Lee x H&M
A collaboration to push for the next generation of more sustainable denim
We are proud to announce our collaboration with American denim brand Lee. For this particular collection, we've taken a new holistic approach, looking at every stage of design and production. We've made our first 100% recycled cotton jeans (from 80% post-industrial waste and 20% post-consumer waste) and a non-cotton denim jacket (from 50% TENCEL™ Lyocell and 50% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose), and we used non-leather backpatches made from FSC* certified cork and jacron paper.
For the very first time, we've also included the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data on hm.com, showing the water, C02 and energy impact of each denim garment.
*Forest Stewardship Council
The collection is inspired by the '90s, filled with statement pieces from Lee's archive, together with essential jersey pieces and accessories. Think wide jeans, denim dresses, carpenter jeans, dungarees, jeans in relaxed fits, tees, hoodies, bucket hats, beanies and much more — all made from more sustainable materials.
The kids' collection has a fun '80s and '90s feel, featuring relaxed jeans, dungarees, dungaree dresses, jeans with cargo pockets, jersey pieces, accessories and the iconic Lee Rider Jacket cut in a slightly cocooning shape.
Lee is proud to be collaborating with H&M to continue our efforts to make better denim. Our brand was founded more than 130 years ago with innovation in mind, and today we are happy to be joining H&M to give denim a more sustainable future.
Chris Waldeck, EVP Global Brand President, Lee
WHY IS H&M COLLABORATING WITH LEE ON THIS COLLECTION OF SUSTAINABLE DENIM?
“We carry a huge responsibility to change how fashion is made and produced. A big part of this change comes through collaboration, sharing ideas, and pushing for a sustainable future. H&M is proud to collaborate with Lee to show how we can make denim in a better way,” says Helena Helmersson, CEO of H&M Group.
WHAT ADVANCES WERE MADE IN DENIM IN THE COLLECTION?
“There are many other components to jeans than just the denim, like the threads and the metal buttons. If we are truly sustainable, we have to address every single material used to make the jeans. To create the Lee x H&M collection, we’ve worked hard with our suppliers to find more sustainable solutions for the threads that hold the jeans together, the cotton that makes the pockets, and the metal for the button, rivets and zipper. We hope that by pushing for more sustainable solutions, it makes it easier for the denim industry as a whole to follow our lead," says Victoria Allen, a designer at H&M.
The Lee x H&M collection will be available in select stores and online February 4, 2021. The kids' range will be available February 4 exclusively at hm.com.