Rock-Solid Fashion

March 07, 2025

Survive Only on Your Fingertips and Toes

“There’s no need to compete with others. Our true competition is with this mountain.”

In the movie Everest, based on a true story, climbers face a stark reality: "There's no need to compete with each other. We're competing with this mountain." For climbers, Mount Everest is the ultimate test of human endurance. It's a place where only the boldest dare to tread, and where survival depends on every ounce of strength and determination.

Edmund Hillary ⓒsmithsonianmag.com

The quest to conquer the unknown has been etched into the human spirit for centuries. If you’ve ever stood atop a mountain, feeling on top of the world, then you understand the allure of climbing. Let’s explore how the world of rock climbing has influenced fashion, from rugged outdoor gear to sleek streetwear inspired by the great outdoors.

Clothing to Solve the Challenge

Born from the need to survive, climbing has transformed over centuries into a thrilling adventure sport. Since the mid-18th century, scaling summits has become a symbol of human achievement. Join us as we delve into the world of climbing fashion, where function meets style.

ⓒclimbfit.com

Ever wondered why climbing walls are a riot of colors? Each hue represents a different level of difficulty, challenging climbers to find their unique path to the top. In a similar vein, fashion has no set rules. While comfort and functionality have always been paramount in climbing apparel, the 60s marked a turning point. As climbing gear became more accessible and comfortable, the sport exploded in popularity, and the 70s and 80s saw the birth of iconic climbing fashion.

The Leggings Look of 80s Climbers ⓒpinterest.co.kr

ⓒascentnb.com

Vibrant, eye-catching leggings quickly replaced the dull, baggy clothing of the past. They perfectly captured the spirit of freedom and the hippie movement that swept through the era.

ⓒraglanrock.com, ⓒukclimbing.com

Remember when climbing was just for daredevils? Well, those days are long gone. Since its Olympic debut in 2020, climbing has become a mainstream sport, with countless enthusiasts taking to indoor walls. And what would climbing be without the right gear? Brands like The North Face® and Patagonia were born out of the adventures of climbers like Douglas Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard, who in the late 60s embarked on a groundbreaking expedition to Patagonia.

Their journey not only pushed the boundaries of climbing but also laid the foundation for two of the most iconic outdoor brands in the world.

The minivan in which Douglas Tompkin and Yvon Chouinard traveled. ⓒpinterest.com

ⓒpatagonia.com

Named after the rugged Patagonian wilderness, Patagonia, and inspired by the towering North Face of Yosemite, The North Face® — these iconic brands were born from a love of adventure. The founders, Douglas Tompkins and Yvon Chouinard, were climbers who sought to create gear as tough and enduring as the mountains they loved. Their shared passion for exploration and sustainability has shaped these brands into global symbols of outdoor adventure.

The North Face®, named after the north face of Yosemite's Half Dome. ⓒoddlot.it

The Patagonia region in Chile. ⓒadventures.com

ⓒpinterest.co.kr

For climbers who spend days seeking out challenging rock faces deep in the mountains, high-performance outdoor gear isn't just a choice, it's a necessity.

Gear Reflects Experience

In the early days of climbing, reaching the summit was the ultimate goal. But as climbers planted their flags on one peak after another, they began to crave a new kind of challenge: the sheer, unyielding face of a vertical rock wall. This shift marked the birth of modern rock climbing, a sport that celebrates both human ingenuity and the raw power of nature.

The Alps in Europe, where climbing first began ⓒcosleyhouston.com

The Challenges and Origins of Bouldering

Facing fear meant facing the unknown. As climbers sought more challenging routes, they began focusing on specific boulders, honing their skills in a controlled environment. These 'practice rocks' became the birthplace of bouldering. Today, when you hit the climbing gym, you're actually engaged in bouldering: a discipline focused on shorter, more technical climbs without ropes.

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing done on boulders or artificial climbing walls that are about 5 meters high, where falling is relatively safe. Many people new to climbing might confuse bouldering with general climbing. What we usually do at urban climbing gyms is actually bouldering.

Bouldering ⓒkendallcliffs.com

Bouldering ⓒmpora.com

Climbing vs. Bouldering: What’s the Difference?

While climbing often involves a mix of easy and difficult sections, bouldering is all about tackling challenging moves from the very start. The lower height of bouldering walls allows for more dynamic and acrobatic movements, making it a thrilling and accessible way to build strength and confidence. From jumps to powerful throws, bouldering encourages climbers to push their limits and explore the full range of their abilities.

Beginners usually start in indoor climbing gyms. For newcomers, all you really need is a pair of climbing shoes, chalk, and a chalk bag. If you want to avoid developing calluses on your hands, a bit of tape can also come in handy.

Climbing shoes are your essential gear, providing the grip and precision needed for climbing. Chalk bags are equally important, as they hold chalk which helps improve friction by keeping your hands dry and sweat-free. ⓒmpora.com

Human desire knows no bounds, and once you start learning climbing, you'll inevitably begin craving more gear. By now, you’ve likely developed enough skill to climb rock walls with some ease, making it the perfect time to invest in additional equipment. As you move beyond the beginner stage and tackle higher walls over 5 meters or outdoor climbs, you'll need ropes, harnesses, belay devices, quickdraws, and carabiners to ensure safety in case of a fall. This is where you truly enter the realm of serious climbing.

ⓒclimbinghouse.com

When you climb, you'll use ropes that are typically 8-11mm thick. A belay device helps reduce friction on the rope, making your descent safer. A harness, which you wear around your waist and legs, connects you to the rope and acts like a safety belt. Quickdraws attach to bolts on the rock to let you rest and prevent falls. Carabiners, which have locking mechanisms, provide extra security by connecting all these elements together.

A climber wearing a harness. ⓒclimbing.about.com

ⓒrockclimbing.com

Wearing a helmet is essential for outdoor climbing, and a quickdraw set with carabiners attached at both ends is a must-have. Often just called a quickdraw. ⓒeaishops.link, ⓒ99boulders.com

There’s a reason they say “gear matters”, when you’re climbing outdoors, having top-notch equipment is a must. And once you’ve got all your gear ready, remember the most important thing: safety first.

High Fashion Meets Outdoor Gear

Luxury brands love to put their own spin on everyday items. When it comes to sports, this can sometimes lead to designs that are more fashion-forward than functional.

But that's not always a bad thing. Take Louis Vuitton's $1590 chalk bag, for instance. It’s a perfect example of how high-fashion designers can transform a simple piece of climbing gear into a statement piece.

Louis Vuitton’s climbing chalk bag is a thing of beauty. But let’s be real—how many climbers are actually using this? (For context, chalk bags are usually for holding chalk, which helps with grip when climbing by soaking up sweat.) ⓒnfpegado.com

Dsquared2 FW22 collection is all about that chic chalk bag look.

Another must-have for climbers: the carabiner. It’s used to connect ropes or secure gear when there’s nothing else to grab onto. Dubbed the "lifeline," it's so essential that you'll spot it easily in shows with an outdoor vibe.

The Lacoste SS22 collection really nailed it with carabiners hanging off their bags. It’s got that vibe like you’re set for any climbing adventure—no gear worries in sight.

Check out the HELIOT EMIL SS22 collection for a futuristic, sleek vibe with carabiners and buckles. It's got that cutting-edge feel that's totally on point.

PRADA SS17 collection nailed that urban climber look with colorful vests, lightweight windbreakers, and bold graphic prints. Perfect for scaling city heights in style.

Sandy Liang nailed the "cute gorpcore" vibe with her jacket featuring ruffles and lace. Total love!

This is the ultimate flex. Maison Martin Margiela took outdoor looks and turned them into haute couture. It’s not about practicality here—it's all about the pure aesthetics.

Rock-Solid Mindset

The documentary "Free Solo" captures the raw, unadulterated thrill of climbing without a rope. It's a mind-bending feat that requires not only incredible physical strength but also an iron will. With nothing but skin and grit between them and a sheer cliff face, free solo climbers push the boundaries of human endurance. Every move is a gamble, every hold a test of trust. It's a sport that demands both physical and mental fortitude.🧗‍♂️💪