Musto
Helly Hansen · United Kingdom
Musto is a British technical sailing and outdoor clothing brand founded in 1965 by Olympic yachtsman Keith Musto. Now owned by Helly Hansen, it is known for performance sailing gear including an early three layer clothing system for sailors.
| Founded | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Keith Musto, Olympic yachtsman |
| Owner | Helly Hansen |
| Speciality | Technical sailing clothing |
| Website | musto.com |
What is Musto?
Musto is a British performance clothing brand founded in 1965 by Keith Musto, a British Olympic yachtsman. The brand grew from its founder's experience on the water into a specialist maker of technical sailing apparel and is now owned by the Norwegian company Helly Hansen.
Products and positioning
Musto designs technical clothing for sailing and the wider outdoors. It is credited with developing the first three layer clothing system for sailors, combining base, mid and outer layers for protection in demanding conditions. The brand has also supplied equipment for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
- Offshore and inshore sailing gear
- Layering systems for sailors
- Outdoor and lifestyle clothing
- Kit for the RNLI
History
Keith Musto's background as an Olympic sailor shaped the brand's focus on performance and functionality from the outset. Over six decades the company has become a familiar name in sailing, and it is now part of Helly Hansen.
Why it matters
Musto is one of the defining British names in sailing apparel. Its combination of athlete founded credibility, technical innovation and a lifestyle range shows how performance brands extend from a core sport into broader outdoor and casual markets, and its ownership by Helly Hansen places it within a wider marine and outdoor portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Musto?
Musto was founded in 1965 by Keith Musto, a British Olympic yachtsman.
Who owns Musto?
Musto is owned by Helly Hansen.