K-Way, a renowned brand of waterproof clothing, has carved a niche in the fashion world since its inception in 1965. Founded by Léon-Claude Duhamel in northern France, K-Way emerged from a practical need for lightweight, easily portable rain protection. Duhamel, inspired during a rainy day at the Café de la Paix in Paris, conceptualized a nylon windbreaker that could be neatly folded into a compact pouch. This innovative idea led to the creation of the original “Snack,” which later evolved into the iconic “K-Way,” a name chosen to reflect a trendy, American lifestyle. This breakthrough not only revolutionized rainwear but also set the stage for K-Way’s journey towards becoming a staple in both functional and fashionable outerwear.

Throughout the decades, K-Way has experienced significant transformations, both in ownership and branding. The brand’s heyday in the 1970s and 1980s saw it becoming a household name, especially in Europe, with its brightly colored, practical jackets becoming synonymous with convenience and style. However, the brand faced challenges in the late 20th century, including intense competition and strategic missteps that led to a decline. Despite these setbacks, K-Way managed to retain its core identity, thanks to its innovative design and the practical appeal of its products. The brand’s resilience was further tested with ownership changes, including a period under Pirelli and later, its acquisition by the Italian group BasicNet SpA in 2004, which marked a significant turning point.

The acquisition by BasicNet heralded a renaissance for K-Way, transforming it from a fading legacy brand into a contemporary fashion icon. The Italians revitalized K-Way, pushing it upmarket and introducing new collaborations with high-profile designers like Philippe Starck and Marc Jacobs. This strategic move not only enhanced the brand’s appeal but also expanded its market reach. By integrating modern design elements while preserving the classic attributes that defined K-Way, the brand successfully navigated the competitive landscape. Today, K-Way stands as a testament to innovation and adaptability, continuing to be a symbol of stylish, practical outerwear embraced by a global audience.

Rare 80s K-Way Ski Commercial

How to tell if K-Way is vintage from the logo

K-Way, known for its practical and stylish outdoor clothing, has had several logo iterations that reflect its brand evolution over the years. The K-Way logo has undergone subtle changes while maintaining its core design elements, making it a useful reference point for identifying vintage pieces. Below are the main eras of the K-Way logo based on the provided images.

1965 to now K-Way logo

• This logo features a bold, italicized ‘K’ with a series of red lines to the right, symbolizing movement and speed.
• The text ‘K-WAY’ is placed below the emblem in a blocky, capitalized font.
• The color scheme prominently uses blue and red, with the ‘K’ in blue and the lines in red, conveying a sense of dynamic energy.

1965 to now K-Way logo

• This variant also features the italicized ‘K’ with red lines but uses a slightly different font for the ‘K-WAY’ text.
• The overall design remains consistent with the dynamic and sporty theme of K-Way’s branding.
• The use of blue and red continues to be a key element in maintaining brand recognition.

2010s to now K-Way logo

• The 2010s logo maintains the basic structure of the emblem and text from previous versions.
• However, the design is more streamlined and modern, with cleaner lines and a more refined font for the ‘K-WAY’ text.
• The emblem’s colors are consistent with the traditional blue and red, emphasizing brand continuity.

How to tell if K-Way is vintage from the tags

K-Way, known for its iconic waterproof jackets, has undergone significant changes in branding and tag design over the decades. Identifying vintage K-Way pieces can be accomplished by examining the tags, which reflect the era’s design aesthetics and manufacturing details.

Need help identifying vintage tags or labels? Submit a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1980s vintage K-Way tags

• Tags feature the classic K-Way logo with bold lettering.
• Often includes country of manufacture, such as “Made in Portugal” or “Made in France.”
• Material composition and care instructions are prominently displayed.

1990s vintage K-Way tags

• Rectangular tags with the K-Way logo and bold text.
• Includes phrases like “K-Way International.
• Detailed washing instructions and material information are common.

2000s vintage K-Way tags

• Tags introduce more modern design elements and colors.
• Includes terms like “K-Way Plus” and “K-Way 2000.
• Focus on technical specifications such as waterproof and breathable features.

2010s vintage K-Way tags

• Modern, sleek designs with a variety of colors and layouts.
• Technical details prominently featured, emphasizing innovation in materials and construction.
• Tags often display the K-Way logo along with size and care information.