Take a trip down Lee’s memory lane and witness over 100 years of jeans history.
Show moreHenry David Lee and four business partners established The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company in Kansas. They sourced groceries and other staples from around the world and packaged them for distribution to dry good and grocery stores under the Lee brand.
Show moreRecognizing the possibility of volume business in overalls, The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company opened its first garment factory in Salina, Kansas, to produce overalls and work jackets.
Show moreLee created the first one-piece coverall: the iconic Union-Alls are designed to protect clothing both below and above the waist.
Show moreAs a result of the Union-Alls popularity, The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company grew its manufacturing capabilities to keep up with demand.
Show moreOn March 17, 1917, The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company moved its headquarters from Salina, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri.
Show moreThe Buddy Lee doll was introduced to promote Lee overalls. Over the next 40 years, he helped to introduce new products offered by Lee.
Show moreAfter consulting with working cowboys and champion rodeo riders, Lee introduced its cinch-back ‘Cowboy Waist Overalls' of 9 oz. denim for men (101) and boy’s (101B).
Show moreWorking with Canton Mills of Canton, Georgia, Lee developed the strongest and bluest denim in the market for durable work and western wear.
Show moreLee was the first garment manufacturer to use a 'hookless fastener' in cowboy pants, overalls, coveralls and playsuits.
Show moreLee's Jelt denim survived Ripley's Believe It or Not! 26-mile crawl across untreated concrete.
Show moreDuring World War II, Lee supported the war effort, manufacturing shirts, pants and flight suits for the United States military.
Show moreFashion needs of high school and college students were met with national advertisements offering the new Leesure's trim, "skin tight" silhouettes.
Show moreA Lee jean jacket made the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine adorning rock star Bruce Springsteen. It doesn't get much better than that.
Riders became a separate brand of “easy-going, honest clothes” designed specifically for the mass market, available at Wal-Mart and K-Mart.
Lee introduces Pipes—a fit and style revolution for 8-12-year-old boys enjoying the extreme sports lifestyle.
Show moreCapitalizing on the heritage brand trend, Lee introduces a specialty denim collection inspired from our archives yet made with modern styling.
Show moreAfter over 130 years in its founding state, Lee headquarters moved from Kansas to North Carolina.
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