91% matchBrand profile
Lee
Heritage American denim brand founded in 1889, spanning mainline jeans and the premium selvedge-focused Lee 101 line.
GreensboroOrigin
Workwear / HeritageStyle
$$Price
What to know about Lee
Built for miners, not malls
Founded in 1889 by H.D. Lee in Salina, Kansas, the label started as workwear for farmers, miners and railroad crews before becoming a mass-market denim brand.
Two Lees at two prices
The mainline sits in the low-to-mid tier across jeans, jackets and shirts, while the separate Lee 101 line uses Japanese selvedge denim from mills like Kaihara.
Ownership has changed hands repeatedly
Spun out of VF Corporation into Kontoor Brands in 2019 and agreed for sale to Authentic Brands Group in May 2026, so the brand's direction is tied to its new owner.
Looks from Lee
Shop all Lee ↗If you like Lee
Keep exploring
Brand facts
Lee is an American denim and casual apparel label founded by H.D. Lee in Salina, Kansas in 1889, originally supplying workwear to farmers, miners and railroad workers. It now makes jeans, pants, jackets, shirts and shorts for men, women and kids, plus the premium Lee 101 heritage line built on Japanese selvedge denim from mills like Kaihara and sold through specialists such as Cultizm. Spun off from VF Corporation into Kontoor Brands in 2019, Lee was agreed for divestiture to Authentic Brands Group in May 2026 for $750 million plus a $250 million earnout, pending closing.
- Founded
- 1889
- Origin
- Greensboro, United States
- Price
- $$
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Workwear / Heritage, Streetwear
Help us with Lee fit
We don't have a fit consensus for Lee yet. Bought something? Add your fit below — it helps the next shopper.