Behind the Hype: The North Face HMLYN Parka’s Journey from Expeditions to Streetwear Staple
The popular outerwear is celebrating 30 years with an updated look that stays true to its original design.
The North Face HMLYN Parka is celebrating 30 years of rugged style. First introduced in 1994 to tackle extreme climates, it quickly became an iconic piece of outerwear. To mark the anniversary, The North Face is releasing a special edition that honors the original’s legacy with an updated, modern design while retaining its renowned durability and performance. In a new Behind the Hype episode, we explore the HMLYN Parka’s evolution from a high-performance jacket to a cultural icon, and its lasting impact on street style and outdoor fashion.
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Built for those who ventured into the extremes, whether trekking up treacherous peaks or facing brutal snowstorms, the HMLYN Parka became an essential for mountaineers. Its robust, insulated design, with a focus on windproofing and waterproofing, made it a go-to for outdoor adventurers who needed more than just protection—they needed absolute reliability. But as with any great piece of gear, its reputation grew beyond the mountains.
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
It didn’t take long for the HMLYN Parka to transition from summit essential to city staple. As people in urban environments caught on to the jacket’s ability to combat severe winter weather while maintaining a sleek, functional look, it quickly became a favorite off the trails, too. What was once the domain of explorers soon became a wardrobe must-have for city dwellers braving icy winds and sub-zero temperatures. Its utilitarian features, paired with its bold, oversized silhouette, gave it an edge in the world of outerwear fashion, seamlessly blending form and function.
The North Face saw this growing cultural resonance and leaned into it, collaborating with iconic names in streetwear and art to breathe new life into the parka. In 2020, the brand teamed up with Supreme, bringing a fresh perspective to the jacket with bold colorways—black, red, and neon green—each featuring Supreme’s signature “S” prominently displayed. The collaboration was an instant hit, merging the rugged reputation of The North Face with the streetwear credibility of Supreme, creating a product that was as much a style statement as it was a functional garment.
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
The North Face
Two years later, The North Face doubled down on this trend by partnering with the renowned artist KAWS. Known for his playful, yet edgy designs, KAWS added his unique touch to the HMLYN Parka, reimagining it with his iconic black and white graphics. This artistic interpretation of the parka further cemented its status as more than just outerwear—it became a canvas for creative expression. Through these collaborations, the HMLYN Parka continues to hold its place in both fashion and culture, a symbol of how performance gear can evolve into something much larger than its original purpose.
To celebrate the HMLYN Parka’s 30th anniversary, The North Face has refreshed the iconic design with modern upgrades. Featuring iridescent, waxed ripstop material, the jacket now boasts a relaxed fit and updated construction, offering enhanced comfort while staying true to its original rugged appeal.
Visit the official The North Face website to purchase the new 30th Anniversary HMLYN Parka.
