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Lee Jeans for Men and Women

Lee is an American denim brand founded in Kansas in 1889. It makes jeans for men, women and kids.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Lee sells direct on its own website. Department stores, discount chains and outlet stores also carry Lee jeans.

Vintage Lee jeans turn up on eBay and at thrift stores. Check the tags and stitching.

Professional insight

Denim buyers sort Lee jeans by line and fit name first. The same waist size fits differently across lines.

  • Fit names like Regular, Relaxed and Straight change seat room.
  • Flex or stretch lines run softer and looser over time.
  • Women's Lee sizes may be numbered, not waist in inches.
  • Vintage Lee tags help date older pairs.

Check the label

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Lee jeans at a glance

Founded
1889
Founding place
Salina, Kansas
First company name
HD Lee Mercantile Company

Types

Men's Regular Fit

Classic seat and thigh with a straight leg.

Men's Relaxed Fit

Extra room in the seat and thigh.

Men's Extreme Motion

Stretch denim with an easy waist.

Women's Ultra Lux

Soft stretch denim in several leg shapes.

Women's Relaxed Fit

Fuller hip and thigh, often with a classic rise.

Lee 101

Heritage line with vintage style details.

Red flags

  • Patch logo misspelled or poorly printed.
  • No inside fit or style tag.
  • Uneven stitching or loose rivets.
  • Vintage claims with brand new hardware.

Care

  • Turn Lee jeans inside out for a cold wash.
  • Hang dry stretch styles to keep recovery.
  • Wash raw or dark denim alone at first.

Common questions

Do Lee jeans run true to size?
It depends on the fit. Check the size chart for the line you want.
Are Lee and Wrangler the same?
No. They are separate labels with their own fits and sizing.
Are Lee 101 jeans different?
Yes. Lee 101 is a heritage line with its own fits and fabrics.