LEE : About the Label

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Lee Jeans Display

LEE Mercantile is one of our favorite vintage clothing labels from the past.

Lee Controversial Ad

LEE mercantile has been manufacturing denim jeans, jackets and attire since the beginning. Setting themselves aside as one of the hottest vintage brands around. They have always been cutting edge and even a little controversial, and example being this Lolita ad that they did in 2006. There is no doubt that some of their vintage jeans and jackets are still being knocked off by contemporary designers today.


A little Bit about Lee’s History:

Lee Mercantile Company was founded by Henry David Lee back in 1889, when Lee opened his first garment factory in Salina, Kansas, producing dungarees and jackets.
In 1913, the Union-All work jumpsuit was created, followed by the first-ever “Overall” in 1920 – laying the foundation for Lee’s early growth. Also in 1920, the Buddy Lee doll was launched for promotional use, but quickly became a popular play doll.

Through the ’20s, Lee introduced many new innovations to manufactured denim, most notably the zipper fly. Throughout the ’30s and ’40s Lee continued to build on their brand, becoming the nation’s #1 manufacturer of work clothes.

The decade of the ’50s was a time of intense expansion for Lee as the company ventured into casual wear. Lee expanded its presence throughout the ’60s, spreading to 51 countries and consolidating with VF Corporation in 1969.
The company continued to expand its fashion lines throughout the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, launching Lee National Denim Day® in 1996. Today’s Lee is all about bringing more fits, styles, finishes, features and choices than ever before to market.

Source and Images Courtesy of http://lee.com


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One response to “LEE : About the Label”

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    […] denim companies like LEE Mercantile and Wrangler also came out with their version of the Jean Jacket.  Some of the older railroad […]

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