How to pull off Gore-Tex without looking like an ornithologist.

We don’t like to discuss what one should or shouldn’t wear based on the notion of a trend. Such a thing seems fickle and temporary, and, well, really rather distasteful. But if we may stop talking like an English gentleman as imagined by a stage dame for a moment or two, we would also like to say that we understand why trends exist, and therefore we welcome them. It’s OK to buy into something that you might not love forever, or something that might not last forever. And it’s fun to see how clothes reflect our ever-changing culture.

When we think of the word “trends”, we often think of the likes of socks and sandals. Of tie-dye. But a trend does not have to be impractical; in fact, they can be very much the opposite. Much like technical fabrics – one of the eight things we have identified as being a trend this autumn. Below, we look at some of our favourite pieces that come under the “technical fabrics” umbrella, and how we’re wearing them.

What do we mean by “technical fabrics”? Anything as small as a reflective patch on a T-shirt, or a mesh panel on some futuristic-looking sneakers. It could also refer to a pair of nylon chinos, or a full Gore-Tex overcoat. Which is exactly what we have here. In fact, this piece by Canadian outerwear brand Arc’teryx Veilance is made from a three-layer Gore-Tex. Lined with a down-filled quilted layer, this will be both entirely waterproof and really rather warm. Perfect, then, for the current season and beyond. Given its sleek and understated appearance, we advise lightening things up a little with some casual sneakers.

We couldn’t talk about technical fabrics without referencing the belt bag. Time was when these things were the reserve of cartoonish American tourists and low-level London drug dealers. Now – they are the must-have accessory for hypebeasts across the world. Not only does its nylon construction make it a shoo-in for this trend, but its practical appearance helps, too, replete as it is with all manner of straps and loops. You may only use it to store your Monzo card and work pass, of course, but that doesn’t matter. Just make sure you tone down the orange with a simple black T-shirt.

Given that this T-shirt is made from a material invented by Italian performance-wear brand Z Zegna called TECHMERINO, it couldn’t be more appropriate for this trend. And, rather than just paying lip service to the term “technical fabrics”, its construction has practical uses. The fabric is said to help regulate your body temperature, while the mesh side panels giving extra ventilation. Indeed, it is so functional-looking that you could be forgiven for thinking it a shirt you might work out in. But we’d rather wear it out and about – perhaps underneath a sleek bomber jacket. Go for one made in a natural material so you don’t overdo the man-made feel of your look.