Helly Hansen Newsletter

Helly Hansen has been protecting people from the elements since 1877, when Norwegian sailor Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren began crafting waterproof oilskin garments for fishermen and sailors on the Norwegian coast. That same founding spirit of practical, no-nonsense protection now drives a world-class range of jackets, waterproofs, fleeces, base layers, trousers, footwear, and accessories designed for everyone from weekend walkers to serious mountaineers.

A Heritage of Norwegian Innovation

Founded in Moss, Norway, Helly Hansen earned international recognition within its first year, winning a diploma of excellence at the World Exhibition in Paris. By the 1970s the brand had pioneered the Three-Layer System — base layer, mid layer, and outer shell — a concept now standard across the outdoor industry. The 1980s brought Helly Tech, the company's own breathable, waterproof fabric technology, which sits at the heart of their flagship waterproof garments. Today Helly Hansen sells in markets across the globe, with over 80% of revenue coming from outside Norway.

Purpose-Built for Every Condition

Whether you are heading out for a brisk coastal walk, a ski weekend, or a demanding mountain route, the Helly Hansen range is engineered to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. Pioneering fabric technologies combine lightweight construction with high performance, so protection never comes at the cost of freedom of movement. Ranges are available for men, women, and children, making it straightforward to kit out the whole family for whatever the weather brings.

Workwear and Specialist Lines

Beyond recreational outdoor clothing, Helly Hansen has a long history supplying professional workwear to industries where weather protection is a daily necessity — including maritime, construction, and rescue services. This professional pedigree filters directly into the consumer range, ensuring that even leisure garments are built to standards far above the everyday norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Helly Hansen founded?

Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 in Moss, Norway, by sailor Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe. The company began by making waterproof oilskin clothing for Norwegian fishermen and sailors.

What is Helly Tech?

Helly Tech is Helly Hansen's proprietary range of breathable, waterproof fabric technologies, introduced in 1980. It is designed to keep moisture out while allowing perspiration to escape, keeping the wearer dry from both the rain and from sweat during active use.

What is the Three-Layer System?

The Three-Layer System, pioneered by Helly Hansen in the 1970s, involves wearing a moisture-wicking base layer next to the skin, an insulating mid layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer shell for weather protection. This layering approach has become the industry standard for outdoor clothing worldwide.

What types of clothing does Helly Hansen offer?

The range covers jackets, waterproof trousers, fleeces, base layers, ski suits, footwear, and accessories. Separate collections are available for men, women, and children, covering activities from light walking and sailing to skiing and mountaineering.

Is Helly Hansen suitable for skiing?

Yes. Helly Hansen is a well-established name in ski clothing, producing insulated jackets, salopettes, and base layers specifically engineered for cold, wet mountain conditions. Their ski range is used by professional athletes as well as recreational skiers of all levels.

Where is Helly Hansen clothing made?

Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand headquartered in Oslo. While design and technology development remain rooted in Norway, the brand sells in markets worldwide and is recognised as one of Norway's most internationally successful clothing companies.

Note: this brochure is from our archive. Details, pricing, and availability shown in the original publication may no longer apply. We recommend visiting the Helly Hansen website directly for current products and offers.