Lee
Accessories / Apparel / Bags / Denim
The Lee brand was formed in 1889 by Henry David Lee as the Lee Mercantile Company at Salina, Kansas producing dungarees and jackets. The growth of Lee was prompted by the introduction of the Union-...
The Lee brand was formed in 1889 by Henry David Lee as the Lee Mercantile Company at Salina, Kansas producing dungarees and jackets. The growth of Lee was prompted by the introduction of the Union-All work jumpsuit in 1913 and their first overall in 1920. Later in the 1920s Lee introduced a zipper fly and continued to expand. Around this time, the first children's overall line was sold. In 1928 H.D. Lee, founder and president of The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company, died of complications following a heart attack. During the 1930s and 1940s the company became the leading manufacturer of work clothes in the US. In 1944, the Lazy "S" became the official Lee back pocket. A flood wiped out Lee's Kansas City distribution center. It ruined the entire stock of merchandise, except the Buddy Lee dolls, which floated. In 1954, Lee expanded into casual wear. During the 1960s the company expanded to 81 countries and in 1969 was acquired by VF Corporation, becoming a brand. Lee aired its first television advertisement, which promoted Lee western wear. In the 1970s Lee shifted its focus from the workwear business and began catering to fashion cycles. Lee created an all-new fit for women under the Ms. Lee label. A youth wear line for boys and girls was introduced. In 1996, the company launched Lee National Denim Day as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Working with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Lee National Denim Day has raised over $75 million to help fund breast cancer research programs. In 1981, 240 factory workers in Greenock, Scotland, staged a sit in in protest against plans to move the factory to Northern Ireland. What was planned as a one night protest continued for 7 months. As of 2005, Lee Jeans have been manufactured by Arvind Mills in a number of small factories in Chamarajanagar, India. 60,000 workers produce 5,000 pairs of jeans a day. Within the USA, the company spends more than $40 million per year on advertising. In 2009, Olson was appointed as the lead interactive agency for the American brand and redesigned their website. Barkley Inc. had previously handled interactive advertising for the brand. Arnold Worldwide continues to provide offline advertising services for the brand. Lee brand was owned by VF Corporation till 2018 and passed to Kontoor Brands Inc in 2019.Brand Details
Founder
Henry David Lee
Brand Strategy
Market segment
Bridge
Core business
Apparel
Targets
Men, Women
Lee Latest News
Lee x Paul Smith
Lee has collaborated with Paul Smith to release a denim collection of apparel like jackets, pants, coats, and more with Lee's signature denim craftsmanship and Paul Smith's iconic prints.
H&M trials marketplace model
H&M trials marketplace model in Sweden and Germany with brands such as Lee, Wrangler, Fila, Superdry, Crocs, Eastpak
Lee Jeans launches virtual store
Lee Jeans launches virtual store, which allows consumers to visit and shop its European flagship from the comfort of their own home
Lee Jeans to enter EMEA kids wear market
Lee Jeans to enter EMEA kids wear market starting AW22
Lee Financial Report
Last fiscal year ended on December 31, 2025