Hardshell, Softshell and Beyond: The Integration of Foreign Words Into the Vocabulary of Outdoor Clothing in Italy

Abstract

This paper examines the role of loanwords in the Italian lexicon of outdoor clothing, a sector that emblematically reflects the international dimension of fashion and the global circulation of cultural, productive and communicative models. As the first to adopt loanwords and to experience the dynamics of their integration, specialist languages provide a privileged vantage point for the study of language contact. The outdoor clothing sector, characterised by a high technological density and a marked global dimension, makes these phenomena particularly visible and intense, establishing itself as a significant field of study. Set against the broader backdrop of the evolution of contemporary Italian vocabulary, characterised by an increasing presence of Anglicisms, this study aims to analyse the patterns of diffusion and usage of loanwords within a specialist field closely linked to technological innovation and commercial communication strategies. The analysis examines texts published in the Italian magazines Outdoor Magazine and Snowbusiness Magazine between 2016 and 2025. Particular attention is paid to certain recurring technical terms used to describe specific materials and garments. By observing the occurrences and contexts of use, the study aims to describe the dynamics of how these loanwords are employed, whilst also considering their relationship with more generic terms or possible Italian equivalents. In this way, the study intends to provide an overview of the linguistic practices that characterise specialist communication in the outdoor clothing sector.