The North Face

The North Face

Quick history

The North Face was founded in 1966 in San Francisco as a climbing and outdoor gear company, built around performance, durability, and exploration. Over the decades, it became a leader in technical outerwear—fleece, puffers, shells, and backpacks designed for extreme conditions. By the 1990s and 2000s, The North Face crossed fully into streetwear, embraced by hip-hop, skate, and urban culture worldwide.

Why it mattered

• It set industry standards for technical outerwear and performance design

• It helped turn functional outdoor gear into everyday fashion

Why it shows up at Diversity

• Its utilitarian, logo-forward pieces fit naturally into gender-neutral, layered street style

• Resale keeps high-quality, long-lasting outerwear in circulation instead of being replaced