Helly Hansen Logo PNG
The Helly Hansen logo demonstrates a non-standard approach to cutting and models. The brand produces stylish, comfortable sportswear for active people. The emblem hints at the models’ readiness for extreme tests.
In 1876, Helly Juell Hansen left the merchant fleet and settled in Moss, south of Christiania (now Oslo). Years at sea exposed a core issue: existing clothing failed in wet conditions. In 1877, he and his wife, Margrithe Hansen, began producing linen garments treated with linseed oil, creating a flexible, waterproof fabric.
Within five years, about 10,000 items were sold. In 1878, the company received a diploma at the Paris World Exhibition. Demand spread across Scandinavian coastal trades. By the early 20th century, Helly Hansen supplied fishermen, pilots, and outdoor workers. After Hansen died in 1914, his son Leiv Helly-Hansen expanded operations.
In the 1920s, Linox replaced linseed oil, improving durability. A major shift came in 1949 with the introduction of Helox, a PVC layer sewn into garments. Output reached about 30,000 jackets per month. In 1950, MicroWeld sealed seams at a molecular level. In 1952, the Norwegian Olympic team wore the brand in Helsinki.
In 1961, Fiberpile, developed with Norwegian Fiber Pile Inc., introduced a lightweight insulating knit. In 1970, Lifa base layers enabled moisture management in layered systems. In 1980, Helly Tech entered the market as a breathable waterproof fabric, following the rise of Gore-Tex. During the 1970s, survival suits were produced for North Sea oil workers.
In the late 1990s, the brand gained visibility in UK street culture and US hip-hop. In 2008, the Odin collection received a Red Dot award. Ownership shifted from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to Canadian Tire in 2018 for CAD 985 million. Competitors The North Face and Patagonia expanded in parallel. At the same time, Helly Hansen maintained a strong position in the sailing and ski sectors. In 2025, Kontoor Brands acquired the company for CAD 1.276 billion.
Meaning and History
The company’s original design label has adorned branded products almost since its inception. It has a clear link to the owner, so the logo uses the first and last initials of his name.
In 1914, after the founder’s death, the brand underwent a serious rebranding, which did not affect the trademark. The new owner, Levy Helly Hansen, is the successor to his father’s business and shares his father’s initials. Therefore, they decided to leave the two words combined, as they are strongly associated with the company.
As conceived by the designers, such a logo is simple and inspires confidence among buyers across all social strata and age groups. It instills confidence in the highest quality, reliability, and durability, which are very important for those involved in extreme sports and operating in difficult conditions.
What is Helly Hansen?
This Norwegian company specializes in professional clothing for extreme conditions and is trusted by skiers, climbers, and sailors worldwide. It produces high-quality products for various activities, including workwear, everyday clothing in Scandinavian style, and marine and ski suits. Exclusive technologies for protection against moisture and cold, such as HELLY TECH® and H2FlowTM, ensure optimal comfort even in harsh weather conditions. Active collaboration with professional athletes and rescue services helps improve the products and adapt them to users’ needs.
1877 – 1969
At the moment, during this period of the company’s development, the brand’s logo and emblem are unknown.
1969 – 1989
The Helly Hansen logo consisted of the name on a single line. It was written in cursive calligraphy, imitating individual handwriting. Between the two parts was a hyphen of the same black color as the entire inscription. The letters were stretched upwards, so they seemed thin. This impression was also created by the elongated “y” tail, which extended beyond the lower border. A bold rectangular box framed the text.
1989 – today
Now, a modernized Helly Hansen emblem is used, consisting of an abbreviation. The letters “HH” are combined in a special way: the right and left sides are crossed by a diagonal line in negative space. It cuts off the stem of each glyph (top and bottom), making the character well-recognizable. In addition, the slanted strip adds dynamism and evokes confidence and strength. Signs are large, blocky, and smooth, without serifs. The angles at the level transitions are precise and even. The monotonous black color has also disappeared: now, the inscription is painted in red, close to a burgundy hue.
Font and Colors
The label consists of a title in two forms: full and abbreviated. The name and its abbreviation are colored white and enclosed in a bright red rectangle. This palette reflects the emotionality, energy, dynamism, and strength inherent in the buyers’ target group.
A thin line dividing the central HH diagonally also conveys a sense of dynamics. This design trick is used for a powerful visual identity. All words are capitalized in bold sans-serif type. They are graphically designed with sharp angles that emphasize pressure and stability.
FAQ
What is the logo HH?
The “HH” logo belongs to Helly Hansen, a company known for its outdoor clothing and gear. The brand provides high-quality apparel for skiing, sailing, and hiking. The logo features the initials “HH” in bold, uppercase letters, reflecting the brand’s commitment to durability, functionality, and style.
The company has built a strong reputation by catering to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need reliable clothing. The “HH” logo represents a legacy of excellence in creating gear that withstands harsh conditions, keeping the wearer protected and comfortable.
What is Helly Hansen known for?
The company is known for its high-quality outdoor clothing and gear, which professionals trust on oceans, mountains, and worksites. The brand has a strong reputation for making reliable and durable apparel that withstands extreme conditions.
As the top apparel brand for ski professionals, brand gear is used at over 200 ski resorts and guiding operations worldwide. More than 55,000 ski professionals wear the brand’s clothing, showing its widespread trust in the skiing community. The brand focuses on functionality, innovation, and protection, ensuring its gear meets the demands of professionals in tough environments.
Who does Helly Hansen sponsor?
The company sponsors various events and organizations in the outdoor and sports communities. A notable sponsorship is with the NOOD Regatta Races, where it is the official apparel sponsor. These races are a prominent series in the sailing world, attracting participants and enthusiasts from around the world.
This sponsorship shows the brand’s commitment to supporting competitive sailing and outdoor sports. By providing high-quality apparel to participants, the brand enhances sailors’ performance and comfort while reinforcing its reputation as a provider of durable, functional gear.
Who is Helly Hansen owned by?
The company is owned by Canadian Tire Corporation, which acquired the brand in 2018. Canadian Tire, a major retailer in Canada, saw this as an opportunity to expand its product range and strengthen its presence in the outdoor and sports apparel market.
The brand continues to operate under its name, maintaining its tradition of producing high-quality gear for skiing, sailing, and hiking. With the support of Canadian Tire, Helly Hansen can innovate and deliver reliable products to its customers.
What is the Helly Hansen logo?
The logo features two white “H” letters separated by a diagonal red line. The sides of the letters are deformed where the line runs through them, creating a unique look. Below the “H” letters, the full company name is written. All elements are set against a red rectangle.
The recognizable logo reflects the brand’s focus on high-quality, reliable gear for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. The red and white colors enhance its visibility and impact, making it a strong symbol of the brand’s identity.
Is Helly Hansen a person?
The company is named after Captain Helly Juell Hansen, a real person. He was a sea captain who, with his wife, Maren Margarethe, started sewing clothes for long voyages. They began working in the basement of their home, focusing on making durable and protective gear for sailors.
Their small operation eventually grew into a network of factories, creating a brand known for high-quality outdoor and workwear. Captain Hansen’s approach to making reliable clothing laid the foundation for the brand. His legacy continues in the brand’s commitment to producing gear that meets the needs of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
Is Helly Hansen a snowboard brand?
The company offers clothing for various sports, including snowboarding. It is known for high-quality outdoor gear that withstands harsh conditions, making it popular with snowboarders.
The brand provides clothing and gear for skiing, sailing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Snowboarders value the brand’s focus on performance and protection, which keeps them warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes.
What clothing brand is HH?
HH stands for Helly Hansen, a well-known clothing brand famous for its high-quality outdoor gear. The brand uses advanced technology in its garments to ensure comfort and functionality. HH clothing is made from hydrophilic and microporous materials that wick away excess moisture, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. The brand focuses on clothing for outdoor activities like skiing, sailing, and hiking.