Materials & FabricsUpdated 4 days ago
OUR MATERIALS – PERFORMANCE WITH PURPOSE
At Helly Hansen, we engineer our garments using materials that are built to perform and made to last. From nature-derived fibres like cotton and wool to high-tech synthetics like LIFA®, our material selection is driven by performance, durability, and our responsibility to reduce environmental impact. Below is a summary of the fibres and fabrics used in our products — and our approach to sourcing and sustainability.
COTTON
Cotton is one of the most commonly used fibres in the world, known for its softness and breathability.
Our Approach:
We use cotton in casual t-shirts, hoodies, and workwear jackets. While it’s a natural and biodegradable fibre, cotton production can be climate intensive — which is why we’re transitioning to organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers.
Ideal for: Low-intensity activities, casual wear, and comfortable everyday apparel
WOOL (MERINO)
Merino wool is soft, breathable, odour-resistant, and naturally insulating — making it an ideal performance fibre.
Our Approach:
We use only ZQ-certified Merino wool, which meets high animal welfare and environmental standards. Merino helps regulate temperature and manage moisture while staying light and durable.
Ideal for: Base layers and next-to-skin layers in all-season outdoor use
DOWN
Down offers superior warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, perfect for alpine and lightweight insulation layers.
Our Approach:
We only use RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down — which ensures that no birds are live-plucked or force-fed. All down is 100% traceable.
Ideal for: Insulated jackets and midlayers where warmth and packability matter
LEATHER
Leather is strong, durable, and long-lasting when treated properly.
Our Approach:
We’ve phased out leather in all apparel. Where necessary — such as gloves and select footwear — we use LWG-certified leather and are moving toward 100% certification.
Ideal for: Gloves and footwear where abrasion resistance and flexibility are critical
FAUX FUR
We do not use real fur in any of our garments.
Our Approach:
Since 2006, we’ve exclusively used faux fur, chosen to perform like real fur around the hood — reducing windchill and freezing from breath moisture.
Ideal for: Hood trims on winter jackets and parkas
POLYPROPYLENE
This fibre is the foundation of our LIFA® base layer technology.
Our Approach:
Polypropylene is inherently water-repellent, lightweight, and low-conductivity — making it ideal for moisture management. We improve sustainability through solution dyeing, long-lasting construction, and increased use of recycled polypropylene.
Ideal for: Base layers, performance underwear, and lightweight insulation
POLYAMIDE (NYLON)
A tough synthetic fibre used for rugged, high-performance outerwear and gear.
Our Approach:
We use both virgin and recycled polyamide, including Ocean Bound materials. While recycling polyamide is still developing, we’re committed to expanding its use in sailing and mountain wear.
Ideal for: Technical shells, waterproof bags, high-durability garments
POLYESTER
Polyester is used across our insulation, fleece, linings, and synthetic shells.
Our Approach:
We're shifting toward recycled content, with nearly all of our nonwoven insulations now using 80% post-consumer recycled polyester, and over 70% of fleece replaced with recycled materials. We’ve joined the Textile Exchange 2025 Recycled Polyester Challenge.
Ideal for: Insulated jackets, fleece midlayers, linings, and rainwear
OCEAN BOUND MATERIALS
These are recycled fibres made from plastic collected within 50 km of coastlines or major waterways, preventing ocean pollution.
Our Approach:
We use Ocean Bound polyester and polyamide in sailing, marine, and lifestyle gear. This program enables shore-to-door traceability and keeps plastic from entering marine ecosystems.
Ideal for: Customers seeking gear made from environmentally recovered plastics
🔗 Read more
PRIMALOFT®
Premium synthetic insulation that mimics down but performs better when wet.
Our Approach:
We use multiple versions — including Ocean Bound, Gold, Bio, and Silver — to deliver warmth, compressibility, and moisture resistance. It also powers our LIFALOFT™ insulation, co-developed with PrimaLoft®.
Ideal for: Lightweight warmth in alpine, wet, or high-output environments
🔗 Read more
POLARTEC®
Breathable, soft, and durable — used in our fleece and midlayer range.
Our Approach:
Polartec® fabrics offer excellent insulation and many include recycled content and are bluesign® approved.
Ideal for: Midlayers and performance fleece
🔗 polartec.com
PVC-FREE
Helly Hansen does not use PVC in apparel.
Our Approach:
We’ve transitioned to PVC-free waterproofing materials to reduce chemical exposure while maintaining performance.
Ideal for: Rainwear and workwear that require safe, long-lasting water protection
🔗 PVC Policy
SYNTHETIC FIBRES
Synthetics like polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene are the backbone of our performance fabrics.
Our Approach:
We continuously improve these fibres by using recycled content, solution dyeing, and high-quality construction to extend product life and reduce impact.
Ideal for: Shells, linings, base layers, insulation, and accessories
🔗 More on synthetic fibres
WATERLESS DYEING OF SYNTHETICS
This refers to solution dyeing, where colour is added before the fibre is even spun.
Our Approach:
We use solution dyeing to reduce water usage by up to 90%, cut CO₂ emissions, and improve long-term colour durability.
Ideal for: Any synthetic gear where environmental impact matters
🔗 More here
SECTION: MATERIALS IN OUR TECHNOLOGIES
Many of our product innovations are built on the materials above:
LIFA® fibres (polypropylene) → used in base layers, LIFALOFT™, and LIFA Infinity Pro™
Recycled polyester → used in fleece, linings, insulation
Polyamide → used in outer shells, Ocean Bound gear, sailing collections
PrimaLoft® + LIFA® → used in co-developed LIFALOFT™ insulation
Solution dyed synthetics → used across categories for lower-impact colouring
SECTION: QUESTIONS ABOUT MATERIALS?
Want to know what’s in a specific item? Or whether it’s recycled, natural, or synthetic? We’re happy to help.
📧 [email protected]
📞 (02) 8068 8600 (Mon–Fri, AEST)