About Helly Hansen
For more than 130 years, Helly Hansen has been at the forefront of product development and innovation. Since 1877, when sea captain Helly Juell Hansen made his first oilskin waterproof jackets, the company has pushed the boundaries of fabric technologies. Helly and his wife Maren Margrethe gathered a stock of coarse linen and linseed oil. They designed and sewed jackets, trousers, and sou'wester hats for ocean use. Then Helly Juell applied oil to the garments and dried them before an open fire. Helly Hansen's waterproofs were a great success. In that first year, 1877, they produced and sold 2,000 items, from clothes to tarpaulins. Within five years they sold 10,000 pieces.

The business was officially formed in 1877. Helly Hansen was on the map, but his enquiring mind continually sought to diversify. He knew that the principle of lightweight waterproof fabrics must have multiple applications. The key to success was testing all his products before they were offered for sale. Quality was crucial. Helly Hansen's technical specifications were high, and so were the prices. But demand for his product continued to grow.

Many years later and with numerous new fabrics and technologies available, the evolution of breathable, waterproof jackets had a profound effect on the outdoor industry. Now everyone who participated in high-activity sport could expect their clothing to work with them, not against them. It was a major catalyst. From its roots in providing sturdy, waterproof clothing for fishermen, Helly Hansen now designed technical garments, base, insulation, and protective layers.

Now, more than 130 years since Helly began his work, Helly Hansen is a global company and is represented in more than 20 countries, with more than 500 individual product lines for men, women, and children. Helly Hansen provides technical clothing for workwear and action sports for all seasons.