The Great Outdoors: Why outdoor-wear is this season’s hottest trend

Discover three amazing outdoor labels

Move over athleisure - a new trend is on your turf. And it’s hardier, sturdier and more rugged than anything that’s come before. This is the dawn of outdoor-wear.

Taking the cue from Japan, where the streets of Tokyo and Osaka have long seen fashionable folk sport durable waterproofs and chunky pullovers, outdoor-wear has steadily been taking hold in the US, Europe and now here. And it’s exactly as it says, gear designed for the outdoors – but worn in cafes rather than campsites.

In among the classic labels – think The North Face and Patagonia for example – three are doing it better than most: Snow Peak, White Mountaineering and Christopher Raeburn. Here we offer you the lowdown on this trio of fascinating brands and a selection of their must-have pieces.

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Snow Peak

While many labels go looking for a way into the latest trend, some discover unlikely fame when a trend suddenly finds them. Japanese outdoor outfitters Snow Peak fit squarely into the latter category: after several decades of producing specialised mountaineering and camping equipment, they’re now kitting out young fans who parade their timeless threads around city streets. The key is in the quality, which could only be reproduced by a brand at the cutting edge of their industry – as well as the effortless charm of designs that don’t try to be anything other than what they are.

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White Mountaineering

Another label born in Japan, White Mountaineering’s mix of utility, technology and aesthetics is the brainchild of designer Yosoke Aizawa, who launched the company back in 2006. If ever a runway show is held on a mountainside or out in the wild, WM’s collection would both fit snugly into the environment and stand out from it. From the kaleidoscopic pop of its patchwork gore-tex jackets to the street smarts of its high-top hiking sneakers, created in collaboration with adidas, this is outdoor clothing done in a way that’ll blow you away.

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Christopher Raeburn

A champion of sustainable streetwear, British designer Christopher Raeburn began his eponymous label in 2008, zeroing straight in on a distinctive look that has been retained ever since – radical, hard-wearing and unique. From day one, Raeburn has used recycled fabrics to create limited-edition pieces, from his cool af block-colour Parachute Hoodie to joggers and crews that feature the brand’s distinctive logo. That eye for innovation has led to collaborations with brands such as The North Face and Fred Perry, creating collections famed for their green credentials as well as their individual aesthetic.

Let's go outside