Our HeritageUpdated 3 days ago
BORN BY THE SEA, TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS
Helly Hansen was founded in 1877 by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen in Norway, after years battling the brutal conditions of the Nordic coast. Seeking a better way to stay dry at sea, he developed waterproof oilskin jackets made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil — and the Helly Hansen legacy began.
What started as gear for sailors grew into technical apparel for professionals who brave nature’s harshest conditions on oceans, mountains, and worksites across the globe.
OVER 145 YEARS OF INNOVATION
From our first waterproof fabric to today’s cutting-edge weather protection systems, Helly Hansen has been at the forefront of outdoor and workwear technology.
Key milestones:
1877: Waterproof oilskin clothing first produced
1949: Helox™ introduced — thin PVC plastic sheets sewn into jackets
1970s: LIFA® base layer technology launched
1980s: Helly Tech® waterproof breathable system released
2004: HH Footwear introduced
2019–2023: Innovations like LIFA Infinity Pro™, Life Pocket™, H2Flow™, and LIFALOFT™
We continue to push the limits of comfort, durability, and sustainability in extreme conditions.
A GLOBAL LEADER, ROOTED IN NORWAY
Helly Hansen’s gear is trusted by over 55,000 professionals worldwide — including ski patrollers, mountain guides, offshore workers, and rescue teams.
Our gear is worn and tested in over 200 ski resorts worldwide
We are the #1 apparel brand for ski professionals globally
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway — with products sold in more than 40 countries
BUILT ON RESPONSIBILITY
Throughout our history, we’ve remained committed to responsible design and innovation. From using recycled Ocean Bound materials to eliminating PFCs and PVC, our mission is to protect the people who wear our gear — and the environment they wear it in.
🔗 Learn more about our sustainability practices
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Have a question about our history, collections, or technologies? We’d love to share more.
📧 [email protected]
📞 (02) 8068 8600 (Mon–Fri, AEST)
🔗 Heritage Timeline