Lee and H&M Team Up For the Next Generation of Sustainable Denim
Brand: Lee x H&M
Season: N/A
Key Pieces: The collaboration features a full range of updated workwear essentials for men and women, including denim jackets, dungarees (overalls), recycled cotton jeans, graphic tees, and sweatshirts.
Release Date: February 4th
Buy: hm.com and select H&M stores
Editor’s Notes:
H&M’s collaboration with American denim brand Lee is an ambitious effort to create the most sustainable denim collection yet in the brand’s history. Tapping into Lee’s denim-making know-how, the two brands have come together to produce a holistic collaboration that incorporates renewable practices at every stage of design and production.
From H&M’s first-ever 100% recycled cotton jeans and overalls — which are made from 80% post-industrial waste and 20% post-consumer waste — to faux-leather backpatches crafted from cork and jacron (a paper material that has a leather‑like look), the collection is H&M’s most comprehensive effort to date in tackling sustainability.
“We loved working with Lee to push for change — a change for more sustainable and circular denim garments,” explained H&M Designer Jon Loman in a press release. “We looked at every detail and challenged each other in a positive way. It’s also amazing to work with Lee’s iconic designs and give them a bit of our flavor, for H&M denim lovers around the world.”
Water-saving dyes and lower impact denim washes will also be third-party verified showing the exact water, CO2, and energy impact of each denim garment in the collection — from raw materials to end of use. It’s an encouraging sign to see large retailers like H&M rethinking its environmental footprint, and we hope more brands follow suit in the future.
