Selecting Between Levi’s 501, 505, 511, and 514? Begin Right here

Levi’s 501, 505, 511 and 514 kind the spine of the lads’s lineup. On a product web page, the variations look minimal. In individual, they behave like 4 separate patterns with distinct rises, thigh allowances, knee widths and leg openings. The highest blocks are minimize for various physique sorts, and the leg shapes comply with their very own logic.

Most males store these fashions by familiarity or guesswork, which is why a straight match can really feel slimmer than anticipated and a slim match can really feel extra forgiving than its identify suggests. The numbers solely make sense when you map how every sample is drafted.

This information retains the comparability strict and technical. The main focus begins with the highest block—waist, rise, seat, and thigh—as a result of that’s the place consolation and match really reside. Then we consider the leg form, material conduct, stretch, and break. Lastly we layer in body-type steerage so you may match every mannequin to your proportions as an alternative of counting on broad fashion labels.

The tip aim is easy: perceive how these 4 core suits are constructed, how they differ on the physique, and which one helps your construct most naturally.

Levi’s 501 vs 505 vs 511 vs 514: At-a-Look Match Comparability

Use this desk as a fast overview of how the 4 suits differ. Measurements are typical patterns within the 30–32″ waist vary and may range barely by wash and manufacturing batch.

Authentic, Common, Slim and Straight: How Levi’s Defines These Matches

Levi’s makes use of a mixture of historic language and fashionable match names. Understanding how every class works on the sample stage makes the comparisons simpler.

501: Authentic Match

The 501 is the reference level for many different Levi’s suits. It has a mid-to-high rise in contrast with fashionable slim denims, a straight leg, and a structured prime block. The button fly adjustments how the entrance sits in contrast with zipper fashions and retains the rise feeling steady as soon as the denim softens.

505: Common Match

The 505 strikes towards a extra relaxed, on a regular basis straight jean. It makes use of a zipper fly, retains a mid rise, and gives extra room within the thigh than the 501. It’s nonetheless straight, however the emphasis is on consolation over heritage particulars.

511: Slim Match

The 511 is minimize as a contemporary slim jean. It sits under the waist, trims down the seat and thigh, and narrows the leg opening. It isn’t a thin jean, however it’s considerably nearer to the leg than the 501 or 505.

514: Straight Match

The 514 is a straight match that feels extra updated than a full common jean. It retains a mid rise, offers reasonable thigh ease and falls straight from the knee, with a leg opening that sits between the 505 and 511.

Prime-Block Match: Waist, Rise, Seat and Thigh In contrast

Match begins within the prime block. If the waist, rise, seat and thigh don’t fit your physique, the leg form won’t repair it. Right here’s how the 4 suits differ above the knee.

Levi’s 501 Prime Block

The 501 is designed as a balanced, structured prime block. The rise is greater than the 511 and 514, with the waistband sitting at or simply under the pure waist for many males.

Waist: sits at or barely under the pure waist when sized appropriately.
Rise: mid to excessive relative to the opposite three suits.
Seat and thigh: straight and balanced, neither roomy nor slim.

Levi’s 505 Prime Block

The 505 makes use of a mid rise and goals for simple day by day put on. It offers extra room via the thigh than the 501 and feels extra relaxed once you sit or bend.

Waist: sits under the pure waist.
Rise: mid; decrease than a basic 501, greater than a low-rise slim.
Seat and thigh: common with a transparent step up in ease versus 501.

Levi’s 511 Prime Block

The 511 has the closest prime block of the 4. It trims down the seat and thigh, which is the place many males really feel the distinction first.

Waist: sits under the waist; waistband usually nearer to the higher hip.
Rise: low to mid, relying on measurement and wash.
Seat and thigh: slim; bigger thighs will really feel extra contact, particularly in inflexible denim.

Levi’s 514 Prime Block

The 514 goals for a center floor. It offers extra thigh room than the 511 however is neater than the 505.

Waist: sits under the waist.
Rise: mid rise, typically snug on most torsos.
Seat and thigh: straight and reasonable; between 505 and 511 for ease.

If you attempt any of those suits, consider the highest block first. You need a flat entrance, no sharp pulling throughout the fly or higher thighs, and no gaping on the again waistband. As soon as that’s set, the leg form turns into a mode alternative reasonably than a compromise.

Leg Form: Straight vs Common Straight vs Slim vs Straight Trendy

Under the knee, the cuts separate clearly. That is the place the denims begin to ship totally different fashion indicators even in the identical wash.

501 Leg Form

Straight from knee to hem.
Medium leg opening that balances with most footwear.
Appears like a basic straight jean reasonably than a fashion-forward silhouette.

505 Leg Form

Common straight leg with a bit extra room via the knee.
Wider opening than 501, particularly in bigger sizes.
Simple to put on over bulkier trainers and work boots.

511 Leg Form

Slim leg from thigh to hem.
Narrowest knee and leg opening of the 4.
Creates a cleaner, nearer silhouette across the decrease leg and ankle.

514 Leg Form

Straight leg; cleaner than 505 however not as shut as 511.
Leg opening falls between 505 and 511.
Works with a variety of sneakers and boots with out wanting both extensive or tight.

Rise and The place Every Match Sits on the Physique

Rise impacts how a jean balances your torso and legs and the way snug it feels once you sit.

501: mid-to-high rise; waistband sits at or simply under the pure waist. Good if you’d like extra protection and a steady prime block.
505: mid rise; sits under the waist however not low on the hips. Works for many heights.
511: low-to-mid rise; sits decrease on the waist and shortens the rise visually. Taller males might discover this exaggerates torso size if sized incorrectly.
514: mid rise; related vertical stability to the 505 however with a neater leg under.

Shorter males usually look greatest with a mid rise that doesn’t minimize throughout the widest a part of the midsection. Taller males ought to keep away from rises that sit so low they create an extended torso and brief leg impact. All 4 of those suits can work if the rise is chosen with these guidelines in thoughts.

Cloth, Stretch and Development Variations

The mannequin quantity tells you the form. The material and building decide how that form feels and the way lengthy it stays that means.

Inflexible, Stretch and Shrink-to-Match

501: Most iconic in inflexible and Shrink-to-Match denim. These begin stiff, shrink and mildew to the physique over time. Stretch 501s exist and provide simpler break-in at the price of some construction.
505: Widespread in midweight inflexible and stretch materials. Stretch variations are simpler for day by day use if you’d like common motion.
511: Extensively accessible in stretch and superior stretch blends to maintain the slim prime block and leg wearable. Inflexible 511s look sharp however demand extra persistence throughout break-in.
514: Out there in each inflexible and stretch; the straight leg hides minor stretching and shrinkage extra successfully than a slim match.

Development Notes

Fly: 501 makes use of a button fly; 505, 511 and 514 use zippers.
Pocket luggage: Heavier pocket luggage really feel extra supportive and last more; lighter ones are extra susceptible to put on on the corners.
Stitching: Take note of stitching density on the crotch, seat and belt loops; these are the primary locations that fail on cheaper builds.
Selvedge: Some 501, 511 and 514 runs are available in selvedge denim with tighter weaving and completed outseams. The match stays the identical; the denim adjustments.

On-Physique Silhouette: How 501, 505, 511 and 514 Look When Worn

As soon as hemmed to a smart inseam, every match presents a special on-body profile even in related washes.

501 On-Physique

Straight via the leg, with a transparent, even line from thigh to hem.
Appears to be like balanced with most informal footwear and workwear-inspired outfits.
Rise and button fly give a extra conventional prime block form.

505 On-Physique

Common straight profile with extra visible ease via the thigh and knee.
Usually reads as a relaxed on a regular basis jean, particularly in lighter washes.
Works simply with bulkier sneakers and boots.

511 On-Physique

Slim from hip to hem; follows the leg extra carefully than the 501 or 505.
Much less stacking on the ankle if hemmed appropriately as a result of slender opening.
Pairs naturally with slimmer trainers, Chelsea boots and minimal footwear.

514 On-Physique

Straight leg that seems neater than the 505 however much less shut than the 511.
Provides a tidy line over the shoe with out gripping the ankle.
Simple to fashion with most informal and smart-casual footwear.

Which Match Works Finest for Your Physique Sort?

Selecting Between Levi’s 501, 505, 511, and 514? Begin Right here | FashionBeans

The correct Levi’s match relies on your proportions greater than the quantity stitched on the label. Use these pointers as a place to begin.

For Slim Builds

511: Essentially the most direct match if you’d like a slim, shut profile.
514: A good selection for those who want a straight leg however nonetheless need a fashionable look.
501: Works for those who like a basic straight leg and barely greater rise.

For Common Builds

501: Balanced alternative with construction and heritage form.
514: Cleaner straight match that fits most common builds.
505: Finest if you’d like extra room via the thigh and seat.

For Larger Thighs or Athletic Legs

505: Most forgiving match right here; common thigh and wider leg opening.
514: Good compromise for those who like a straighter look however want thigh room.
501: Can work for those who measurement the highest block appropriately; inflexible pairs will want break-in.
511: The least forgiving on massive thighs; stretch materials assist however the minimize stays slim.

Matching Matches to Footwear

501: Balanced with all the things from heritage boots to easy sneakers.
505: Finest with chunkier sneakers, work boots and wider soles.
511: Works greatest with slim sneakers and smooth boots.
514: Sits comfortably within the center; pairs with most informal footwear.

Break-In, Stretch and Shrinkage Over Time

Two pairs with the identical tag can really feel very totally different after a couple of months of damage. Cloth mix and weight change how every match behaves with washing and motion.

501 Over Time

Shrink-to-Match and inflexible 501s shrink on first wash, then mildew to the physique with put on.
Count on stiff knees and seat at first that soften into extra snug creasing.
Stretch 501s transfer simply from day one however maintain a barely softer silhouette.

505 Over Time

Midweight denim softens rapidly and turns into a simple day by day jean.
Stretch variations can really feel looser on the waistband and thigh by the top of the day if purchased very near the physique.
The broader leg opening disguises minor shrink and stretch adjustments.

511 Over Time

Stretch and superior stretch 511s will loosen up on the waistband, thighs and knees, particularly if they begin tight.
Inflexible 511s maintain a sharper line however take longer to interrupt in and are much less forgiving on muscular legs.
Due to the slender opening, small adjustments in inseam size and shrinkage are extra apparent on the ankle.

514 Over Time

Inflexible 514s soften into a cushty, neat straight jean with constant put on.
Stretch variations preserve consolation via the thigh whereas protecting a clear leg line.
The opening is extensive sufficient to cover small variations after washing.

Actual-World Sizing: Tagged vs Precise Measurements

Levi’s manufacturing runs aren’t completely uniform. Wash, manufacturing unit and material can all shift measurements in small however noticeable methods.

Measure a pair of denims you already like: waist (flat, doubled), thigh (at crotch stage), knee, leg opening and entrance rise.
Examine these numbers to any measurement charts or product measurements accessible for the 501, 505, 511 and 514.
Select the scale that provides a clear prime block and comfy rise first; then determine whether or not you need the straighter opening of the 501/505/514 or the slim opening of the 511.

Worth and Value: The place Every Match Sits within the Line-Up

All 4 suits sit in Levi’s core pricing vary, with will increase for selvedge, premium mills, particular collaborations or heavier jeans.

501: Usually positioned because the flagship jean; inflexible and Shrink-to-Match variations normally carry the strongest heritage story.
505: Priced equally however usually accessible in additional informal, on a regular basis washes.
511: Some of the widespread slim suits within the vary, steadily provided in new seasonal colours and materials.
514: A strong straight choice that typically prices the identical as 511 in like-for-like materials.

Premium pricing ought to mirror higher material, tighter building and extra considerate detailing. The underlying match sample stays aligned with the mannequin quantity.

Which Ought to You Purchase: 501, 505, 511 or 514?

If you need a transparent rule set to slender issues down, use this as a beginning guidelines:

Select Levi’s 501 if you’d like a basic straight jean with a structured prime block, are snug with a button fly and like the thought of denim that molds with put on.
Select Levi’s 505 if you’d like an everyday straight match with extra thigh room, a zipper fly and a simple on a regular basis really feel.
Select Levi’s 511 for those who want a slim silhouette, put on slimmer footwear and your thighs are on the slimmer or common facet.
Select Levi’s 514 if you’d like a neat straight leg that’s much less relaxed than the 505 however not as shut because the 511.

Begin out of your physique kind and the way you really transfer: choose the highest block that matches first, then determine whether or not straight or slim via the leg matches your wardrobe and footwear.

Condensed Comparability Abstract

Here’s a shorter desk if you wish to scan the primary variations rapidly.

Associated Guides

FAQs: Levi’s 501 vs 505 vs 511 vs 514

What’s the distinction between Levi’s 501 and 505?

The 501 is an unique straight match with the next rise and button fly. The 505 is an everyday straight match with a mid rise, zipper fly and extra thigh room.

Is 505 looser than 501?

Sure. The 505 typically has extra ease within the thigh and a wider leg opening than the 501, particularly in bigger sizes.

What’s the distinction between Levi’s 501 and 511?

The 501 has a mid-to-high rise, balanced thigh and straight leg. The 511 has a decrease rise, slimmer thigh and a slender slim leg opening.

How does Levi’s 514 evaluate to 501 and 505?

The 514 retains a mid rise and straight leg however is neater than the 505 and fewer roomy than a relaxed common match. It’s nearer to a contemporary straight than a pure workwear block.

Which match is greatest for larger thighs?

Amongst these 4, the 505 is essentially the most forgiving, adopted by the 514. The 501 can work if sized rigorously. The 511 is the tightest via the thigh.

Ought to I select 501, 505, 511 or 514 if I need a timeless pair?

For a basic straight jean, go 501. For a relaxed common straight, select 505. For a contemporary slim, 511 is the choice. For a neat straight that fits most wardrobes, choose 514.