In 1877, Helly Juell Hansen first started selling waterproof jackets in Norway. He used his experience as a sea captain to develop a collection of jackets, trousers and sou’wester-style hats fit for use in the harsh conditions ships’ crews face off the coast of Norway. In the first year, Helly Hansen sold 2,000 oilskin items – the business grew year on year, building on the reputation for quality he initially established by testing all their products before they were sold.
Within a decade, Helly Hansen’s waterproof garments were so successful that he was exhibiting a collection of his waterproof oilskins at the Paris Expo. The brand quickly spread to Denmark, Sweden, England, and as far a field as South Africa and even Chile. Helly Hansen continued to work at the cutting edge of developing fabrics to meet the demanding needs of those who worked at the extreme edge of nature, and those who spent their spare time adventuring in the outdoors. The company was responsible for a number of innovations in the development of waterproofing materials and technology. From Linox in 1920 to Helox in 1949, Helly Hansen continued to improve the performance of their garments. The evolution of modern Helly Hansen garments is driven by the demands of those who wear them – sports people who expect their jackets to work with them, not against them during competition and workers who require technical, multi-layer outfitting to protect them from hazards.
Today’s Helly Hansen range includes a variety of jackets for both work and leisure use – all made to the same exacting standards that the company started with in the 1800s. Helly Hansen’s collection is divided into three types of gear: sport, work and survival.
The majority of popular Helly Hansen jackets are in the sport category – with sizes for men, women and kids and a good variety of styles to choose from. Helly Hansen jackets for men include the Virtue jacket, which features stitchless construction for the lightest, most solid seal available, as well as water-resistant zips and enough pockets to stash away all the gear you’re likely to need on top of a mountain. Also in the Helly Hansen men’s range, is the recently-released Boyalston jacket, with a removeable hood and snap-away stretch powder skirt, the Boyalston is workwear inspired, and comes equipped to help you face any sort of weather. Helly Hansen also offer a selection of insulated jackets for men, such as the Boogie Down jacket, which is filled with natural down and the toasty-warm Nome Pile jacket, made from heavy pile fleece.
Helly Hansen jackets for women include shell jackets, such as the lightweight, waterproof Arica jacket designed to keep you dry in the most torrential downpour; and the shorter, Mash jacket, with breathable Helly Tech fabric and a fist full of pockets to keep your essential items in. Insulated jackets by Helly Hansen for ladies include the Calliope vest, packed with natural down to keep your temperature just right without sacrificing mobility; the leather-accented Mary 2 jacket, which is a bit shorter and suitable for use on and off the piste; and also, the Helly Hansen Well bomber jacket, which is shaped like a parka, warm enough for use in the arctic, short enough to maintain your mobility and cut to suit a lady’s frame.
For kids, Helly Hansen offer a good selection of mini-me style jackets in sizes for everyone from tot to teenager. The Helly Hansen kids collection includes vibrant colours for visibility, and specific design features that suit children – such as reflective piping, elastic cord locks and reinforced snap fastenings.
The entire range of Helly Hansen coats and jackets for adults and kids can be found in scores of sporting goods shops both online and on the high street.
© Jackets.org.uk 2008
