What do OffWhite, Knoll and NASA have in common? Besides being leaders in their respective fields, all of these companies are known for using the world’s most popular font. Helvetica, originally named Die Neue Haas Grotesk, dates back to the 1950s when it was designed to be a neutral typeface with no particular meaning. Today, Helvetica has become the Kleenex of sansserif fonts, ubiquitous for its legibility and minimal aesthetic.

For the latest installment in our Behind the HYPE series, HYPEBEAST takes a closer look at Helvetica’s timeline, from its humble beginnings to its role in luxury and streetwear branding.