WL Gore & Associates, the company that produces and invented, among other things, the technical fabric Gore-Tex, has announced that it will close its Gorewear cycling and running apparel brand in 2026, after 40 years of activity. At the same time, the company emphasized that the Gore-Tex waterproof fabrics business will remain unaffected.
The news was revealed on Thursday, 6 November, after the parent company, WL Gore & Associates, sent a letter to retailers, published by the German cycling industry website velobiz.de.
A decision driven by economic considerations
Gorewear is best known for its outerwear, including waterproof jackets, shoe covers, and gloves, but it also offers a wide range of products, from vests to bib shorts. The brand was founded in 1984, and the current version, launched in 2018, combines Gore products for running and cycling. In the letter to velobiz.de, signed by Michael Hullik, CEO of WL Gore & Associates GmbH, Gore announced that the decision was made for purely economic reasons. They wrote that the choice was taken after “careful consideration and thorough analysis of long-term prospects.”
The letter states: “For over 40 years, we have devoted significant dedication and investment to successfully positioning the Gorewear brand in an extremely competitive market. However, despite all these efforts, we see no realistic possibility of sustainably achieving our business and financial objectives.”
According to reports, orders will be accepted and fulfilled until 31 March 2026. The company’s website will continue to sell remaining stock, and retailers can place orders up until the end of March 2026.
A market that has become too competitive
Molly Cuffe, head of communications and external affairs at WL Gore & Associates, stated: “Gore Fabrics has made the difficult decision to close the Gorewear cycling and running apparel division after more than 40 years of dedication and hard work. Despite our efforts, we faced significant challenges that made it difficult to continue in an increasingly competitive landscape. We are incredibly grateful for the loyalty shown by the cycling industry. Together, we have pushed the boundaries in cycling and running apparel and helped athletes gear up for any weather and every adventure. Our goal now is to support our partners and ensure a smooth transition while honoring our commitments to our business partners until 31 March 2026. It has been an unforgettable journey and one of the greatest so far.”
