Founded in 1923, LEE KUNG MAN is a renowned underwear brand from Hong Kong. We spoke to Mr Fung from LEE KUNG MAN about the brand's history and the story behind the products created in collaboration with WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO.
― How did Lee Kung Man get started in the underwear manufacturing
business? Please tell us about those early days.
Established in 1923. At the beginning, the focus of LKM was on producing socks.
In 1925, there was not much local production of underwear in China, and imported underwear was expensive. Given the increasing public demand for underwear at the time, Lee Kung introduced foreign machinery and began manufacturing underwear, hoping that people could wear it at an affordable price.
Back then, the most popular size was XXS, whereas today it has shifted to Size M.
The initial underwear designs used round-shoulder tailoring, later transitioning to cylindrical body tailoring, before evolving into the versions we see today.
― What makes the factories supporting Lee Kung Man's manufacturing
unique compared to mass production?
Even today, Lee Kung Man continues to produce using traditional methods, with patterns hand-drawn by master craftsmen in the factory.
Additionally, the size and color information on the packaging boxes is still manually stamped.
― What are the key design features of the underwear created for the
WILDSIDE YOHJI YAMAMOTO release?
Due to the color-block design, the washing process undergoes rigorous testing.
Wildside Yohji Yamamoto selects 32’s cotton fabric, which is relatively thick and structured, making it suitable for outerwear, with a natural coarse texture. Normally sizes 2XL and 3XL are not available in our retail stores and require custom ordering.
Collaboration limited package
― Do you have a message for WILDSIDE users who will be purchasing this product?
Recommend to wear this garment daily without special care; it can be frequently washed and worn.
After wearing and washing, the garment will feel different compared to when it was newly purchased.
Click here for WILDSIDE x Lee Kung Man collaboration items
Established in 1923 in Guangzhou by Fung Sau-yu, Lee Kung Man later moved its manufacturing operations to Hong Kong.
The brand is renowned for its iconic wool underwear collections—including the Golden Deer, Blue Deer, Guanghua, and Autumn Cicada series—as well as its meticulously crafted “Fourteen-Year Socks” and “Deer Brand fine-knit shirts”.
With nearly a century of artisanal expertise, Lee Kung Man has built a lasting reputation for exceptional quality and authenticity, remaining a beloved name across generations both in Hong Kong and internationally.