Fashion With Function: 9 Must-Have Techwear Pieces for Men

In the age of social media, micro trends and instant information, modern menswear can feel like one big confusing mess of ideas and aesthetics. But behind the noise, there are still a few key fashion subgenres that pin everything together. We’re talking broad labels that can be attached to garments or looks to help make sense of the sartorial landscape – workwear, sportswear, athleisure, tailoring and the like.

Techwear is one of the more recent additions to the list, and it can be tricky to pin down. In short, it’s a style rooted in utility and function that incorporates technical fabrics, futuristic elements and performance-driven designs recontextualised for urban environments.

If you’re struggling to visualise that, fear not. We’ve picked out some of the key pieces worth familiarising yourself with – from shell jackets to cargo pants and everything in between.

Waterproof Shell

The waterproof hardshell is the ultimate techwear staple. It’s designed to be worn as part of a layering system along with a base and a mid-layer, so it doesn’t have any insulation. It can be worn as a standalone jacket, but only really in mild, wet weather.

Features to look out for include taped seams, waterproof zips, drawcords on the hem and hood, and adjustable cuffs. Gore-Tex is always a reliable option, but other fabrics such as Pertex do a similar job.

Brand-wise, take a look at Arc’teryx, Nike ACG and Goldwin for an outdoorsy spin, or Acronym and And Wander for something a bit more elevated and fashion-driven.

Lightweight Puffer

For cold weather, a lightweight puffer is a handy tool to have, and it fits right into the techwear look. Go for something with a fill power of 600 or more for the best warmth-to-weight ratio, and stick to darker colours with minimal branding.

As with a lot of outdoor gear, these jackets can feel a little samey, so look for ones with interesting details that add a bit of visual flair. Aside from colour, the baffles’ stitching pattern is another thing to consider. They range from simple strips to squares to diamonds, or some brands, such as Sweden’s Peak Performance, employ wavy ‘onion’ stitching to keep the down in place.

Utility Jacket

Admittedly a broad term, but think of a utility jacket in this context as anything with multiple pockets, functional details and a technical face fabric. It could be a Gore-Tex field jacket from Nanamica or a softshell goggle jacket from C.P. Company.

The important thing is that it’s technical and has plenty of utilitarian details.

Zip-Neck Mid Layer

If you’re going to be wearing a shell, you’ll need something underneath to keep you insulated. A zip-neck mid-layer in a performance fabric is a good option.

Techy fleece-backed materials work well – you want something flexible, stretchy and breathable that’s soft and comfortable on the inside.

Arc’teryx’s Covert Cardigan is a good example, but most outdoor and activewear brands will make something that fits the bill.

Technical Tee

Forget outdated cotton. When it comes to techwear, only high-performance fabrics will suffice, even for something as simple as the humble T-shirt.

Look for synthetic fabrics designed to breathe and wick moisture away from the skin. If you’d rather keep it natural, merino is always a winner, offering light weight, breathability and comfort.

Stealth is the name of the game in the world of techwear, so go for black or grey to keep it murdered out.

Cargo Pants

The unofficial legwear of techwear, cargo pants are made with function at the fore and can look great in the right cut when styled with care. The current trend is for baggy fits rather than anything too fitted, so aim for something between a classic straight leg and a more relaxed shape to strike a balance that history will be kind to.

As is always the case with anything techwear-related, the more pockets the better. To nail the look, seek out styles with zippered stow pockets, side-bellow pockets, and hidden compartments.

Check out brands such as Arc’teryx, Acronym, Nike ACG, Klättermusen, Nemen and Veilance—or, for something a bit more wallet-friendly, Uniqlo.

Technical Sneakers

Footwear is where a lot of people get lost when it comes to techwear, but it’s actually pretty simple. You want sneakers that were built with a practical purpose in mind.

It could be Gore-Tex running shoes, a pair of trail runners designed for grip on rocky terrain, or some outdoorsy approach shoes built for stability on uneven ground. The important part is that they’re technically designed and built, and functional in their intended use.

Outdoor brands tend to do this best. Think Salomon, KEEN, HOKA and La Sportiva. There are also plenty of more fashion-first labels piggybacking on the aesthetic, such as ROA and Diemme.

Running Cap

Headwear is essential for topping off a look, and a running cap in a performance fabric fits the techwear aesthetic well. Go for one that’s packable, water-resistant and low profile, with an adjustable fastening at the rear.

Patagonia, Nike, Fractel, Snow Peak and Goldwin all have great options.

Utility Bag

Carrying a bag might seem unnecessary when your outfit is effectively made of pockets, but while the techwear aesthetic is rooted in function, it is just that—an aesthetic. Which means that ultimately decisions are made based on how things look, and there’s little denying that a bag has a way of tying a look together.

Forget cotton canvas and leather – it’s all about synthetics. Nylon crossbody bags from the likes of Porter-Yoshida & Co or Cote&Ciel are strong options. You want something slouchy or sculptural that offers a diversion from the norm—a bag that adds a touch of visual interest without stealing the show.