Gorewear closes after 40 years of history: the end of an era in technical cycling clothing

The iconic cycling clothing brand Gorewear, known for its waterproof jackets and high-performance technical garments, will cease to exist in 2026. Its parent company, W.L. Gore & Associates, has confirmed the decision after acknowledging that there are no “realistic possibilities of achieving long-term financial and business objectives” in an increasingly saturated market.

Gorewear Closes, a Benchmark in Cycling Clothing Since the 1980s

Founded in 1985 with the launch of the Giro jacket, the first cycling garment made with the revolutionary waterproof Gore-Tex fabric, the brand became synonymous with quality in extreme conditions. Its products marked a before and after for those cycling in the rain or cold, with models like the C5 or Shakedry that defined an entire category.

In 2018, Gore Bike Wear merged with Gore Running Wear to create Gorewear, a brand focused on cycling and running that combined high-level materials with a sober and technical aesthetic. However, the expansion into new product lines and the strong competition in the sector have ultimately brought it to an end.

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According to the German media outlet Velobiz, the decision was communicated through a letter signed by the management of W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH, which explains that the closure comes after a “careful reflection and in-depth analysis of long-term prospects.”

The letter admits that, despite the efforts and investments made over more than four decades, the brand has not achieved a sustainable position within an “extremely competitive” market.

The company will continue to accept orders until March 31, 2026, and its website will remain active while existing stock is liquidated.

The end of Gorewear does not imply the disappearance of Gore-Tex, the company’s flagship material. The parent company W.L. Gore & Associates will maintain the production of its waterproof fabrics, now focused on PFAS-free versions, which will continue to be supplied to other cycling and outdoor brands, from Rapha to Castelli or Assos.

For years, Gorewear was synonymous with reliability on the toughest days on the bike. Its disappearance reflects the fierce competition in a market where margins are tightening and where more and more brands are opting to outsource technical materials instead of maintaining their own production lines.