K-Way
BasicNet · France
K-Way is a French outerwear brand created in 1965 by Léon-Claude Duhamel, famous for its lightweight nylon rain jacket that folds into its own pouch. It is owned by the Italian group BasicNet.
| Founded | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Léon-Claude Duhamel |
| Parent | BasicNet |
| Signature product | Packable nylon windbreaker |
| Website | k-way.com |
What is K-Way?
K-Way is a French brand of waterproof clothing best known for its nylon windbreaker that folds into a pouch worn around the waist. The jacket became so popular that its name turned into a generic term for this type of garment.
History
Léon-Claude Duhamel, son of a trouser manufacturer from Harnes in northern France, created the foldable rain jacket in 1965. First called En-cas, it was renamed K-Way the following year. In the 1970s the brand partnered with the French Alpine ski team, and its fame peaked after Sophie Marceau wore one in the 1980 film La Boum.
After a period of decline the company passed to Pirelli in 1991, and production moved to Portugal and North Africa following a factory fire in 1992. The Italian group BasicNet, which also owns Kappa and Superga, acquired K-Way in 2004 and relaunched it as a fashion brand, first in Italy and then in France.
Products and positioning
Today K-Way offers waterproof, reversible, padded and down jackets, windbreakers, trench coats, knitwear, sweatshirts, swimwear, bags and luggage for men, women and kids. The Le Vrai 4.0 line continues the original packable jacket.
Why it matters
K-Way shows how a single iconic product can anchor a heritage brand revival under group ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Where is K-Way from?
K-Way is a French brand, created in northern France in 1965.
Who owns K-Way?
K-Way has been owned since 2004 by the Italian group BasicNet, which also owns Kappa and Superga.