Helly Hansen has received a 2024 German Design Award for the new Foil X Jacket, launching in Summer 2024. Evaluated by an international jury of leading experts from all design disciplines, the jacket is recognised as a Winner in the Excellent Product Design category and is celebrated for its innovative yet timeless design that caters to both professional sailors and enthusiasts.
The Foil X Jacket is a highly technical, breathable, and flexible sailing jacket built to perform at record-breaking speeds during inshore race conditions. Since becoming the official apparel sponsor of American Magic, US challenger for the 37th America’s Cup, Helly Hansen has combined its 140-year heritage of sailing and product innovations to design the Foil X Jacket to meet the needs and challenges the American Magic professional sailors endure.
As a result of testing and direct feedback during training, every detail and feature of the Foil X Jacket is optimised for aerodynamic performance, allowing quick maneuverability and full protection. The HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer fabrics offer the highest level of waterproof and breathability, as well as next level flexibility through 4-way stretch performance that enables complete range of motion. Inspired by the “X” patterns that carbon reinforcement yarns create on American Magic’s boat sails, the Foil X Jacket for men and women mimics the “X” with subtle aesthetic details in the weave of the stretchy fabrics. Additional features of the jacket include:
- Adjustable and detachable hood for versatility
- Articulated elbows for optimal mobility
- Adjustable bottom hem for comfort
- Laser-cut vent holes within the pockets to allow drainage
- Zip hand and inner chest pockets for gear
“We are honoured to have the Foil X Jacket recognised an Excellent Product Design by the German Design Award Committee,” said Oyvind Vedvik, VP of Sail at Helly Hansen. “The America’s Cup is the preeminent competition in sailing, and the American Magic team is comprised of athletes performing at the pinnacle of their sport. These athletes need to be able to move efficiently, while staying comfortable and protected in their gear so they can focus 100% on sailing. The Foil X Jacket is an innovation that delivers on these needs and ensures professional sailors and enthusiasts alike can achieve peak performance.”
Statement from the German Design Awards jury: The ‘Foil X Jacket’ from Helly Hansen combines a clear, timeless design with maximum functionality that meets the highest sailing demands.
The Foil X Jacket will be available in men’s and women’s specific designs in-store and online starting Spring 2024, alongside the Foil X Salopettes. To learn more about the apparel or Helly Hansen’s partnership with American Magic, please visit www.hellyhansen.com.
Helly Hansen Wins German Design Award for Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer
Helly Hansen has also received a 2024 German Design Award for the Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer. Evaluated by an international jury of leading experts from all design disciplines, the Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer is recognised as a Winner in the Excellent Product Design category and is celebrated as a versatile technical layer that is rooted in sustainable design.
Designed with minimal waste in mind, the Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer is made of Ocean Bound polyester fleece and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life as a jacket. Helly Hansen’s Ocean Bound polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles collected within 50km of a coastline or main waterway in regions at risk of plastic pollution. By collecting plastic at this stage, the brand prevents it from polluting the oceans and harming marine life. The plastic is then recycled and used to create this Ocean Bound material that uses a minimum of 50% recycled content in total.
The combination of the 100% polyester lining, and 100% polyester shell made of Ocean Bound polyester fabric, is the recipe for Helly Hansen’s Mono Material construction. By using a single material without any mixed fibers, this garment is easier to take care of, and most importantly to recycle as future yarn for textiles. Additional design features include:
- High collar and a constructed hood to protect against the elements
- Anti-chafe chin guard
- Thumb holes
- Flatlock seams for extra comfort
- Hand pocket with concealed zip for safe storage
“We are grateful to the German Design Awards committee for awarding the Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer as an Excellent Product Design,” said Sarah Randall, Product Manager of Baselayer at Helly Hansen. “Sustainability is at the core of our brand and innovations, so we are thrilled to bring a responsible design made with recycled materials to a midlayer jacket that functions well in both outdoor pursuits and as a lifestyle piece.”
Statement from the German Design Awards jury: Made sustainably from recycled ocean plastic, the ‘Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer’ for men and women protects against wind and rain and promises a high level of comfort. A versatile jacket that also impresses with its clear, timeless design.
The Evolved Air Hooded Midlayer is available in both men’s and women’s specific styling in-store and online starting Winter 2023. To learn more about Helly Hansen’s existing rainwear styles, please visit www.hellyhansen.com.
