Icelandic Roots
66°North was established in 1926 in the northwest of Iceland, originally to equip Icelandic fishermen and workers with clothing capable of withstanding the harsh conditions along the North Atlantic shore. The brand's roots in the isolated fishing communities of Suðureyri and Ísafjörður left a mark that remains visible today: durability and functionality are not selling points. They are fundamental requirements.
Nearly a century later, 66°North has grown into a globally recognised name in high-performance weatherwear, without straying from the principles it was founded on. The Icelandic design approach leaves nothing superfluous, and every garment is conceived for a long working life rather than rapid replacement. At Stoy, 66°North was selected because the brand represents precisely the kind of authenticity and genuine craftsmanship we look for.
Technical Materials
66°North chooses technical materials for specific purposes, not to impress on paper, but because they solve real problems in real weather. The brand uses advanced membranes such as GORE-TEX® Pro, engineered to keep wind and water out while maintaining high breathability under demanding conditions. That combination of weather protection and breathability is exactly what is required of shell jackets in active use.
The brand utilizes advanced insulation and technical fabrics designed to trap warmth while maintaining breathability, which is essential in active situations where the body produces heat. The brand's technical garments are designed to be windproof and to retain warmth where it is needed most. Recycled down provides maximum insulation in down jackets without unnecessary weight, while technical fabrics used in their garments offer moisture-wicking properties and temperature regulation.
What all these material choices share is that they support a layering system in which each garment has a defined role. Waterproof and windproof outer protection works in combination with breathable fabrics, ensuring the garments perform well in various conditions.
Choosing a Jacket
The right choice depends primarily on activity level and weather conditions. Down jackets with 700 fill power are best suited to low-activity situations in the cold, as the compressed down delivers maximum insulation but does not manage perspiration well at high exertion. For active use, fleece jackets are the natural choice. Breathable and versatile, they work as a mid-layer beneath a shell jacket or as an outer layer on cool, dry days.
Shell jackets with GORE-TEX® Pro protect against wind and rain without adding insulation, and can be worn alone on milder days or as the outermost layer over fleece in extreme environments. The collection includes versatile options that insulate the body while allowing for movement across varying temperatures. Explore the warm Dyngja collection as a strong starting point if you are looking for a down jacket for the coldest months.
The selection covers both women's and men's 66°North garments, with a range of jackets, t-shirts, and swimwear. The same principle runs through every style: outdoor clothing that requires no compromises.
Sustainability
66°North takes an active approach to longevity and circular thinking as an alternative to seasonal consumption. The brand offers repair services for its products regardless of age, which is a genuine commitment to durability over disposal. The use of responsibly sourced materials in down jackets and a focus on considered production reflect a sustainability ethos embedded in the brand's DNA.
66°North works continuously to reduce its environmental impact across the full production process. The philosophy is straightforward: clothing is designed to perform and look good for years, not just one season. This is an approach to production that Stoy finds meaningful. We stock brands with real histories and real care behind their products. See also Scandinavian fashion from Norse Projects for another example of a brand with a comparable commitment to material quality and longevity.
Design and Function
66°North combines technical performance with a clean, minimalist aesthetic shaped by Iceland's raw landscape and a modern urban sensibility. Down jackets are available in cropped fits for an everyday look, while shell jackets and fleece are designed to move between urban settings and open terrain without losing their visual clarity. The brand has demonstrated its ability to bridge outdoor performance and modern style through collaborations with high-fashion partners.
At Stoy, 66°North has been selected as a brand that respects individual expression without compromising on functionality. The range spans jackets, t-shirts, and swimwear, all created with a focus on functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a down jacket and a shell jacket from 66°North?
Down jackets from 66°North are filled with recycled down at 700 fill power and provide maximum insulation for low-activity use in cold conditions. Fleece jackets are made in Polartec® fleece, which is breathable and better suited to active situations where the body generates heat. Fleece works as a mid-layer beneath a shell jacket or as an outer layer on cool days, while a down jacket functions primarily as warm outerwear in cold, dry weather.
What technical materials does 66°North use in its jackets?
66°North uses GORE-TEX® Pro in its shell jackets, which are designed to provide maximum protection against wind and rain in extreme environments. They can be worn alone on milder days or as the outermost layer in a technical layering system.
What makes 66°North a sustainable brand?
66°North addresses sustainability on several fronts: the brand uses recycled down in its down jackets, offers repair services for products of any age, and prioritises long product life over seasonal consumption. The focus is on responsible production and designing garments that hold up in both function and appearance for years. The philosophy is to create clothing that remains relevant in performance and style well beyond a single season.
