North Sails
North Sails is a sailmaking company founded in San Diego in 1957 by Lowell North, which launched its apparel line in 1989. It makes technical sailing gear and lifestyle clothing for men, women and children.
| Founded | 1957, San Diego |
|---|---|
| Founder | Lowell North |
| Apparel launch | 1989 |
| Products | Sailing and lifestyle apparel |
| Website | northsails.com |
What is North Sails?
North Sails began as a sailmaker founded in 1957 by Lowell North, an American sailor and former aerospace engineer, who built the Star boat mainsail that started the company in a room on San Diego's B Street Pier. Over time it developed into a family of businesses covering sails, apparel and action sports.
History
The first North Sails Apparel collection launched in 1989, translating the brand's sailing heritage into clothing. North Sails Actionsports followed later.
Products and positioning
The apparel offer spans performance foul weather gear and technical sailing layers as well as lifestyle collections for men, women and children. It is complemented by sailing accessories, water sports products and fragrances, while the sails business continues to produce One Design, cruising, racing, offshore and superyacht sails.
- Technical sailing apparel
- Lifestyle clothing for men, women and kids
- Accessories and fragrances
Why it matters
North Sails is a clear example of a technical performance brand that has extended its credibility into lifestyle fashion, using authentic sailing heritage to position casual clothing in the premium segment.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded North Sails?
North Sails was founded in 1957 by American sailor and sailmaker Lowell North in San Diego.
When did North Sails start making clothes?
The first North Sails Apparel collection launched in 1989.