Napapijri: Italian alpine spirit with Nordic touches

Discover the Napapijri brand

Napapijri: the brand’s origins and history

Napapijri was founded in 1987 in the Aosta Valley by Giuliana and Franco Rosset, inspired by Mont Blanc. Its name is derived from the Finnish word “napapiiri,” which means “Arctic Circle.”

It all began in this Alpine region, where the brand designed its first products: technical mountaineering bags, including the famous Bering backpack, designed for mountaineering and expeditions. Its first French store opened in 1997 in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc.

The Norwegian flag that adorns its pieces is not a claim to origin, but a tribute to the Norwegian pioneers of the golden age of polar exploration, such as Roald Amundsen, conqueror of the South Pole.

Did you know?

The “j” in Napapijri is silent: the brand is pronounced “na-pa-pi-ri,” true to the Finnish pronunciation of the word “napapiiri.”

Product Development and Innovations at Napapijri

Napapijri’s flagship innovation remains its Skidoo jacket, launched in 1990. This windproof and waterproof parka, recognizable by its front kangaroo pocket, has become the brand’s absolute icon and has stood the test of time without losing its appeal.

Among the key milestones: in 2015, Napapijri introduced its proprietary THERMO-FIBRE™ technology, an insulation made from synthetic microbeads that replaces down while ensuring effective thermal regulation. Shortly thereafter and following this same momentum, the brand launched the Skidoo Superlight, a parka one kilogram lighter than the market average, and transitioned its entire collections to be down- and fur-free.

Napapijri’s philosophy: to tangibly improve existing clothing by reducing its environmental impact, without compromising on performance.

Products offered by the Napapijri brand

Napapijri offers a complete outdoor lifestyle range: winter parkas and jackets, zip-up fleeces, sweatshirts, sportswear pants, shorts, as well as a wide range of accessories such as hats and bags.

The brand is particularly renowned for two signature pieces: the Skidoo jacket, its iconic parka with a kangaroo pocket and a hood trimmedwith eco-fur, and the Rainforest jacket, a pull-over windbreaker that has become a streetwear classic. A unique stylistic signature in the outdoor sector!

Napapijri also offers fleece jackets, made from recycled polyester and suitable for both hiking and everyday wear.

Napapijri’s commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of Napapijri’s vision, with the goal of integrating responsible practices at every stage, from product design to end-of-life.

Among its flagship textile innovations, Napapijri uses its proprietary Thermo-Fibre™ technology—a 100% synthetic insulation that replaces down—and Kanecaron® eco-fur for hood trims. When it comes to fleeces, models like the Yupik incorporate at least 70% recycled polyester.

In 2019, the brand launched the Skidoo Infinity, the first 100% recyclable version of its iconic parka, made from a single material using ECONYL® regenerated nylon (derived in part from recovered fishing nets). Coupled with a digital buyback program allowing customers to return their jacket after two years, this innovation embodies Napapijri’s circular vision.