66°North was founded in 1926 as a matter of survival for Icelandic fishermen and soon thereafter Icelandic search and rescue teams.
Quality, durability, performance, and necessity are our enduring values due to the near-mythical challenges of the unpredictable Icelandic climate and because, as a small nation, our customers have always been our friends, family, and neighbors. Our clothes reflect the sometimes-hostile nature around us and our promise of protection for our community.
We want the world to experience the power and beauty of the North. This means clothes that make life and activity possible where there would otherwise be none, and business practices that conserve and protect the North at a time when our glaciers, and natural landscape are under dramatic threat from climate change. This is what we mean when we say our products are “Made for Life.”
66°North is woven into the everyday of Iceland and its inhabitants. We call this the Icelandic Art of Living.
Designed and proven in Iceland
Being from Iceland and nearly a century old gives us a competitive advantage over our competitors.
In 1926 Hans Kristjánsson founded the company in Suðureyri (66.1311˚ N, 23.5272˚ W) making protective clothing for Icelanders.
The extremes of the climate meant that the clothing expanded into everyday protective clothing for Icelanders facing extraordinary conditions
Iceland is a paradoxical place, beautiful and dangerous, the edge of the world but visited by all nations, light all summer, dark all winter — these elements draw people to us, and our clothes let you explore this world.
Functional, multi-purpose design
Being from Iceland and nearly a century old gives us a competitive advantage over our competitors.
In 1926 Hans Kristjánsson founded the company in Suðureyri (66.1311˚ N, 23.5272˚ W) making protective clothing for Icelanders.
The extremes of the climate meant that the clothing expanded into everyday protective clothing for Icelanders facing extraordinary conditions
Iceland is a paradoxical place, beautiful and dangerous, the edge of the world but visited by all nations, light all summer, dark all winter — these elements draw people to us, and our clothes let you explore this world.
Carbon neutral since 2019
All manufacturing and distribution causes harm to the earth. How then can a company be “sustainable,” and does that word still have meaning?
As it comes to clothing, we believe that over-consumerism, disposable products, and waste (which restarts the vicious cycle) cause the greatest harm to the earth. It doesn’t matter if you buy a biodegradable jacket if—due to function, quality, or aesthetics—you buy a new one every year. Through longevity of design, function, construction, care, and desirability, 66°North expects our products to reduce the need for long-term consumption whether bought new or second-hand.
While 66°North is a carbon neutral business, it is only through our holistic approach to circularity that we can minimize harm, mitigate our impact, and make a net positive impact on the world.
We also accept that there is no perfect solution. In all decisions to do with impact, there are trade-offs. We believe we have opted for the most responsible choices but acknowledge differing views.
