Helly Hansen, the iconic Norwegian brand renowned for its rugged outdoor gear and cutting-edge sports equipment, stands as a testament to innovation and resilience. Founded in 1877 by Captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe, the company emerged from humble beginnings, producing oilskin garments soaked in linseed oil to protect sailors from the harsh Nordic elements. Over the decades, this relentless pursuit of quality and ingenuity led to a globally recognized brand known for professional-grade apparel that endures in the world’s harshest environments.
The Hansen legacy is built on a foundation of groundbreaking firsts. From the creation of Helox, a revolutionary waterproof fabric that protected outdoor enthusiasts in the 1940s, to the Fiberpile, the original fleece midlayer that became a staple for lumberjacks and explorers alike, Helly Hansen consistently set the standard in outdoor wear. Their innovative three-layer dressing system, combining LIFA base layers, Fiberpile insulation, and Helly Tech waterproof shells, helped redefine how adventurers and professionals prepared for challenging conditions.
Beyond mere technical achievements, Helly Hansen’s dedication to durability and performance has fostered partnerships and recognition worldwide. Whether outfitting elite mountaineers in Odin gear, supporting international sailing regattas, or collaborating with the US Ski and Snowboard Association, the brand has continually pushed the envelope in terms of technical design and real-world application. This unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered awards like the Red Dot Design Award and the Design Excellence accolade from the Norwegian Design Council.
Today, Helly Hansen remains a symbol of Scandinavian heritage and global expertise, headquartered in Oslo under the Canadian Tire umbrella. From advanced temperature-regulating systems like H² Flow™ to responsible waterproof technologies like LIFA INFINITY PRO™, the brand continues to honor Captain Hansen’s pioneering spirit. It’s no wonder that professionals and outdoor enthusiasts across oceans, mountains, and worksites trust Helly Hansen gear to keep them protected, comfortable, and ready for anything.
Stunning Helly Hansen ‘Adventure’ Commercial
How to tell if Helly Hansen is vintage from the logo
Helly Hansen has been a trusted name in outdoor apparel for over a century, with its origins dating back to 1877. The brand has undergone several logo changes throughout its long history. Each logo is distinct and reflects the evolution of the company’s design ethos and market position. Understanding these logo differences can help collectors, enthusiasts, and vintage fashion seekers identify specific eras of Helly Hansen products.
Over the years, the Helly Hansen logo has gone from elegant and handwritten to modern and bold. Two primary logos help to differentiate the brand’s history: the logo used from 1969 to 1989, and the current logo that has been in use since 1989. Each has unique characteristics that make them valuable indicators of a product’s production period.
1969 to 1989 Helly Hansen logo
- The logo has “Helly-Hansen” in a stylized, cursive font.
- A rectangular box frames the text, adding emphasis and elegance.
- A thin line runs below the “Helly-Hansen” text, serving as an underline.
1969 to 1989 Helly Hansen logo
1989 to now Helly Hansen logo
- The logo consists of bold red “H/H” letters separated by a white diagonal slash.
- The full name “Helly Hansen” appears in uppercase, sans-serif font directly below the “H/H.
- The design is simple, modern, and distinctly recognizable compared to the older, more elaborate cursive logo.
1989 to now Helly Hansen logo
How to tell if Helly Hansen is vintage from the tags
Helly Hansen, a renowned brand for outdoor gear and sailing apparel, has evolved its tag designs over the decades to reflect both its technological innovations and changing aesthetics. Each era of the brand’s evolution carries distinctive tag characteristics, serving as a time capsule that helps identify the vintage nature of their garments. Whether it’s the bold graphics of their Europa line or the practical, informative tags from the Helly Tech series, the Helly Hansen identity remains unmistakable through time.
In each decade, their tags have mirrored both technological advancements and design trends. The 1980s tags featured a more graphical and colorful approach, while the 1990s showcased the practicality of high-performance outdoor wear. As Helly Hansen ventured into the 21st century, the brand maintained its innovative spirit, with tags that emphasized international manufacturing, and functionality.
Having trouble identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!
1980s vintage Helly Hansen tags
- Bold graphics and colors used in the Europa line, showcasing an “E” emblem against checkered stripes.
- Helly Tech tags with informative graphics and bold color blocks, highlighting the innovative, breathable waterproof technology.
- Standard tags emphasizing the Norwegian heritage and international manufacturing with clear washing instructions.
1980s Helly Hansen tags
1990s vintage Helly Hansen tags
- Red Helly Hansen logos with the iconic “HH” initials prominently displayed.
- Manufacturing information including country of origin and fabric composition for clear garment care instructions.
- Multiple tag styles showcasing brand identity and material properties for outerwear shells.
1990s Helly Hansen tags
2000s vintage Helly Hansen tags
- Loop-style tags often incorporating bright colors, emphasizing the classic “HH” logo.
- Boardwear tags and information cards, offering a personalized space for user contact details.
- Modern tag styles with lightweight fabrics and contrasting colors for outerwear and boardwear lines.
2000s Helly Hansen tags
2010s vintage Helly Hansen tags
- Consistent use of the “HH” logo across multiple regions with country-specific manufacturing information.
- Tags indicate innovative design and development with the Norwegian heritage highlighted in clear, bold letters.
- International production is emphasized through multilingual instructions and standardized sizing indicators.
2010s Helly Hansen tags
