Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen, founded in 1877 by Norwegian captain Helly Juell Hansen, is renowned for its innovative outdoor apparel and gear. The company introduced the first supple waterproof fabric in 1949, known as Helox, revolutionizing rainwear. Over the decades, Helly Hansen has developed various technical fabrics and systems, including the first fleece in the 1960s and the Lifa® Stay Dry Technology in the 1970s. The brand has been trusted by professionals in skiing, mountain climbing, and sailing, with its ski uniforms worn by over 50,000 professionals worldwide. In February 2025, Kontoor Brands, an American apparel company known for owning brands like Wrangler and Lee, acquired Helly Hansen for $1.3 billion, expanding its portfolio into the outdoor apparel segment. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in Helly Hansen's history, aligning with its commitment to innovation and quality in outdoor gear.