WL Gore & Associates is reporting that it will shut down the German cycling and running apparel brand Gorewear in 2026 after 40 years. The Gore-Tex waterproof fabrics business is unaffected.
The news was revealed on Thursday, November 6, after the company’s parent company, WL Gore & Associates, sent a letter to retailers, which was published by the German bike industry site velobiz.de.
Gorewear is best known for its outerwear, including waterproof jackets, overshoes, and gloves, but also sells a wide range of products, from vests to bib shorts. The brand was founded in 1984, but the current iteration combines Gore’s running and cycling parts, which occurred in 2018.
In the letter, obtained by velobiz.de and signed by Michael Hullik, Managing Director of WL Gore & Associates GmbH, Gore cited economic reasons for the decision. This step, they wrote, was announced after “careful consideration and in-depth analysis of long-term prospects.”
The letter states, “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.”
Reports say orders will be accepted and fulfilled until March 31, 2026. The company’s website will continue to sell the remaining stock.
The Gorewear.com website will remain online to process orders and sell existing inventory. Retailers can place orders until the end of March 2026.
Molly Cuffe, communications and external affairs leader for W. L. Gore and Associates, confirmed the news to Bikerumor. Cuffe’s response read, “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.”
Image courtesy Gorewear
