Lee and Buck Mason Team Up for a 1940s-Inspired Menswear Capsule Collection

In a tribute to the timeless allure of American workwear, heritage denim brand Lee and Los Angeles-based retailer Buck Mason have collaborated on a menswear capsule collection that draws inspiration from the iconic designs of the 1940s. This limited-edition lineup, featuring vintage-inspired denim jeans, jackets, and bandanas, blends Lee’s storied legacy with Buck Mason’s modern craftsmanship. Promoted through a captivating ad campaign starring Mark Wystrach, the lead singer of the country band Midland, this collaboration celebrates the enduring influence of mid-century fashion on today’s menswear trends.

A Perfect Pairing of Heritage and Innovation

The Lee x Buck Mason collaboration unites two brands with a shared passion for quality and style. Lee, a cornerstone of American denim with over 100 years of history, brings its expertise in durable workwear to the table. Buck Mason, renowned for its contemporary take on classic designs, infuses the collection with a fresh, modern sensibility. Together, they’ve crafted a capsule that bridges the gap between vintage nostalgia and present-day appeal.

The collection reimagines some of Lee’s most iconic pieces from the 1940s, including:

• The 91B jacket, reinterpreted in luxurious suede.
• The 101J Rider denim jacket, a nod to classic American outerwear.
• The 101B jean, a cornerstone of denim history.
• Vintage-inspired bandanas, adding a storytelling element to the lineup.

With prices ranging from $128 for a bandana to $898 for the suede jacket, this collection offers options for a wide range of budgets while maintaining a premium feel. Available on both the Lee website and Buck Mason website, as well as at 10 select Buck Mason stores in California, New York, Texas, Tennessee, and Massachusetts, this limited-edition drop is expected to sell out fast.

Mark Wystrach Stars in a Hollywood-Inspired Campaign

To showcase this unique collaboration, Lee and Buck Mason tapped Mark Wystrach for a photo campaign that evokes the glamour of Hollywood’s golden era. Shot in settings reminiscent of the 1940s, the campaign highlights Wystrach’s rugged charisma, making him an ideal ambassador for the collection’s vintage-meets-modern vibe.

Brigid Stevens, Global Vice President of Marketing at Lee, emphasized the campaign’s storytelling prowess: “The Buck Mason team excels at bringing narratives to life, and we’re excited to feature Mark in this campaign. The visuals beautifully honor the capsule’s historical roots while staying true to the Lee of today.”

Vintage Details with a Modern Twist

The Lee x Buck Mason collection stands out for its authentic 1940s-inspired details, meticulously crafted for today’s wearer. The denim jeans feature a full leg silhouette and a button fly, echoing the era’s distinctive style, while signature “x” bar-tacks at the back pockets add a touch of heritage authenticity. The bandanas, made from Japanese rayon, showcase prints of Lee factories and the Buck Mason knitting mill in Pennsylvania, celebrating the brands’ shared legacy.

Kyle Fitzgibbons, Chief Creative Officer at Buck Mason, underscored the historical significance of the collaboration: “Lee is a foundational name in American denim and workwear. The 1940s marked a turning point with the modern evolution of the 101 jean, which has shaped American culture and continues to inspire what we create at Buck Mason.”

A Strategy of Collaboration and Growth

This partnership is a key move for Kontoor Brands, Lee’s parent company, which relies on collaborations to keep the brand fresh and relevant. Past Lee collaborations include an eight-piece collection with Alpha Industries, a footwear licensing deal with Jack Schwartz Shoes, and a capsule apparel line with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Despite a challenging fiscal 2024—with Kontoor reporting flat year-over-year revenue and a 6% decline in Lee’s revenue—these innovative partnerships signal a commitment to growth and consumer engagement.

Why the 1940s Matter in Fashion Today

The 1940s were a defining decade for American fashion, particularly in denim and workwear. It was during this time that Lee pioneered designs like the modern 101 jean, laying the groundwork for styles that remain influential today. The Lee x Buck Mason capsule collection taps into this rich history, offering pieces that resonate with both vintage enthusiasts and modern trendsetters.

Shop the Limited-Edition Collection Now

The Lee x Buck Mason menswear capsule is available now, but with its limited-edition status, pieces won’t last long. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged elegance of the denim jackets, the classic fit of the 101B jeans, or the heritage charm of the bandanas, this collection offers a rare chance to own a piece of fashion history.

Visit Lee.com or BuckMason.com to shop online, or stop by one of the 10 Buck Mason stores to experience the collection in person. Don’t wait—discover the timeless appeal of 1940s-inspired menswear today!