The North Face fleece jacket

Brand History and Origin

The North Face was originally founded in 1966 in San Francisco, California, by Douglas Tompkins and Kenneth "Hap" Klopp. What began as a small retail store for high-performance climbing and backpacking equipment has evolved into a global leader in outdoor apparel and gear. The brand's iconic logo of a 'half-dome' is inspired by the Half Dome rock formation in Yosemite National Park.

Manufacturing and Corporate Ownership

While founded in the United States, The North Face products are manufactured globally across various locations, including Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh, to support its massive international supply chain. Since 2000, the brand has been a primary subsidiary of the VF Corporation, one of the world's largest apparel and footwear companies. VF Corporation is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and manages a diverse portfolio of lifestyle and performance brands including Vans and Timberland.