This metric refers to how the jeans sit around your waist and/or hips. Unlike the metrics above, this one can be categorize in one of just two ways (though there is slight variation from style to style): low and regular – though Levi’s does not specifically use these terms. Instead, they opt for more complicated descriptors. For instance, low is equivalent to “hangs on the hips,” whereas regular is “worn below the waist,”“sits low on the waist,” or has no qualifying description at all. This will also determine room in the crotch area, as low rise jeans tend to have less room than regular, as they can’t be hiked up as high – though some have compensated for this with a larger seat area. This metric is certainly the most difficult to define. Leg Opening I’d wear these jeans cuffed because cuffing helps create a clean drape and looks pretty good (if you like the roomier silhouette). Levi’s 541 Athletic Taper Similar to 513, the waist is a little looser; and I could probably size down to 28 in this cut, though if I were going for a looser fit, I’d consider these. While not ideal for me, these jeans would be my top recommendation for bigger guys looking for fitted but comfy Levi’s. Levi’s 501 Original I do like the shape of the leg, though, especially below the knee. If I was keeping these, I’d get them hemmed for slight or no break, and I might also size up to 30 waist

For me, they have maybe even too much taper below the knee, at least before hemming. Levi’s 512 Slim TaperWhile slimmer in the leg they have a noticeably looser waist, I’d need to size down or wear a belt. It seems like the culprit is vanity sizing coming into play with looser fits. are way too baggy for me and have an uncomfortably impractical amount of material, leading to a heavy, cumbersome feeling. Levi’s 501 Original Jeans Now, let’s move on to somewhat looser cuts with the 513. 513s sit below your waist and slim through the seat and thigh and have a straight leg. Levi’s 513 Slim Straight Jeans

These jeans are a pretty substantial jump from the 510s in terms of room through hips and legs, but the waist doesn’t feel much different, though. Levi’s 511 Slim Jeans It’s also necessary to understand what, exactly, the metrics mean when choosing jeans – be that from Levi’s or another denim brand. As such, we’d like to outline some of the terms that define the jeans, how you wear them, their look, and their feel. While the styles differ from number to number within Levi’s system (without any apparent rhyme or reason as to how they are numbered), you can always look to the following criteria to determine exactly what you’re getting out of any pair of Levi’s jeans. Just keep in mind that these are not the only determining factors, as sizes also vary depending upon seat size, leg opening, and more. FitLevi’s 501s have a long and storied history. This old-school fit has these jeans sitting at your waist, roomy in the thigh, and with a straight leg. Levi’s 501 Original I’m hoping this article and companion video saves you some time for having to try on every cut, and maybe help you narrow it down to two or three styles to test out yourself. This pair has a noticeably more narrow leg opening than 511 (makes 511 seem like a slim-straight leg). Levi’s 512 Slim Taper Jeans To men, these are pretty similar to 531 athletic slims but have a slightly better leg shape because they have more taper from the thigh down the ankle. Levi’s 541 Athletic Taper Jeans Before we get started, it’s important to know that this list encompasses all of Levi’s current standard offerings. As styles change, it’s entirely possible that some of these will end up being discontinued and new ones might be introduced. Similarly, there are sub-styles and variants that are not necessarily going to be listed independently, as they do not differ from other offerings in significant enough ways, though mention will be made in the style that most closely fits these variants. Similarly, there may be styles from the past that are not represented, as they are no longer produced.

Leg opening refers to the circumference of the bottom of the pant leg. This measurement helps you determine how wide they will appear at the bottom. For example, a pair of women's skinny jeans typically have a leg opening of 10" to 12", while a pair of flared jeans measures 21" to 27". Fit Ryan has also spent more time in a suit and tie than most guys, so he's well qualified to write about classic menswear, business casual and formalwear. s sit at your waist and are skinny throughout. They have a nice silhouette but, for me, are uncomfortably tight in hips and seat. You can see some pulling across the front of my hips. Levi’s 510 Skinny Jeans

508

These are probably my number one overall choice, all things considered (style, comfort, etc.). Levi’s 512 Slim Taper