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The Remarkable History of Helly Hansen: A 145-Year Journey at Sea
You're a sailor in 19th-century Norway, battling fierce winds and relentless rain. Your clothes are soaked through, leaving you cold, uncomfortable, and at risk. This was the reality that Captain Helly Juell Hansen knew all too well.
In 1877, Captain Hansen and his wife, Maren Margarethe, pioneered a waterproof clothing solution that changed maritime safety forever.
By soaking coarse linen in linseed oil, they created garments that protected sailors from the brutal Norwegian sea. Within a year, their innovation was recognised at the World Exhibition in Paris, earning the fledgling company its first major award.
By soaking coarse linen in linseed oil, they created garments that protected sailors from the brutal Norwegian sea. Within a year, their innovation was recognised at the World Exhibition in Paris, earning the fledgling company its first major award.
Today, Helly Hansen is a global leader in performance gear, generating over $400 million annually, with 80% of revenue coming from outside Norway. Trusted by over 55,000 professionals across more than 200 ski resorts and countless maritime environments, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality, weatherproof gear.
From Sea to Summit: Building a Legacy
Helly Hansen’s success is rooted in its founding vision. Captain Hansen began his career at sea at age 14 and spent 21 years navigating the Nordic waters. He experienced firsthand the dangers posed by inadequate protection. Working from Moss, Norway, he and Maren developed gear that offered real waterproofing without restricting movement - a revolutionary combination in its time.
While Captain Hansen focused on field testing and selling their products, Maren Margarethe ran production. From their basement, she crafted each garment with traditional Norwegian care: carefully cutting linen, applying linseed oil in multiple coats, and allowing each layer to dry fully. Their work quickly paid off - by the late 1880s, the Hansens had sold around 10,000 items and expanded their range to meet the needs of fishermen, dock workers, and commercial sailors.
Innovation at the Core
Innovation has been a defining trait of Helly Hansen. After WWII, the brand moved from linseed oil to PVC, launching Linox and then Helox - translucent PVC film sewn into garments, providing waterproofing that was flexible and reliable. Monthly production hit 30,000 units.
In 1970, Helly Hansen introduced LIFA®, the world’s first technical base layer. Made from polypropylene fibres, it transported moisture from the skin to the fabric's surface, keeping wearers dry and warm. This marked the birth of their now-standard three-layer system: a base layer (LIFA®), insulating mid-layer, and protective outer shell.
Next came HELLY TECH® in 1984. This breathable waterproofing technology uses a DWR-treated outer fabric, a waterproof membrane, and a comfort-enhancing inner lining. Its dual-layer system prevents water ingress while allowing perspiration to escape - a game-changer in performance apparel.
In 2012, H2Flow Technology was introduced, inspired by sailors who discovered cutting ventilation holes improved thermal comfort. Helly Hansen turned this insight into a patented system that uses strategically placed air channels and mesh to regulate body temperature, improving efficiency by up to 20%.
The Professional’s Choice
Professionals working in extreme environments have long relied on Helly Hansen gear. Offshore oil crews, commercial fishers, and maritime workers need reliable, waterproof workwear - and Helly Hansen delivers. More than 55,000 professionals now wear Helly Hansen uniforms, a reflection of the brand’s uncompromising quality and innovation.
Strategic partnerships have helped cement this status. The brand outfits over 200 ski resorts and mountain operations globally and serves as the official apparel partner for national ski teams from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. Their long-standing relationship with The Ocean Race, one of the world’s toughest sailing competitions, further proves their gear can withstand the harshest environments.
Expanding Horizons: From Deck to Downtown
Helly Hansen’s evolution didn’t stop with outerwear. Their footwear range - like the Montragon HT trekking boot - offers high performance and sustainability, with 50% recycled upper materials. Specialised sailing footwear continues to uphold the brand’s exacting standards.
Unexpectedly, the 1990s brought the brand into urban fashion. Hip-hop artists like Method Man and LL Cool J embraced Helly Hansen’s rugged aesthetic, introducing it to a new audience. More recently, collaborations with labels such as GmbH, WTAPS, Kinfolk, and END have blended the brand’s maritime heritage with contemporary street style.
Ownership and Expansion
In 2018, Helly Hansen was acquired by Canadian Tyre Corporation, marking a new phase of international growth. Then, in 2025, Kontoor Brands - owners of Wrangler and Lee - purchased Helly Hansen for £1.01 billion. Despite these ownership changes, the brand's identity remains intact. Canadian consumers can still access Helly Hansen gear through Canadian Tyre stores, and the brand is projected to generate over £540 million in revenue under Kontoor’s leadership.
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future
To mark its 140th anniversary, Helly Hansen released The 140 Collection in 2017 - a line that honoured the brand’s legacy with retro styling and modern technology. Each piece combined urban design with serious weather protection, reflecting the company’s ongoing balance between heritage and innovation.
Sustainability is now central to Helly Hansen’s mission. In 2020, they introduced LIFA Infinity Pro™, a chemical-free waterproof fabric. They’ve joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and adopted responsible sourcing, cleaner production methods, and Mono Material construction to enhance recyclability.
Their environmental strategy includes detailed emissions analysis, with plans to integrate sustainability at the product level - making greener decisions from the design phase onward.
Enduring Excellence
Helly Hansen’s 145-year journey is marked by one consistent theme: innovation rooted in real-world experience. From oilskin jackets in a Norwegian basement to performance wear on city streets and mountaintops, the brand continues to evolve while honouring its origins.
Their technologies - Helox, LIFA®, HELLY TECH®, and H2Flow - weren’t just incremental upgrades; they redefined performance gear. Their strategic growth across industries and cultures has built a truly global brand without compromising on function.
As the brand steps into its next era under new ownership, Helly Hansen remains a symbol of durable, dependable innovation. It’s not just about weather protection - it’s about legacy. A legacy of protecting people when it matters most.
Frequently asked questions about the history of Helly Hansen
When was Helly Hansen founded, and what was its original purpose?
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 by Captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe. They created waterproof clothing by soaking linen in linseed oil to protect sailors from harsh Norwegian sea conditions.
What are Helly Hansen's key innovations?
They include LIFA® base layers, HELLY TECH® breathable waterproofing, H2Flow temperature regulation, and Helox PVC waterproofing.
How has Helly Hansen expanded?
Beyond maritime wear, the brand now includes ski gear, urban fashion, and technical footwear and collaborates with designers and professional teams worldwide.
What is Helly Hansen’s sustainability focus?
Helly Hansen is committed to chemical-free waterproofing (LIFA Infinity Pro™), responsible sourcing, Mono Material construction, and lowering carbon emissions.
Who owns Helly Hansen now?
As of 2025, Kontoor Brands owns Helly Hansen. The brand continues to be sold in Canadian Tyre stores and maintains its legacy of innovation.
What makes Helly Hansen clothing suitable for outdoor adventures?
Helly Hansen designs gear specifically for people facing the harshest environments on earth. Whether you’re trekking in the mountains, skiing in sub-zero conditions, or sailing across open waters, the brand’s range of jackets and trousers offers the protection and performance needed for serious outdoor adventures.
What types of waterproof jackets does Helly Hansen offer?
From lightweight shells to insulated storm-ready coats, Helly Hansen’s waterproof jackets utilise advanced technologies like HELLY TECH® to block out rain and snow while allowing breathability. Professionals across the marine, ski, and mountain rescue sectors trust their range.
How do Helly Hansen insulated jackets perform in cold weather?
Helly Hansen insulated jackets feature synthetic or down insulation paired with moisture-wicking base layers for warmth without bulk. Many models also incorporate H2Flow Technology for advanced temperature regulation - perfect for changing conditions during active use.
Is there a wide range of jackets available for different conditions?
Absolutely. Helly Hansen’s range of jackets includes everything from packable rain shells and durable workwear parkas to high-performance ski and sailing gear. Each coat is purpose-built, ensuring you have the right protection whether you’re on a job site or a glacier.
Does Helly Hansen offer a full range of clothing for outdoor professionals?
Yes, their product range includes waterproof outerwear, technical base layers, mid-layers, insulated gear, work trousers, and safety footwear. Designed for comfort, durability, and functionality, their clothing is suitable for both high-performance activities and daily professional wear.
How durable is Helly Hansen clothing for regular use?
Helly Hansen’s reputation is built on clothing that performs under pressure. Their products are designed with robust stitching, reinforced seams, and high-grade materials to withstand wear and tear. Whether you’re working offshore or trekking on rugged terrain, their clothing is built to last.
What is functional clothing, and how does Helly Hansen deliver it?
Functional clothing refers to apparel that not only covers the body but performs a specific task - like moisture-wicking, thermal insulation, or visibility. Helly Hansen integrates these functionalities into their products through fabric technology, smart layering systems, and professional-grade design.
Does Helly Hansen offer high-quality hi-vis protective clothing?
Yes, Helly Hansen provides a wide selection of high-visibility clothing for industrial and construction settings. These garments meet EN ISO safety standards and combine visibility with waterproofing, breathability, and insulation - without compromising comfort or durability.
What kind of technology fabric does Helly Hansen use in its clothing?
Helly Hansen incorporates proprietary technology fabrics such as HELLY TECH® for waterproofing, LIFA® for moisture management, and H2Flow™ for body temperature regulation. These fabric innovations set the brand apart in terms of both comfort and performance.
Are Helly Hansen products long-lasting?
Durability is a hallmark of the Helly Hansen brand. With over 145 years of product development, their gear is engineered for longevity - from professional-grade outerwear to lifestyle essentials. Properly maintained, Helly Hansen products are built to provide many years of reliable use.
How do I choose the right product type for my needs?
Helly Hansen’s website and retail partners make it easy to filter by product type - whether you’re looking for ski jackets, waterproof workwear, insulated trousers, or professional rain gear. Each product description includes details on intended use, technical features, and ideal environments to help you choose confidently.