Finally, clothes that work as hard as you (hopefully) do.

If you usually find most of fashion to be frivolous, frothy or superfluous, you’ll want to prick your ears up for this one. Cargo trousers, fishing-style gilets, hiking shoes and waterproof bags (formerly only found in the wardrobes of members of your local rambling society) have skyrocketed on the runway recently as menswear enters a golden age of something we value above all else: comfort and practicality. Pockets and technical fabrics are now, strangely, cool. Rarely does the fashion industry throw us such a bone.

Of course, that doesn’t just mean you can take a trip to Millets and expect to look like a next-level hypebeast, but there are certain outdoorsy cues you can take to elevate your outfits (and keep your stuff dry in the rain, have better grip on your shoes and use your newfound wealth of pockets with glee).

To give you some pointers, we’ve handpicked four of our favourite utilitarian pieces that have landed on MR PORTER today, below. The military-style cargo gilet from Japanese brand Beams is crafted from shell, lined with fleece and has pockets in the front and back, while the black water-repellent bag from Herschel Supply Co is just the ticket for keeping your belongings safe, be that in a rain-addled commute to the office or a weekend mountain hike.

Speaking of hiking, 1017 ALYX 9SM (the brand largely responsible for this utilitarian fashion push – see its rollercoaster-style webbing belt) has created a pair of Vibram-soled hiking boots that have detachable Arctic Grip harnesses, if you did want to take them somewhere icy. And the orange jacket from Swedish outerwear brand Très Bien is constructed with three layers of ripstop for ultimate insulation. It also includes underarm zips for ventilation when the weather’s a bit fairer. See? Very practical. Enjoy it while you can.

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