From Packs to Jeans, VF Meets Back-to-School Needs with High-Value, High-Style Innovations

Business Wire, August 1, 2003

Business Editors/Lifestyle Editors

GREENSBORO, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2003

New Product and Marketing Initiatives Span The North Face(R),

Lee(R), Wrangler Hero(R), Riders(R), Twenty X(R),

Lily of France(R), and JanSport(R) Brands

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), the world's largest apparel supplier, is poised to outfit students for the new school year with fresh products and styles designed with students' hectic schedules in mind. Based on continuous consumer and market research, VF brands have created a full array of new apparel and gear making the question of "what to wear?" the easiest decision of the day.

Among the new offerings, The North Face(R) brand introduces a pack addressing safety concerns and high-tech footwear that protects against harsh fall and winter weather. Another new fall highlight is One True Fit(TM) line of casual wear for young women from the Lee(R) brand. The Wrangler Hero(R), Twenty X(R) and Riders(R) brands introduce casual apparel products that are both comfortable and hip, including the Wrangler Hero(R) brand's Hidden Pocket Cargo jean. New from the Lily of France(R) brand is the Perfect Touch bra, featuring a revolutionary fabric that provides support and shaping without bulky padding. And a new and improved Airlift(R) series designed by the JanSport(R) brand reduces physical stress with greater comfort.

"VF Corporation continues to emphasize product innovations that combine comfort with contemporary style at affordable prices," said Mackey McDonald, chairman, president and CEO of VF Corporation. "VF knows that making the grade today means delivering innovative apparel, footwear and equipment that are in sync with the needs of today's students and families."

The North Face(R)

The North Face(R) brand gears up for fall with the introduction of the new Recon Flash pack. Integrating a safety light with four blinking options into the pack face, the Recon Flash provides high visibility and safety for student commutes to school on foot or bike, and is ideal for field trips as well as weekend adventures. The North Face(R) brand A5(TM) series apparel wardrobes back-to-schoolers in cozy cords, cool crews and fleece jackets like the women's Revolution Jacket, which features faux fur trim around the hood, front zipper, cuffs and hem for stylish warmth.

Feet will never be cold or wet again with The North Face(R) brand's footwear line. The men's and women's Baltoro HV 200 boots bring new meaning to waterproof protection, insulation and temperature control with the superior technological combination of HyVent(TM) waterproof, breathable barrier, PrimaLoft(R) 400 gram insulation, and Outlast(R) footbeds. And must-haves for fall are the men's and women's Stasis Mules -- perfect for those wintry walks on campus. Further information on local retail availability may be found by visiting www.thenorthface.com.

Lee Jeans

This fall, Lee reaches out to a new consumer in the women's market with the new One True Fit(TM) line of jeans and casual wear designed for a woman who doesn't fit the typical Juniors or Misses fashion mold; she's just past Juniors, yet far from a traditional Missy. She is searching for a unique fit and her own style of sexy. The One True Fit(TM) brand's unique design is what makes it so flattering. A low-rise, contoured waistband and stretch denim eliminate that embarrassing gap in the back when a woman sits. Back-over-riser construction and specially placed pockets help provide the illusion of a lifted backside, and side seams are brought slightly forward to give women a longer, leaner appearance. For this line, Lee Jeans is reintroducing split sizing from 1/2 to 15/16 to help this consumer recognize One True Fit(TM) jeans are designed specifically for her and is different from standard Juniors and Misses products. Launching in select retailers in June, the One True Fit(TM) line offers a variety of denim and twill bottoms, skirts, jackets and tops. At an average price of $40, One True Fit(TM) jeans offer women a flattering fit and an amazing value.

The Lee(R) Dungarees collection is expanding its successful Lee Dungarees Series 66202(TM) line with a greater assortment of jeans and cargo pants for the young male consumer. The keys to fall are vintage-inspired washes and finishes including crosshatched fabrics and hand-sanded finishes like Ink, Copper and Mudslide usually found in much higher priced denim products. Responding to the popularity of its carpenter jean, Lee(R) Dungarees is adding a second carpenter style, the Street Carpenter, to the line, along with lots of washed twill cargo looks. For more information on all Lee Jeans products, consumers may visit: www.leejeans.com.

Wrangler Hero(R)

The Wrangler Hero(R) brand continues to outfit men and boys with fashionable, functional styles that are sure to please. This fall, the brand reaches out to adventurous adolescents with its Hidden Pocket Cargo jean. Available in both denim and twill, this pant gives boys just what they're looking for; plenty of storage space without the bulk of traditional cargo pockets. The Wrangler Hero(R) brand also recognizes that active kids prefer lighter-weight fabrics, and the Hidden Pocket Cargo jean in 10-ounce denim or 100 percent cotton twill gives boys the freedom to move but is still durable enough to stand the test of time. For more information on Wrangler Hero(R) brand of products, consumers may visit www.wrangler.com.