about Lee Originals

Lee Mercantile Company was founded by Henry David Lee 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 which laid Lee's foundation for further 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 number one manufacturer of work clothes.