Next to the 501, the Lee 101 is one of the most iconic jeans fits. As a tribute to the company’s heritage the ’101′ collection of contemporary fits based on archival classics has strengthened Lee’s position in the commercial premium denim market, and today Lee has clearly stepped out of Levi’s’ shadow and in many ways gotten ahead in terms of coolness. We take a closer look at one particular jean that has helped pave the way for Lee’s newfound attractiveness.
The core product of the 101 collection is the 101 jean, which comes in various fits and fabrics. First introduced in 1924, the 101 evolved over the years and the 101 Slim Rider, which the contemporary 101S is based on, was first marketed in 1941 when Lee brought in rodeo star Turk Greenough and his girlfriend Sally Rand (who was an exotic dancer) to re-tailor the existing fit and make it tighter. Sally Rand used a stapler to make the thighs slimmer, however, kept the hems wide to give room for the boots. Being a contemporary fit, you naturally won’t find any bootcut on the 101S.
This particular pair has been worn by shop owner and denim enthusiast Henrik Brund every day for approximately 18 months. They’ve only touched water a couple of times, and they got their first soak after a solid 8 months of daily wear and tear.
The denim is a 13.75 oz. left hand Japanese Kaihara, which obviously fades extremely well.
Henrik has had the jeans repaired numerous times, especially around the knees.
The 101S keeps evolving and since Henrik picked up his pair (the worn ones) around 2011 the buttons and the rivets have been updated along with other details such as the stitch length and thread thickness, belt loops and leather patch. When Lee 101 was first launched the jeans were sewn in Poland, today production has moved to Turkey.
Contrary to the straight fitted 101Z, the 101S has a button fly and the silhouette is noticeably slimmer.
The back pockets naturally feature Lee’s iconic ‘Lazy S’, which was introduced in 1944.
The Lee 101 collection is sold at various webshops, mainly European, Cultizm in particular has a decent selection.
