I've been a loyal Lee Jeans consumer for a couple of decades, and continue to find them the best designed and comfortable denim pants for me. Although the company has a long history since 1889, they remain contemporary, yet true to its traditions.
Begun as H.D. Lee Mercantile Company in Kansas, selling groceries and household goods to retail stores, who resold them to the general public, by the turn of the 20th Century they were designing original clothing that had not been created before. Lee also saw profit establishing flour mills, hardware manufacturing/distribution, ice and storage. In the early days it was much like Sears Roebuck in catalogue sales, but recognized the ease of competition and need to control the means of production. Ultimately, they invented the one piece coverall, known as "Union-Alls" to be worn over regular clothing to protect it above and below the waist. In those early days of automobile transportation the vehicles were not overly reliable, and often required the driver to also be a mechanic and crawl under the engine to make immediate repairs. So, many drivers wore Union-Alls when they went for a spin.
Lee invented the zipper fly in 1927 and held a national naming contest for its hookless fastener. The winning appellation - Whizit! It soon replaced the button fly in pants, overalls and playsuits. In 1940 the company began making uniforms for the U.S. military fighting World War II.
1946 saw the attachment of the now ubiquitous Lee branding iron leather label, and 1947 the introduction of Lady Riders on the market. By the mid 1950s denim was part of pop culture as icons like Brando, Dean and Monroe began wearing the fabric in their movies and everywhere else. "Rebel Without a Cause," was so popular and associated with teenage angst that many parents forbid their children to wear "dungarees."
By the 1970s they were accepted almost everywhere. Bell bottoms were the rage on campus, and hit songs were written about them. Bruce Springsteen appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine wearing a Lee denim vest in 1984.
Of course, Lee has played a large part in my wardrobe, too. After wearing Levi's, Wranglers, Gap and many others, I finally arrived at Lee carpenter jeans as the most comfortable and useful for me. They sit below my waist without digging and soften more with each washing. The right side tool pocket just below the loop is perfect for my mobile phone. With the many colors offered and choice of pure cotton or synthetic blend, I have quite a collection that seldom wears out. My Lee denim jacket and vest are practically a uniform.
Some say that jeans are out of fashion now. I will never believe that, and those who do are hopelessly short sighted.
Lee jeans are as American as apple pie, pizza and beer. They are more than just clothing; they are a perpetual cultural statement and neverending way of life. read more