The HD Lee Merc. Company was founded by Henry David Lee.
It specialises in making and selling fine foods.

Fed up with the poor quality of workwear from other suppliers, Lee decided to start producing garments of a higher standard, the Bib Overall was created.

Today this 'dungaree' is still a popular style used by workers as well as referenced by many in contemporary fashion.

A one piece garment conceived for mechanics, farmers and railway workers becomes an instant hit, the Union-All is distributed all over the USA.

This iconic design can still be seen used in workwear styles today.

A jacket specifically designed for railway workers is developed.
Today the Lee® Loco Jacket is a favourite for denim aficionados worldwide.

Buddy Lee makes his first appearance on the Lee® price list.
Today Buddy Lee is a brand icon and highly collectible.

Lee® Riders are created designed and produced with cowboys, ranch hands and rodeo riders in mind. Today the Lee® 101 name is intrinsically connected to the idea of true & authentic denim that is of superior quality.

Lee® was the first apparel manufacturer to use zipper closures on its garments. The lastest workwear style, the Lee® Whizit Bib was named for the sound of the closure. Zip fly closures and fastenings are still used today on jeans, skirts, jackets across the apparel industry.

The Slim Jacket - 101J was the first shorter style western jacket designed for cowboys. Slanted breast pockets made it easier to reach inside the pockets while riding a horse and a wide waistband ensured the jacket did not fold upward. Lee® invented denim jackets, today this style is replicated by many and remains popular worldwide.

The Storm Rider Jacket was a winter version of the Slim Jacket with an Alaskan blanket lining and cord collar. Today this style is one of the most iconic pieces from the Lee® brand with collectors seeking out vintage pieces for significant sums of cash.

50 years after opening its doors with just 6 salesmen, the HD Lee Merc. Company is America's largest manufacturer of workwear.
With a salesforce of 235, it outsells and is more popular than rival brands.
Today, the Lee® brand is globally popular for its authentic denim styles and casual apparel.

Lee® introduces its jeans offer for women, Lady Lee Riders are born. Today Lee® still offers a great selection of fits for women in the finest denim fabrics.

James Dean appears in East of Eden and Marlon Brando appears in The Wild One, both wear Lee® Jeans. This is the birth of the ‘biker cult’ and the start of the transition for jeans from workwear to pop-culture uniform.
Today, Lee® is the choice for many from the creative side of life, still worn by musicians, artists and free-thinkers, it is the clothing that let you express yourself.

Lee® introduces the Lee® Westerner (also called Lee® Whites).
Marketed as "Rugged, Comfortable, Dressy cowboy pants and jackets", they delivered a new concept in the western style.

Lee® introduces Lee Prest - slacks with a permanent crease, marketed as 'non iron' slack, they become hot property, fast!

Lee® introduces Ms Lee® a new offering for hip young women.
Reflecting the trends of the times, the line includes a line of rainbow pants. Today Lee® offers trend-right apparel for women from all walks of life.