Lee Jeans has a proud history stretching back to 1889, and a heritage of quality clothes that are not only classic, but comfortable too. That's why today Lee is one of the most popular work and casual brands on the planet.

The company was formed in 1889 by Henry David Lee as the HD 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.[4] Later in the 1920s Lee introduced a zipper fly and continued to expand. Around this time, the first children's overalls line was sold. In 1928 H.D. Lee, founder and president of The H.D. Lee Mercantile Company, died.[6] 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.

The Lee jeans brand was spun off from VF Corp to Kontoor Brands Inc. in 2019.