORE-TEX is the right kind of outerwear for achieving this look. It’s a great choice for mobility, function, warmth as well as dryness. It features an insulated hood and hidden pockets throughout for ease of storage.
From here, you can choose to add all kinds of accessories and extras to really complete or customize the look. If you’re not quite there yet though, it’s a good idea to start with headgear, as there are some great options in this department as well. Check out the Riot Division Combat Hat RD-CHA in blue. It’s far from a standard skull cap is it also includes a handy zipper to free up your eyes and protect the rest of your face.
Obviously, the main thing to take away from the look of techwear is utility and function. The clothes are monochromatic and blend in well with a variety of other pieces. If you’re looking to add this style to your wardrobe, it’s perfect for the person who is outdoors or working in a range of environments on a regular basis. The main thing to remember with any new style is to go a piece at a time, and start with your basics and then build from there as you build your confidence and find what works and doesn’t work for you personally.