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Levi’s Jeans: Frequently Asked Questions & Style Guide

What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

  • 501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.
  • 505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

    501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

    505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

    511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

    512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

    510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

    550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.

How can I tell if my Levi’s are real or fake?What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

To ensure you have an authentic pair of Levi’s, check these four key "markers of quality":

  • The Red Tab: Look for the "Levi’s" tab on the back right pocket. Note: 1 in 100 pairs features a blank red tab with only the ® symbol (this is a trademark protection measure and is still authentic!).
  • The Two-Horse Patch: A leather or paper-like patch on the back waistband showing two horses trying to pull a pair of jeans apart.Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

    501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

    505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

    511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

    512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

    510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

    550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.

What is "Shrink-to-Fit" denim?What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.The Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-Fit (STF) is made from raw, unsanforized denim. This means the fabric has not been pre-shrunk.

  • Pro Tip: To get a custom fit, many enthusiasts buy them two sizes too big in the waist and two sizes too long, then wear them in a warm bathtub to let the denim mold perfectly to their body shape.

How do I choose the right size?What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

Levi’s are known for being true to size, but since denim can stretch, many people follow these rules:

  • For 100% Cotton: Choose your exact size; they will feel tight at first but loosen up with 2–3 wears.
  • For Stretch Denim (with Elastane): You can often "size down" if you prefer a very snug fit, as these will not shrink.Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

    501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

    505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

    511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

    512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

    510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

    550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.

Why are some Levi's "Big E" and others "small e"?What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

The "Big E" (LEVI'S) on the red tab indicates a pair produced before 1971 or a premium "Vintage Clothing" reproduction. These are highly collectible. Most modern pairs use the "small e" (Levi's) branding.Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.

Are Levi’s jeans sustainable?What do the Levi’s numbers mean? (Fit Guide)

Yes. Levi’s is a leader in sustainable fashion through their Water<Less® technology, which has saved billions of liters of water during the finishing process. They also offer a SecondHand program to promote the circular economy by reselling "broken-in" vintage pairs.Levi’s uses a three-digit numbering system to identify the fit and cut of their jeans. Here are the most popular styles:

501® Original: The icon. Straight leg with a classic button fly.

505™ Regular: Similar to the 501 but with a zip fly and a slightly roomier thigh.

511™ Slim: A modern favorite. Slim from the hip to the ankle, but not skin-tight.

512™ Slim Taper: For those who want a slim fit with a narrower leg opening at the ankle.

510™ Skinny: The leanest fit, designed for a sharp, close-to-body look.

550™ Relaxed: A comfortable "Dad jean" style with more room in the seat and thigh.