Developer docs
API playgroundTry for free, no card

Search company profiles

K-Way

Full company profile

uuid00029p3

Namestring
K-Way
Legal namestring
BasicNet S.p.A.
Websiteurl
k-way.co.uk
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
1985
Descriptiontext

K-Way is a heritage weather-resistant apparel brand founded in 1965 and currently owned by BasicNet S.p.A., the Italian strategic operator that also controls other global sportswear labels. The brand is best known as the originator of the packable windbreaker concept, marketed today through its signature "Le Vrai 4.0" sub-brand, with variants covering short jackets, long coats, vests, ponchos, and insulated versions. Its core technology stack is built around materials features — packable constructions, waterproof membranes, breathable laminates, windproof weaves, Primaloft insulation, UV Protection, and Quick Dry finishes — bundled under what K-Way calls "The Urban System," a positioning aimed at functional outerwear for unpredictable weather.

The product portfolio extends well beyond the windbreaker into adjacent categories: full apparel lines (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, jumpers, trousers, swimwear, fleece, knitwear) and accessories (backpacks, luggage, duffle bags, beauty cases, wallets, caps, hats, gloves) for men's, women's, and kids' segments. K-Way sells direct-to-consumer primarily through regional e-commerce storefronts — k-way.co.uk in the UK — backed by a store-locator pointing to physical retail partners, with marketing channels spanning Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and email newsletters. Pricing is positioned in the accessible-premium mid-market, from ~£20 entry T-shirts to ~£495 premium padded jackets, supported by seasonal sale events of up to 40% off. K-Way operates across Europe and North America under BasicNet's regional brand-management structure.

Short descriptiontext

K-Way is a heritage weather-resistant apparel brand owned by BasicNet S.p.A., selling packable waterproof windbreakers (anchored by its Le Vrai 4.0 line) plus apparel, fleece, swimwear, and accessories through DTC e-commerce and physical retail across Europe and North America, targeting men, women, and kids.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
11–50
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
HQ citystring
London
HQ countrystring
United Kingdom
HQ regionstring
Europe
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
weather-resistant outerwear, windbreaker jackets, waterproof clothing, casual apparel, outdoor accessories
Industry3 codes
1Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers
CodeCRAAAAAIPrimaryYes
2Performance Outerwear & Technical Apparel
CodeCRAAAEABPrimaryNo
3Cold-Weather Accessories Manufacturing (Thermal Sets/Arm & Leg Warmers)
CodeIMAOAFAJPrimaryNo
NAICS code3 codes
  • Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers4581
  • Apparel Manufacturing315
  • Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing3159
SIC code3 codes
  • Women's, Misses', And Juniors Outerwear2330
  • Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores5600
  • Retail-Family Clothing Stores5651
Product category
Apparel and Outerwear
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model1 record
1Retail Product Sales
TypeOne Time License
Description

One-time purchase of apparel and accessories through direct-to-consumer e-commerce and physical retail stores. Products include jackets, clothing, and accessories across men's, women's, and kids' categories.

k-way.co.uk
Marketing channels5 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components5 values
Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Pricing details5 tiers
1Le Vrai 4.0 Premium Jackets
ModelUnit PricingBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

Le Vrai 4.0 Claude Jacket: £120.00 regular price. Sale prices range from £60.00 to £84.00 (up to 40% off). Premium lines include technical features like packable, waterproof, breathable properties.

k-way.co.uk
2Men's Jackets
ModelUnit PricingBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

Men's jacket prices range from £62.50 (vests) to £495.00 (premium padded jackets). Sale items include Tommy Cotton 3Layers Jacket £189.00 (was £315.00), Jack Stretch Dot Jacket £116.00 (was £145.00).

k-way.co.uk
3Women's Jackets
ModelUnit PricingBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

Women's jacket prices range from £126.00 to £245.00. Sale items include Sabrina Diamond Quilted Warm Jacket £129.50 (was £185.00), Sophie Plus.2 Double Jacket £136.50 (was £195.00).

k-way.co.uk
4Kids' Products
ModelUnit PricingBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

Kids' Le Vrai 4.0 Claude Jacket: £66.50 (sale) to £95.00 (regular). P. Lily Stretch Poly Jersey Jacket: £91.00 (sale) to £130.00 (regular).

k-way.co.uk
5Basic Apparel
ModelUnit PricingBilling cadencePay-as-you-go
Notes

T-shirts from £20.00 to £50.00. Polo shirts from £42.00 to £70.00. Swimwear from £45.00 to £85.00. Fleece and knitwear from £57.00 to £135.00.

k-way.co.uk
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeHardware or Manufacturing
Hardware or Manufacturing
Brand1 record
1Le Vrai 4.0
Description

Signature windbreaker line featuring packable, waterproof, and breathable jackets for all weather conditions. Available in men's, women's, and kids' categories.

k-way.co.uk
Core offering1 text field

K-Way designs, manufactures, and sells weather-resistant clothing and outerwear, with the Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line as its signature product. The range includes jackets (short, long, vests), clothing (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, knitwear, trousers, swimwear), fleece, and accessories (bags, luggage, caps, gloves), available across men's, women's, and kids' categories through its own e-commerce platform and physical retail stores.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

K-Way is a clothing and outerwear brand specializing in weather-resistant apparel. The core product is the Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line, featuring waterproof, breathable, and packable jacket technology. The portfolio includes multiple jacket styles (short, long, vests), clothing (t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweaters, trousers, swimwear), fleece garments, knitwear, and accessories (bags, luggage, caps, gloves). Products span men's, women's, and kids' categories. Key technologies include Packable, Waterproof, Breathable, Windproof, Water repellent, UV Protection, Quick dry, and Primaloft insulation.

Product and service3 records
1Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line
CategoryOuterwear / Jackets
Description

K-Way's flagship packable, waterproof, and breathable windbreaker jacket line, available in men's, women's, and kids' versions including the Claude mid-length jacket, Claude Warm insulated jacket, Eiffel East long raincoat, Rouland Warm vest, and Morgan poncho. Targeted at consumers seeking functional weather-resistant outerwear with iconic brand heritage.

2Jackets (short, long, vests)
CategoryOuterwear / Jackets
Description

K-Way's primary jacket category including short jackets, long jackets, and vests across men's, women's, and kids' lines, featuring waterproof, breathable, windproof, packable, and Primaloft insulation technologies. Prices range from £62.50 (vests) to £495 (premium padded jackets).

3Clothing (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweaters, trousers)
Scale indicator6 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1The North Face
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Iconic outdoor and weather-resistant outerwear brand offering jackets with comparable technical features (waterproof, insulated, packable) across men's, women's, and kids' categories — directly comparable in product positioning and target consumer.

2Columbia Sportswear
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Established outdoor brand offering waterproof and insulated outerwear with proprietary technologies; comparable in mass-to-mid-market technical outerwear segment and broad demographic coverage.

3Arc'teryx
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Premium technical outerwear brand known for high-performance waterproof shells and insulated jackets; competes in the same premium weather-resistant jacket price tier as K-Way's higher-end lines.

4Hunter
TypeDirect peer
Description

British heritage brand known for waterproof rain boots and outerwear with urban lifestyle positioning; shares the 'original British waterproof' heritage narrative and similar DTC-driven premium positioning.

5Canada Goose
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Premium cold-weather outerwear brand offering parkas and insulated jackets with technical weather protection; comparable in cold-weather apparel positioning and premium pricing strategy.

6Patagonia
TypeBroad incumbent
Description

Premium outdoor apparel brand with strong heritage in weather-resistant jackets and technical outerwear; competes for the same technical-performance-conscious consumer seeking functional yet stylish outerwear.

7Rab
TypeEmerging player
Description

UK-based technical outerwear brand specializing in mountain and weather-protective jackets with strong technical credibility; competes for the same performance-oriented consumer with technical outerwear products.

8Barbour
TypeDirect peer
Description

British heritage brand producing weatherproof jackets and outerwear with strong lifestyle positioning; closest direct peer given shared UK heritage, weather-resistant outerwear focus, and lifestyle-meets-function value proposition.

9Berghaus
TypeDirect peer
Description

UK-based outdoor apparel brand offering waterproof jackets and weather-resistant outerwear for hiking and everyday use; competes in the same UK market with similar technical outerwear positioning.

10Helly Hansen
TypeDirect peer
Description

Norwegian heritage brand specializing in waterproof and weather-protective outerwear with technical features; directly comparable product range including packable jackets and insulated coats.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
No
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature9 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds1 record

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors1 record

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

K-Way

Apparel and Outerweark-way.co.uk

K-Way is a heritage weather-resistant apparel brand owned by BasicNet S.p.A., selling packable waterproof windbreakers (anchored by its Le Vrai 4.0 line) plus apparel, fleece, swimwear, and accessories through DTC e-commerce and physical retail across Europe and North America, targeting men, women, and kids.

What K-Way does

K-Way is a heritage weather-resistant apparel brand founded in 1965 and currently owned by BasicNet S.p.A., the Italian strategic operator that also controls other global sportswear labels. The brand is best known as the originator of the packable windbreaker concept, marketed today through its signature "Le Vrai 4.0" sub-brand, with variants covering short jackets, long coats, vests, ponchos, and insulated versions. Its core technology stack is built around materials features — packable constructions, waterproof membranes, breathable laminates, windproof weaves, Primaloft insulation, UV Protection, and Quick Dry finishes — bundled under what K-Way calls "The Urban System," a positioning aimed at functional outerwear for unpredictable weather.

The product portfolio extends well beyond the windbreaker into adjacent categories: full apparel lines (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, jumpers, trousers, swimwear, fleece, knitwear) and accessories (backpacks, luggage, duffle bags, beauty cases, wallets, caps, hats, gloves) for men's, women's, and kids' segments. K-Way sells direct-to-consumer primarily through regional e-commerce storefronts — k-way.co.uk in the UK — backed by a store-locator pointing to physical retail partners, with marketing channels spanning Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and email newsletters. Pricing is positioned in the accessible-premium mid-market, from ~£20 entry T-shirts to ~£495 premium padded jackets, supported by seasonal sale events of up to 40% off. K-Way operates across Europe and North America under BasicNet's regional brand-management structure.

K-Way firmographics

Firmographics
Name
K-Way
Legal name
BasicNet S.p.A.
Website
https://k-way.co.uk
Company type
Private
Founded year
1985
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
11–50 employees
Short description
K-Way is a heritage weather-resistant apparel brand owned by BasicNet S.p.A., selling packable waterproof windbreakers (anchored by its Le Vrai 4.0 line) plus apparel, fleece, swimwear, and accessories through DTC e-commerce and physical retail across Europe and North America, targeting men, women, and kids.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

K-Way industry classification

Industry
Product category
Apparel and Outerwear
NAICS
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (4581), Apparel Manufacturing (315), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)
SIC
Women's, Misses', And Juniors Outerwear (2330), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600), Retail-Family Clothing Stores (5651)
akta.pro primary industry
Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAI)
akta.pro secondary industries
Performance Outerwear & Technical Apparel (CRAAAEAB), Cold-Weather Accessories Manufacturing (Thermal Sets/Arm & Leg Warmers) (IMAOAFAJ)

Keywords

  • Weather-resistant outerwear
  • Windbreaker jackets
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Casual apparel
  • Outdoor accessories

Where K-Way is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
London
HQ country
United Kingdom
HQ region
Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

K-Way business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Hardware or Manufacturing
Cost components
Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

  1. Retail Product Sales: One-time purchase of apparel and accessories through direct-to-consumer e-commerce and physical retail stores. Products include jackets, clothing, and accessories across men's, women's, and kids' categories.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
Unit PricingPay-as-you-goLe Vrai 4.0 Premium Jackets
Unit PricingPay-as-you-goMen's Jackets
Unit PricingPay-as-you-goWomen's Jackets
Unit PricingPay-as-you-goKids' Products
Unit PricingPay-as-you-goBasic Apparel

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

K-Way product offering

Product offering

Core offering

K-Way designs, manufactures, and sells weather-resistant clothing and outerwear, with the Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line as its signature product. The range includes jackets (short, long, vests), clothing (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, knitwear, trousers, swimwear), fleece, and accessories (bags, luggage, caps, gloves), available across men's, women's, and kids' categories through its own e-commerce platform and physical retail stores.

Product overview

K-Way is a clothing and outerwear brand specializing in weather-resistant apparel. The core product is the Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line, featuring waterproof, breathable, and packable jacket technology. The portfolio includes multiple jacket styles (short, long, vests), clothing (t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweaters, trousers, swimwear), fleece garments, knitwear, and accessories (bags, luggage, caps, gloves). Products span men's, women's, and kids' categories. Key technologies include Packable, Waterproof, Breathable, Windproof, Water repellent, UV Protection, Quick dry, and Primaloft insulation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • Le Vrai 4.0: Signature windbreaker line featuring packable, waterproof, and breathable jackets for all weather conditions. Available in men's, women's, and kids' categories.

Products and services

  • Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line K-Way's flagship packable, waterproof, and breathable windbreaker jacket line, available in men's, women's, and kids' versions including the Claude mid-length jacket, Claude Warm insulated jacket, Eiffel East long raincoat, Rouland Warm vest, and Morgan poncho. Targeted at consumers seeking functional weather-resistant outerwear with iconic brand heritage.
  • Jackets (short, long, vests) K-Way's primary jacket category including short jackets, long jackets, and vests across men's, women's, and kids' lines, featuring waterproof, breathable, windproof, packable, and Primaloft insulation technologies. Prices range from £62.50 (vests) to £495 (premium padded jackets).
  • Clothing (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweaters, trousers)

Companies that use K-Way

Customer profile

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

K-Way technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

K-Way partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

K-Way competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

  • The North Face: Iconic outdoor and weather-resistant outerwear brand offering jackets with comparable technical features (waterproof, insulated, packable) across men's, women's, and kids' categories — directly comparable in product positioning and target consumer.
  • Columbia Sportswear: Established outdoor brand offering waterproof and insulated outerwear with proprietary technologies; comparable in mass-to-mid-market technical outerwear segment and broad demographic coverage.
  • Arc'teryx: Premium technical outerwear brand known for high-performance waterproof shells and insulated jackets; competes in the same premium weather-resistant jacket price tier as K-Way's higher-end lines.
  • Canada Goose: Premium cold-weather outerwear brand offering parkas and insulated jackets with technical weather protection; comparable in cold-weather apparel positioning and premium pricing strategy.
  • Patagonia: Premium outdoor apparel brand with strong heritage in weather-resistant jackets and technical outerwear; competes for the same technical-performance-conscious consumer seeking functional yet stylish outerwear.

Direct peers

  • Hunter: British heritage brand known for waterproof rain boots and outerwear with urban lifestyle positioning; shares the 'original British waterproof' heritage narrative and similar DTC-driven premium positioning.
  • Barbour: British heritage brand producing weatherproof jackets and outerwear with strong lifestyle positioning; closest direct peer given shared UK heritage, weather-resistant outerwear focus, and lifestyle-meets-function value proposition.
  • Berghaus: UK-based outdoor apparel brand offering waterproof jackets and weather-resistant outerwear for hiking and everyday use; competes in the same UK market with similar technical outerwear positioning.
  • Helly Hansen: Norwegian heritage brand specializing in waterproof and weather-protective outerwear with technical features; directly comparable product range including packable jackets and insulated coats.

Emerging players

  • Rab: UK-based technical outerwear brand specializing in mountain and weather-protective jackets with strong technical credibility; competes for the same performance-oriented consumer with technical outerwear products.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

K-Way social profiles

Digital presence

K-Way financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

K-Way leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

K-Way funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

K-Way M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about K-Way

What does K-Way do?

K-Way designs, manufactures, and sells weather-resistant clothing and outerwear, with the Le Vrai 4.0 windbreaker line as its signature product. The range includes jackets (short, long, vests), clothing (T-shirts, polos, hoodies, knitwear, trousers, swimwear), fleece, and accessories (bags, luggage, caps, gloves), available across men's, women's, and kids' categories through its own e-commerce platform and physical retail stores.

Is K-Way a public or private company?

K-Way is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.

When was K-Way founded?

K-Way was founded in 1985. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is K-Way based?

K-Way is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

How does K-Way make money?

One revenue line is on record: retail Product Sales.

Who are K-Way's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are The North Face, Columbia Sportswear, Arc'teryx, Canada Goose and Patagonia. Direct peers are Hunter, Barbour, Berghaus and Helly Hansen. Rab is listed as an emerging player.

Does K-Way have an API?

No public API is recorded for K-Way.

What industry is K-Way in?

K-Way's product category is Apparel and Outerwear. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAAAI, Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers, with a secondary code of CRAAAEAB, Performance Outerwear & Technical Apparel. Its NAICS code is 4581 and its SIC code is 2330.

Unlock the full company data

50 free credits on sign-up, no credit card required.

Contact sales
Live signals
The future of tradingBasicNet brands Sebago, K-Way, Sundek host in-store event tied to Les Voiles sailing regattaBasicNet brands Sebago, K-Way, and Sundek will host an in-store event in Saint-Tropez during the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez sailing regatta, held Sept. 26–Oct. 4, 2026. The event takes place at the Place de la Garonne multibrand store, 11 Rue François Sibilli.CostarK-Way checks into Covent Garden with Seven Dials storeK-Way, a French outerwear brand, has signed a lease for its second store in Covent Garden's Seven Dials area, at 19 Earlham Street. The store is scheduled to open in October. The lease is part of Shaftesbury Capital's portfolio.FashionnetworkK-Way to open third UK standalone in Covent GardenK-Way will open its third UK standalone store in Covent Garden at 19 Earlham Street next month, following earlier openings on Carnaby Street and King's Road. The 61-year-old label joins Axel Arigato and Samsøe Samsøe in Shaftesbury Capital's 2.8 million sq ft estate. CEO Lorenzo Boglione said the move strengthens the brand's presence in Europe's dynamic retail market.PetageÉmilie in Paris: 3 Retail Signals Shaping the European Pet MarketEuropean pet retail is shifting toward integrated veterinary services, with Pets at Home reporting 13% year-over-year veterinary revenue growth. Insect-based pet food now appears in 10% of new product launches, and K-Way has launched packable dog raincoats. These trends reflect retailers aligning with pet owners' daily routines.ReutersPermira to take 40% of K-Way, valuing it at 505 mln eurosPermira agreed to buy a 40% stake in K-Way, valuing the Italian outerwear group at 505 million euros. The cash payment to owner BasicNet will be 180-190 million euros, with 65 million as a vendor loan. Closing is expected in Q1 2025, leaving BasicNet with a 60% stake.HighsnobietySaint Laurent Rive Droite x K-Way Packable JacketSaint Laurent Rive Droite released a K-Way packable windbreaker with a VHS Sunset print, priced at $675. The collaboration highlights the brand's boho aesthetic and K-Way's enduring appeal, with the jacket available on the website.