CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH A PURPOSE

With over 130 years of purposeful craftsmanship and design under our belts, you could say that Lee is no stranger to innovation. Our brand story began in 1889, but it wasn’t until 1912 that we embarked on the biggest endeavor of all, debuting the Lee Bib Overall. In 1913, Lee became the first workwear manufacturer in the United States to offer a one-piece coverall, catapulting Lee’s Union-Alls into the spotlight for so many years to come.

ICONIC DETAILS

Lee was also the first clothing company to offer hookless fasteners on the flies of overalls, Union-Alls, and playsuits, which became universally known as the Lee “Whizit" and inspired the first zip-front fly cowboy pant available in the United States, the 101-Z. The biggest change to the 101 Cowboy Pant came in 1941, when it started to flare at the ankle so it could fit over cowboy boots and the original “bootcut” jean was born.

Our jeans weren’t the only products making news and breaking molds. Designed with the rodeo rider in mind, the 101-J came with button-down flaps, a pleated front, and a slimmed down cut. The 101-LJ blanket-lined option became the Storm Rider jacket you know today.

FOR THE LOVELY-TOUGH GIRLS THEN AND NOW

At long last, we introduced Lady Lee Riders to the market in 1947, which were nearly identical to men's Lee Riders but with a few exceptions: a small dart in the yoke to create a fitted waist for the female physique, with a fuller seat and hips. Ladies Lee Riders were quickly followed by our All-Purpose Blue Jeans and Frontier Lady Pants between 1950 and 1952.