Beyond the Classic 501: How to Find the Perfect Pair of Levi’s Jeans

With all the different styles, cuts and washes, shopping for jeans must be easy, right? Well, for the majority of people, it’s not. On the contrary, we all have different jean preferences and body types. That’s why we’d rather stick to a model we’ve worn for some time than choose a new one. However, we’ll need a new pair of jeans eventually. How can we select the one that best fits us?

Most people find sticking to a trusted denim brand very helpful. Picking up jeans from a brand with worldwide recognition ensures a quality buy without the risk of an unnecessary money splurge. As a jean fan, several brand names may come to your mind, but probably Levi’s is the first to pop up – Levi’s and jeans go hand in hand. With the brand’s rich history and wide range of models, they have a pair of jeans for everyone.

All you need to do is get to know their range better. This simple guide has tips to help you find the perfect pair of Levi jeans out of their vast array of options. We also give you a breakdown of some of their most popular models.

How to Choose the Right Pair for You?

Find the Right Fit

The jeans’ fit refers to the combination of jean’s rise, leg opening and length. In other words, it’s the form of the jeans which determines how a pair would look and sit on you. Universal Levi jeans fits are original, regular, relaxed, skinny and super skinny.

Understanding fit will help you find the right pair for your body type and can be especially important if you haven’t found a pair you love the way it looks on you.

Rise

Rise measures the centre of a pair of pants, from the inseam to the waist. Common styles are high, mid and low rise, and Levi’s jeans come in all of them. Since everyone has a different body type, some have longer legs and others a longer torso, meaning not a single pair looks the same on two different people.

Simply taking a soft measure tape and measuring yourself will give you a referring number to decide which rise will complement your figure the best. Take the thinnest point of your waist for a starting point and go through the crotch. For most people, this length is usually mid-rise, which is a universal favourite. People with a longer torso may benefit from high-rise, while people with longer legs with low-rise jeans.

Leg Opening and Cut

Opening refers to the width of jeans at the bottom of the leg. Many Levi’s jeans have the same fit-up top but different leg openings to create a range of styles. The cut refers to the shape of the leg. Fitted, roomy and flared are the main options.

Many people’s favourite is the bootcut. Originally developed to fit over work and cowboy leather boots, these jeans are a little wider from knee to ankle, and shorter. Original fit jeans, for example, have a straight leg, while those with a relaxed fit are looser and baggier. Skinny jeans fit snug from waist to ankle, while the super skinnies fit tight.

Jean Length

If you have longer legs, congratulations, all lengths probably work well for you. If you’re on the petite side, a longer jean leg can elongate your legs, making your silhouette thinner. However, most people find an ankle-long jean leg to fit them best.

Choose Different Washes for Different Outfits

Now that you’ve found the perfect fit, you may be worried if you’ll end up wearing one pair of jeans for the rest of your life. For most of us, this isn’t a bad thing. Yet, if you’re a born fashionista, I see your concern. Luckily, different Levi jean fits come in various washes, meaning you can find your perfect pair in many colours and finishes.

Different occasions require different outfits, which you can achieve wearing different-coloured jeans. Lighter washes and distressed jeans appear more casual, while darker blue and indigo-dyed pairs are suitable for any occasion, even for business attire.

Consider the Fabric

Originally made from 100% raw cotton, the first denim pants were durable and heavy-duty and quickly became a country clothing staple. Some models in Levi’s denim range still feature 100% cotton. Buying a pair of these ensures wearing them for years without losing shape. If you’re looking for something softer and stretchier, go for a cotton-elastane blend. Only make sure there’s at least 95% cotton, so your jeans can stay in shape for longer.

Which Levi Jeans Are Most Popular?

501 Original Fit Jeans

Although the fit of these iconic jeans has changed over time, what stayed the same is a straight cut that sits at the waist with a button fly. It won’t get more classic than this. The 501 jeans come in 14 washes.

501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Jeans

The 501 shrink-to-fit is the raw version of the original 501. These jeans have the same straight leg but a design that shrinks to your body. There are different ways to achieve the best fit, including Levis’ simple method: you should buy a pair with your correct waist size and a two-size larger inseam, then put the jeans on and sit in a warm bath, and wear them until they dry.

505 Regular Fit Jeans

Same as the 501, the 505 is Levi’s classic. This jean model has a similar cut to the 501 but a zip fly, offering a little more room in the thigh.

514 Straight Fit Jeans

For all guys with an athletic build, the classic straight fit may be just perfect. The 514 is comfortable, sits below the waist, and has a regular fit through the thigh and a straight leg. It’s the perfect jean model for a stylish country outfit.

550 Relaxed Fit Jeans

The perfect pair for enjoying a laid-back weekend, these slightly baggy jeans give you plenty of room to move around. They’re even great for wearing at work if your office has a casual dress code.

711 Skinny Jeans

Let GenZ say what they want, but skinny jeans will forever be a closet staple. The flattering style with a bit of stretch will never feel like your skinny jeans are restricting you.

501 Skinny Jeans

In the women’s range, the 501 translate into loose skinny jeans, coming in a few ripped styles.