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Gorewear Closing Its Doors After 40 Years

Orders will be received until March 31, 2026 as Gorewear focuses on selling off existing inventory
Mountain biker riding in a Gorewear jacketcourtesy: Gorewear
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Gorewear retailers received a letter from Gore announcing its intention to shut down the Gorewear cycling brand. Velobiz.de, a German media outlet, first covered the potential closure after reportedly receiving a copy of the letter.

In the letter, Gorewear claims that economic hardships are the reason for the closure, despite “careful consideration and in-depth analysis of long-term prospects.” This letter is reportedly signed by Michael Hullik, the Managing Director for WL Gore & Associates GmbH.

The letter continues: 

“…for more than 40 years, we have strived with great dedication and considerable investment to successfully position the Gorewear brand in an extremely competitive environment. However, despite all these efforts, we see no realistic possibility of sustainably achieving our business and financial goals.”

According to the letter, Gorewear will continue to fulfill orders until March 31, 2026. Gorewear’s website will also remain active to help process orders and sell off remaining inventory.

We’ve reached out to Gore for a comment, but haven’t heard back as of publication. We will update this story if and when we receive a response.  

Update

We received an email back from Molly Cuffe, Communications & External Affairs Leader for W. L. Gore and Associates. Here is what she said, confirming the closure.

“Gore’s Fabrics business has made the difficult decision to close our GOREWEAR apparel cycling and running business after over 40 years of dedication and hard work. Despite our best efforts, we faced significant challenges that made it difficult to continue in a highly competitive landscape. We’re incredibly grateful for the loyalty the cycling industry has shown us. Together, we’ve pushed the boundaries in the cycling and running apparel worlds and helped athletes gear up for every weather and every adventure. Our focus is now on supporting our Associates and ensuring a smooth transition while honoring our business partners’ commitments until March 31, 2026. It’s been an unforgettable journey —and one of our greatest journeys yet.”

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Alan
Alan
2 months ago

I am super bummed about this. Several of the better pcs of cycling clothing that I have are from Gore. The fit is spot on, they function well, and the styling is palatable. Argh.

jason
jason
2 months ago

what?!??? can’t beliebe it!
what a pitty.

Willi
Willi
2 months ago

This is super sad.
After years of searching they are the only ones making decend bibs for 105kg+/190cm+ riders

Prrrrrrer
Prrrrrrer
2 months ago

I wonder how many, if any, forever chemicals this company dumped on us… And did those chemicals play a role in its closing?

Reggy
Reggy
2 months ago
Reply to  Prrrrrrer

Oh the drama of it all!

Toad
Toad
2 months ago
Reply to  Prrrrrrer

But I want a waterproof jacket!

Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them.
The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits.

Robin
Robin
2 months ago
Reply to  Prrrrrrer

Nope. Gore is still going to making its fabrics. It’s likely the reason they closed the clothing company was because of the increased competition in the bike clothing sector. It doesn’t take much looking around to see that PFAS containing materials or compounds started being used in the 40’s. They were first detected in the environment in the 70’s. WL Gore & Associates was founded in ‘1958. More importantly, they are far from the only company producing stuff with PFAS in it.

Prrrrrrer
Prrrrrrer
2 months ago
Reply to  Robin

Well. If everyone else is doing it, why can’t we, right?

Chris
Chris
2 months ago

Their chamois pads that have a thin Windstopper panel in the front is a game changer for me. This keeps the bulk low in the front of the shorts and keeps my junk warm on cooler rides without overheating on hot days. I hope they find a way to sell or license this technology to other cycling companies.

Paul
Paul
2 months ago

That sucks, I really liked their stuff.

AgingBrit
2 months ago

It is all Zwift and Rouvy’s fault!

myke
myke
2 months ago

I really liked Gorewear. They make some pretty solid products. However, after discounting my fav running shorts, I moved on. It’s a shame they will be gone. Perhaps, maybe in a few years, they will reboot to something more compact and nimble.

On a side note: Gorewear shipping is terrible!

BigMotor
BigMotor
2 months ago

And I’m sure the Morons Are Governing America tariffs had zero to do with this

Andreas
Andreas
2 months ago

Sad, yes
Especially for those of us in the XXLplus-range

Yet, one of the reasons may also be in that some of the Gore stuff still is working and feeling well – even after >20yrs in use

Paul
Paul
2 months ago

An innovator is gone, very sad. Those Germans, theyre only into the numbers, Thanks again for the tariffs, dipwad. THEY DONT WORK, THEY WONT WORK.

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