Size guide Helly Hansen

Size guide Helly Hansen — Clothing, Hiking shoes & Après-ski

Founded in 1877 in Moss (Norway) by Captain Helly Juell Hansen, the brand is one of the oldest in the world in outdoor and marine equipment. A global leader in protection against the elements, HH equips sea professionals, skiers, and hikers with its Helly Tech®, LIFA®, and Primaloft technologies. This guide covers clothing (men, women, children), hiking shoes, and après-ski/winter boots. Order at Alpinstore.

Source: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart). All measurements are in cm. The measurements are body measurements.

Alpinstore return tips — Helly Hansen

  • Helly Hansen generally runs large — especially for jackets and pants. The official HH site states "This product fits normally" on product pages, but user returns and several retailer guides specify that HH outdoor cuts are often generous to allow for layering. For ski jackets and shells, if you wear layers underneath, your usual size is fine. If the jacket is worn alone, go down a size.
  • Technical ski clothing (jackets, suits) : designed for layering. Allow space for a mid-layer fleece or a thin down jacket under the jacket. If you only wear a base layer, go down a size.
  • LIFA® and Merino base layers : close-fitting cuts. Usual size. Base layers should be fitted to be effective.
  • Helly Hansen hiking shoes : the official site states "fits normally, take your usual size". Verified on Cascade HT product pages. +1/2 size if thick socks are planned.
  • Winter boots (Garibaldi, Varanger, Fremont) : thick Primaloft lining. Usual size. If you wear thick ski socks, go up a size.

Part 1 — How to measure & HH technologies

1. How to measure — official Helly Hansen method

Chest circumference

At the widest point, measure horizontally. Go under the arms. Source: official hellyhansen.com.

Waist circumference

At the narrowest point, where you can lean sideways with your upper body. Measure horizontally.

Hip circumference

At the widest point, measure horizontally. Priority for pants.

Sleeve length

From the middle of the neck to the wrist, following the shoulder, arm in a relaxed position.

Inseam

From the top of the thigh (inside) to the ankle, leg straight. For pants.

2. Proprietary Helly Hansen technologies

Helly Tech® (waterproof membrane)

Proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane from HH. Present on jackets, technical pants, and Cascade hiking shoes. Waterproof 20,000 mm min. / breathability 10,000 g/m²/24h. Sealed seams on professional models.

LIFA® (base layer)

Proprietary synthetic fiber developed by HH in the 1970s. Pushes moisture outward, keeps skin dry. The LIFA® + Merino wool combination is the flagship base layer of the range.

Primaloft® (synthetic insulation)

Ultra-light synthetic insulation used in winter boots (Varanger, Garibaldi), down jackets, and HH parkas. Insulates even when wet, machine washable.

HellyGrip® (sole)

Proprietary HH outsole for optimal grip on wet surfaces (derived from sailing). On sailing shoes and some winter boots.

Part 2 — Helly Hansen Clothing

3. Men's Clothing Size Chart Helly Hansen

Source: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart). Body measurements in cm. Converted from the official HH guide.

SizeChest (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)Height (cm)
XS86 – 9273 – 7988 – 94160 – 166
S93 – 9979 – 8594 – 100166 – 172
M99 – 10685 – 91100 – 106172 – 178
L106 – 11291 – 97106 – 112178 – 185
XL112 – 11997 – 104112 – 119185 – 189
XXL119 – 126104 – 111119 – 126189 – 193
3XL126 – 132111 – 118126 – 132193 – 196

HH also offers long sizes on certain models (pants). Check availability on the Alpinstore product page.

4. Women's Clothing Size Chart Helly Hansen

Source: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart). Body measurements in cm.

SizeChest (cm)Waist (cm)Hips (cm)Height (cm)
XS80 – 8462 – 6686 – 90155 – 160
S84 – 8866 – 7090 – 94160 – 165
M88 – 9370 – 7594 – 99165 – 170
L93 – 9975 – 8199 – 105170 – 175
XL99 – 10681 – 88105 – 112175 – 180
XXL106 – 11488 – 96112 – 120180 – 185
Note Women's HH : Helly Hansen also offers a Plus Size Women's range on its official site, with extended sizes XS–3XL. Availability on certain models only. Check the Alpinstore product page.

5. Children's & Junior Clothing Size Chart Helly Hansen

Source: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart). HH uses height as the main reference for children.

HH SizeHeight (cm)Chest (cm)Waist (cm)Indicative Age
9288–9652512–3 years
104100–10856534–5 years
116112–12060566–7 years
128124–13264598–9 years
140136–144686210–11 years
152 (Junior)148–156726512–13 years
164 (Junior)160–168766814–15 years

Size indicated on the label = child's height in cm. Ages are indicative. Source: official hellyhansen.com.

Part 3 — Helly Hansen Shoes

6. Helly Hansen Hiking Shoes — Men's & Women's (EU / UK / US / cm)

Source: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart, Cascade HT product pages). Helly Hansen uses whole and half EU sizes. Official HH message on hiking product pages: "This product fits normally. We recommend taking your usual size."

Men's Size Chart (EU / UK / US)

EUUKUScm
396724.5
406.57.525.0
417825.5
428926.5
42.58.59.527.0
4391027.5
449.510.528.0
44.5101128.5
4510.511.529.0
46111229.5
47121330.5

Women's Size Chart (EU / UK / US)

EUUKUScm
35.53522.5
363.55.523.0
374623.5
37.54.56.524.0
385724.5
395.57.525.0
39.56825.5
406.58.526.0
417926.5
4281027.5
438.510.528.0

All HH hiking shoes (Cascade Low HT, Cascade Mid HT, Trollveggen GTX) fit normally according to the official message from hellyhansen.com. Half sizes available on most ranges. Measure your foot at the end of the day with the socks intended for use.

7. Après-ski & winter boots Helly Hansen

Winter boots HH size tips (anti-return)

  • Usual size for most models : the Garibaldi V3, Fremont, and Varanger Primaloft boots fit normally (official HH message). If you wear thin or normal socks, take your usual size.
  • With thick socks : go up half a size or even a full size. The Primaloft lining takes up space. The high après-ski boots (Garibaldi) are more generous than the low models.
  • Removable liner : several HH models (Varanger, Garibaldi Puffy) have a removable inner liner. When new, it may seem snug — it will soften with wear.
  • Women's après-ski (Isolabella, Alma) : usual size. Lighter and more stylish models than expedition boots. Thin Primaloft lining.

The EU/UK/US size charts for HH winter boots are identical to the hiking charts above. Use the same chart (Men or Women depending on the model). Some unisex models use men's sizes.

8. Helly Hansen Shoe Ranges on Alpinstore

ModelGenderEU SizesCategorySize advice (hellyhansen.com)
Cascade Low HTM & FM 39–47 / F 35.5–43Low hiking Helly Tech®"Fits normally" (official HH). Waterproof HT.
Cascade Mid HTM & FM 39–47 / F 35.5–43Mid hiking Helly Tech®"Fits normally". +1/2 if thick socks.
Trollveggen GTX Low/MidM & FM 40–47 / F 36–43Technical GTX hikingUsual size. Rigid shaft. Standard HH fit.
Garibaldi V3M & FM 40–47 / F 36–43Winter/après-ski high shaftUsual size. Primaloft 200g. If thick socks, +1 size.
Varanger PrimaloftM & FM 39–47 / F 36–43Extreme cold boot, vulcanized rubberUsual size. Thick Primaloft lining — removable liner.
FremontMen40–47Urban winter boot, lacesUsual size. Casual winter style. Waterproof.
Isolabella 2 DemiWomen36–42Mid-height après-ski, styleUsual size. Thin Primaloft lining. Station style.
AlmaWomen36–42Après-ski / light winter bootUsual size. Light and breathable, for station and city use.
Trollveggen HH range : Helly Hansen's Trollveggen shoes use Gore-Tex (GTX) rather than the Helly Tech membrane. They are positioned in the lightweight technical and alpine hiking segment. Standard European sizes, normal fit.

9. FAQ — Helly Hansen Size Guide

Does Helly Hansen run large or normal ?

The official HH site states "fits normally" on product pages. In practice, HH outdoor and ski cuts are designed for layering and are often generous. For ski jackets and shells intended to be worn with multiple layers, your usual size is fine. For more fitted jackets or mid-layers, some users go down a size. LIFA and Merino base layers fit normally — fitted cuts as intended. If in doubt, check the specific mention on the official HH product page (hellyhansen.com).

What is the difference between Helly Tech® and Gore-Tex on HH shoes ?

Helly Tech® is Helly Hansen's proprietary waterproof membrane, used in the Cascade range. It offers excellent waterproofing (20,000 mm+) and good breathability for versatile hiking. Gore-Tex is used in the Trollveggen models, positioned in the upper technical segment. Both technologies are proven; the performance difference is noticeable especially for very intensive or long-duration uses. The size advice is identical for both ranges.

How to care for my Garibaldi or Varanger HH boots ?

For boots with removable Primaloft lining: remove the inner liner after each use to let it dry in the open air (no tumble dryer). The outer shaft (rubber or nylon) can be cleaned with a damp cloth. To reactivate the water-repellent on textile models, wash for an hour at 40°C in the machine and then dry at low temperature. Do not use fabric softener. HH officially advises against abrasive cleaning products on Helly Tech membranes.

Which hiking range to choose between Cascade and Trollveggen ?

The Cascade range (Helly Tech, low or mid-high) is ideal for versatile hiking, marked trails, and trekking weekends. Lighter, more breathable, and more affordable. The Trollveggen range (Gore-Tex, high shaft) is designed for technical terrains, long mountain outings, and demanding conditions. Stiffer, heavier, more protective. The size advice is identical for both ranges ("fits normally", message hellyhansen.com).

Sources: official Helly Hansen guide (hellyhansen.com/fr_fr/size-chart), official HH product pages (hellyhansen.com — Cascade HT, Garibaldi V3, Varanger, Trollveggen). The measurements are body measurements. Official HH message on shoes: "Fits normally. Take your usual size." Winter boots with thick lining: go up a size if thick socks. Data verified in June 2025.


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