Tilley was founded in 1980 by Alex Tilley. As an avid sailor, Tilley sought to make a "classy, durable hat", suitable for a sailboat he saw moored (and would later purchase) in Toronto. Over the course of three months, Tilley developed the hat that would become their signature product. Tilley expanded the product line to shorts and pants designed for sailing, but soon found that many of the Tilley products were being used for travel. Tilley then expanded into "lightweight, easy to pack, practical travel clothing".

All Tilley products (except for socks) are made in Canada, primarily at a factory in Don Mills, Ontario.

Tilley was founded in 1980 by Alex Tilley. As an avid sailor, Tilley sought to make a "classy, durable hat", suitable for a sailboat he saw moored (and would later purchase) in Toronto. Over the course of three months, Tilley developed the hat that would become their signature product. Tilley expanded the product line to shorts and pants designed for sailing, but soon found that many of the Tilley products were being used for travel. Tilley then expanded into "lightweight, easy to pack, practical travel clothing".

All Tilley products (except for socks) are made in Canada, primarily at a factory in Don Mills, Ontario.