Levi's Jeans Fit Guide: Every Style Number Explained (501, 505, 511 & More)

Decoding Levi's Numbering System

Levi Strauss & Co. has been making jeans since 1853, and over the decades they've developed a numbering system for their fits that can be overwhelming for newcomers. Unlike brands that simply label their jeans "slim" or "relaxed," Levi's uses three-digit style numbers — and understanding what each number means is the key to finding your ideal pair.

The style number tells you everything about the cut, rise, and leg shape of the jean. Two people with the same waist measurement might find their perfect fit in completely different style numbers depending on their body type and personal preference.

Men's Core Styles

501 Original Fit

The jean that started it all. The 501 is a straight-leg, mid-rise jean with a traditional button fly. It sits at the waist (not the hips) and has a straight leg from hip to ankle. The 501 has been in continuous production since the 1870s and remains Levi's bestseller.

Best for: Those who want a classic, neither-slim-nor-loose fit. Works on most body types. The 501 looks equally at home with boots or sneakers.

Sizing tip: 501s use a shrink-to-fit (STF) option in the rigid version. If buying STF, order 1 size up in the waist and 3 inches longer in the inseam, as they'll shrink approximately 8-10% after the first wash.

505 Regular Fit

Often confused with the 501, the 505 is a zip fly, straight-leg jean with a slightly lower rise. The leg opening is marginally wider than the 501, giving it a more relaxed appearance from the knee down.

Best for: Those who like the 501's overall shape but prefer a zip fly and a touch more room. Popular with men who find the 501 slightly too snug through the thigh.

511 Slim Fit

Levi's modern slim jean. The 511 has a low rise, slim through the hip and thigh, with a narrow leg opening (around 14"). It's the most popular Levi's style among younger buyers.

Best for: Slim to average builds. Pairs well with sneakers and Chelsea boots. If you have athletic thighs, you may find the 511 too restrictive — try the 512 instead.

512 Slim Taper

Similar to the 511 through the hip and thigh, but the 512 tapers more aggressively below the knee. This creates a modern, slightly more fitted silhouette at the ankle (leg opening ~13.5") while keeping comfortable room up top.

Best for: Those who want the slim look of the 511 but with a more contemporary tapered leg. Great with low-profile sneakers.

502 Taper

A regular fit through the seat and thigh that tapers from the knee down. Think of it as the 505's roomier top half married to the 512's tapered lower leg.

Best for: Athletic builds — muscular thighs and glutes get breathing room while the taper keeps the overall look modern and clean.

550 Relaxed Fit

The 550 offers a generous fit throughout — roomy through the seat, thigh, and leg. It sits at the natural waist with a higher rise than most modern styles.

Best for: Comfort-first wearers, larger builds, or anyone who prefers a traditional loose fit. Popular in workwear contexts.

Women's Core Styles

721 High Rise Skinny

Levi's most popular women's style. The 721 features a high rise that sits above the natural waist, with a skinny fit from hip to ankle. The high rise provides excellent tummy control and a lengthening effect.

Best for: Most body types. The high rise is universally flattering, and the stretch denim (typically 2-3% elastane) ensures comfortable movement.

501 Original (Women's)

The women's 501 has been reimagined with a higher rise than the men's version, sitting at the natural waist. It maintains the iconic straight leg and button fly.

Best for: Those who want a vintage-inspired, non-skinny silhouette. Particularly popular in the cropped version.

311 Shaping Skinny

Similar silhouette to the 721 but with Levi's "Shaping" technology — built-in tummy-slimming and thigh-smoothing panels. The 311 is designed to be a full size slimmer in appearance while maintaining comfort.

Best for: Those who want extra support and a smoothing effect without compression garments.

724 High Rise Straight

A high-rise jean with a true straight leg from hip to hem. This style bridges the gap between skinny and wide-leg, offering a relaxed but polished look.

Best for: Those transitioning away from skinny jeans but not ready for wide-leg. Extremely versatile for both casual and semi-dressed-up occasions.

Levi's Sizing Quirks to Know

1. Vanity sizing exists but is less aggressive than fast fashion. A Levi's 30" waist typically measures closer to 31-31.5" — far more accurate than brands where a "30" actually measures 33".

1. Stretch vs. rigid makes a huge difference. Rigid 100% cotton Levi's should be bought in your true size or slightly larger. Stretch blends (98/2 or 99/1 cotton/elastane) can be bought true to size — they'll mould to your body after a few wears.

1. Different washes of the same style can fit differently. Darker, stiffer washes tend to feel tighter initially. Pre-washed and lighter washes are softer and more forgiving from day one.

1. Inseam options vary by retailer. Levi.com offers 30", 32", and 34" inseams for most men's styles. Department stores often carry only 32" inseam, which can lead to the false impression that Levi's doesn't fit you when really you just need a different length.

For complete Levi's size charts and conversions, check our Levi's Size Chart page. Want to compare Levi's sizing to another brand? Use the Size Converter.