Introduction
Helly Hansen is one of the world’s most recognised outdoor brands. Founded in 1877 in Norway the company began with a mission to protect sailors from the harsh conditions of the North Sea. Over nearly 150 years Helly Hansen has grown from producing oilskin jackets and trousers to developing some of the most advanced technical apparel for sailing skiing hiking and outdoor adventure.
Today Helly Hansen is trusted by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Its story is one of innovation durability and a deep connection to life at sea and in the mountains.
Shop the Helly Hansen collection here
Founding of Helly Hansen
The story of Helly Hansen begins with sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe in Moss Norway. After years of battling cold wet conditions at sea Helly Juell Hansen sought a better solution than the inadequate clothing of the time.
In 1877 he began producing waterproof oilskin jackets trousers and sou’westers made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil. The innovation was simple but revolutionary and within a few years demand spread quickly throughout Scandinavia and beyond.
Growth and Early Innovations
Helly Hansen’s oilskins were an immediate success and by 1878 the company won a diploma of excellence at the Paris Expo. By the early 20th century Helly Hansen had become an established leader in waterproof clothing for seafarers fishermen and workers exposed to extreme weather.
In the 1940s the company pioneered Helox a thin translucent PVC sheet sewn into coats and jackets which offered lightweight and effective waterproof protection. More than thirty thousand Helox coats were produced each month and the material became a staple for rainwear across Europe.
In the 1960s Helly Hansen introduced Fibrepile an early synthetic fleece that provided warmth without bulk. This innovation became especially popular among Scandinavian lumberjacks and outdoorsmen.
Key Milestones in Helly Hansen’s History
1877 - Helly Hansen founded in Moss Norway producing oilskin waterproofs
1878 - Wins diploma of excellence at the Paris Expo
1940s - Development of Helox technology for lightweight waterproof protection
1960s - Introduction of Fibrepile fleece fabric
1970s - Creation of LIFA the first technical base layer using polypropylene fibres for superior moisture wicking
1980s - Helly Tech membrane launched bringing breathable waterproof protection to outdoor wear
2000s - Expansion into skiing sailing hiking and lifestyle markets worldwide
Today - Helly Hansen remains a trusted leader in professional grade outdoor clothing
Why Helly Hansen Stands Out
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Helly Hansen has endured because it has consistently set new standards for protective clothing. Some of its most important contributions include
- LIFA technology the first moisture wicking base layer fabric still a core technology today
- Helly Tech a waterproof and breathable membrane used across jackets and trousers
- Fibrepile one of the earliest synthetic fleece fabrics
- Professional credibility trusted by mountain guides ski patrols and sailing teams worldwide
- This blend of heritage and constant innovation makes Helly Hansen one of the most respected names in outdoor clothing.
Explore the latest Helly Hansen jackets and outdoor wear
Helly Hansen in Professional Use:
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Helly Hansen is not only popular with consumers but also used by professionals who rely on its durability in extreme conditions.
- Ski patrols and mountain guides across Europe and North America wear Helly Hansen gear
- Olympic sailing teams and offshore racers use Helly Hansen waterproof clothing for high seas competition
- Outdoor workers including fishermen forestry crews and search and rescue teams trust Helly Hansen in demanding environments
- This professional credibility reinforces Helly Hansen’s reputation as gear you can trust when conditions are toughest.
Styling Helly Hansen
While originally designed for sailors and workers Helly Hansen has also become a popular fashion choice. Its clean Scandinavian design has made the brand part of everyday wardrobes in cities as well as on the slopes and trails.
Ways to style Helly Hansen
- Casual urban wear a Helly Hansen puffer jacket with jeans and trainers for everyday use
- Active outdoor combine Helly Tech waterproofs with hiking boots and technical trousers for protection in the elements
- Ski wear layer LIFA base layers under insulated jackets for warmth and performance on the slopes
- Streetwear Helly Hansen logo jackets have become a statement piece in modern urban fashion
Sustainability and Future Direction
Helly Hansen has committed to more sustainable practices by increasing the use of recycled fabrics and reducing harmful chemicals in production. The company continues to balance its heritage of durability with modern expectations of environmental responsibility.
With almost 150 years of experience Helly Hansen remains focused on its founding goal to protect people from the elements while continuously innovating for the future.
External Resources
- Learn more about the history of Helly Hansen at the official site
- Read about the importance of waterproof technologies in outdoor gear
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
When was Helly Hansen founded in Norway
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 in Moss Norway by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe.
Is Helly Hansen good for skiing and snowboarding
Yes Helly Hansen is one of the leading brands in ski wear and is trusted by ski patrols and mountain professionals around the world.
Is Helly Hansen the best waterproof clothing brand
Helly Hansen is a leader in waterproof innovation with technologies such as Helox and Helly Tech that have set industry standards.
Does Helly Hansen make sailing gear
Yes Helly Hansen was originally founded to protect sailors and continues to make world class sailing gear trusted by Olympic teams and offshore racers.
Is Helly Hansen sustainable
Helly Hansen is increasing its use of recycled fabrics and environmentally friendly production methods to reduce its environmental footprint.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings in Norway to a global reputation in professional outdoor clothing Helly Hansen’s history is one of continuous innovation and enduring quality. With technologies like Helox LIFA Fibrepile and Helly Tech the brand has shaped the way people protect themselves against the elements.
Today Helly Hansen remains as relevant as ever trusted by professionals and loved by outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers alike. Its journey proves that true heritage combined with modern innovation creates products that stand the test of time.
The History of Helly Hansen Pioneers in Outdoor Protection
Introduction
Helly Hansen is one of the world’s most recognised outdoor brands. Founded in 1877 in Norway the company began with a mission to protect sailors from the harsh conditions of the North Sea. Over nearly 150 years Helly Hansen has grown from producing oilskin jackets and trousers to developing some of the most advanced technical apparel for sailing skiing hiking and outdoor adventure.
Today Helly Hansen is trusted by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Its story is one of innovation durability and a deep connection to life at sea and in the mountains.
Shop the Helly Hansen collection here
Founding of Helly Hansen
The story of Helly Hansen begins with sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe in Moss Norway. After years of battling cold wet conditions at sea Helly Juell Hansen sought a better solution than the inadequate clothing of the time.
In 1877 he began producing waterproof oilskin jackets trousers and sou’westers made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil. The innovation was simple but revolutionary and within a few years demand spread quickly throughout Scandinavia and beyond.
Growth and Early Innovations
Helly Hansen’s oilskins were an immediate success and by 1878 the company won a diploma of excellence at the Paris Expo. By the early 20th century Helly Hansen had become an established leader in waterproof clothing for seafarers fishermen and workers exposed to extreme weather.
In the 1940s the company pioneered Helox a thin translucent PVC sheet sewn into coats and jackets which offered lightweight and effective waterproof protection. More than thirty thousand Helox coats were produced each month and the material became a staple for rainwear across Europe.
In the 1960s Helly Hansen introduced Fibrepile an early synthetic fleece that provided warmth without bulk. This innovation became especially popular among Scandinavian lumberjacks and outdoorsmen.
Key Milestones in Helly Hansen’s History
1877 - Helly Hansen founded in Moss Norway producing oilskin waterproofs
1878 - Wins diploma of excellence at the Paris Expo
1940s - Development of Helox technology for lightweight waterproof protection
1960s - Introduction of Fibrepile fleece fabric
1970s - Creation of LIFA the first technical base layer using polypropylene fibres for superior moisture wicking
1980s - Helly Tech membrane launched bringing breathable waterproof protection to outdoor wear
2000s - Expansion into skiing sailing hiking and lifestyle markets worldwide
Today - Helly Hansen remains a trusted leader in professional grade outdoor clothing
Why Helly Hansen Stands Out
Explore the latest Helly Hansen jackets and outdoor wear
Helly Hansen in Professional Use:
Styling Helly Hansen
While originally designed for sailors and workers Helly Hansen has also become a popular fashion choice. Its clean Scandinavian design has made the brand part of everyday wardrobes in cities as well as on the slopes and trails.
Ways to style Helly Hansen
Sustainability and Future Direction
Helly Hansen has committed to more sustainable practices by increasing the use of recycled fabrics and reducing harmful chemicals in production. The company continues to balance its heritage of durability with modern expectations of environmental responsibility.
With almost 150 years of experience Helly Hansen remains focused on its founding goal to protect people from the elements while continuously innovating for the future.
External Resources
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
When was Helly Hansen founded in Norway
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 in Moss Norway by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe.
Is Helly Hansen good for skiing and snowboarding
Yes Helly Hansen is one of the leading brands in ski wear and is trusted by ski patrols and mountain professionals around the world.
Is Helly Hansen the best waterproof clothing brand
Helly Hansen is a leader in waterproof innovation with technologies such as Helox and Helly Tech that have set industry standards.
Does Helly Hansen make sailing gear
Yes Helly Hansen was originally founded to protect sailors and continues to make world class sailing gear trusted by Olympic teams and offshore racers.
Is Helly Hansen sustainable
Helly Hansen is increasing its use of recycled fabrics and environmentally friendly production methods to reduce its environmental footprint.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings in Norway to a global reputation in professional outdoor clothing Helly Hansen’s history is one of continuous innovation and enduring quality. With technologies like Helox LIFA Fibrepile and Helly Tech the brand has shaped the way people protect themselves against the elements.
Today Helly Hansen remains as relevant as ever trusted by professionals and loved by outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers alike. Its journey proves that true heritage combined with modern innovation creates products that stand the test of time.