What size 501 should I buy?

When buying 501s, expect to go up at least two to three sizes from your regular waist. For a boyfriend fit, go closer to four sizes Also, note that fit can vary slightly by decade. Levi's has a pretty comprehensive guide, but basically: The older the pair, the more high-waisted and stiff they'll be.

What size should I buy my 501 jeans?

If you're not going to wash your rigid Levi's 501® jeans, buy one size smaller in the waist and buy your true size for length.

Should I size up in Levi 501?

For those who want to machine wash and dry the jeans, we recommend sizing up. For your waist, increase 1" for sizes 27"-36", 2" for 38"-48", and 3" for 50" and up. And for your inseam, increase 3" for sizes 27"-34" and 4" for 36" and up.

How are Levi's 501 supposed to fit?

The fit sits at the waist and has a straight leg that is regular through the thigh. While I wear wider leg chinos and slim-fit jeans as well, the democratic fit of the 501 feels like home — it's comfortable and allows my personality to show.

Do Levis 501s stretch out?

The fabric is not just any run-of the-mill stretch denim. The design team worked with fabric developers to develop a 501® proprietary fabric that has all the properties of the original Shrink-to-Fit fabric, but with stretch.

Ultimate Buying Guide To Levis Jeans (501, 502, 511, 541, 510)

Will 501 jeans shrink?

The 501 is not sanforized. That is a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage. After sanforization the pants will only shrink about 1% in wash. But without it, a pair of raw denim will shrink up to 10% after the first wash!

Why are Levi's 501 so popular?

In addition to its reputation for craftsmanship and a democratic fit, denim expert and trend forecaster Samuel Trotman thinks that it's stories like Bing Crosby's that have made the jeans so much more than just a sturdy pair of pants. “It is the ultimate original jean, I guess.

Is 501 a low rise?

The Levi's 514™ are a modern take on the classic 501®, designed with a slimmer leg without being skinny. A low rise that sits just below the waist and a regular fit through the thigh make the 514 your perfect casual jean.

Should Levis fit tight at first?

Buy your regular size. Yes, they will be tight at first and they should be if you want them to mold to your body and give you that perfect fit or in Miles John's words (Levi Strauss & Co's former creative director): “They should feel tight.

Are 501s high waisted?

Since I do size up, and since 501s are, fundamentally, a high-rise, straight-leg, 100% cotton jean…the waist gets a bit big. These jeans do stretch out over time.

What is the difference between Levi's 501 and 505 jeans?

The main difference between Levi's 501 and 505 jeans is that the 505 features a wider thigh and a looser fit. Both the 501 and 505 jeans have straight-cut legs below the knee with a narrow leg opening. The 501 usually has a button fly, while the 505 always has a zipper closure.

How many sizes shrink to fit shrink 501?

Most Levi's STF do not shrink 10% as advertised, many tend to shrink between 6-8% after the first wash. If you buy an anti-fit pair like the 1933's or 1955's 501, shrinking will not change the overall fit of the jean. It will just become smaller but the straight fit will stay a straight fit.

Do Levi jeans run small?

One important note on these jeans: they run VERY small. Like I said above, I typically wear a 26 in most other denim brands, and a 27 in the other Levi's styles I own but I wear a 28 in these. So I would suggest going up two sizes… which seems crazy, but trust me on this one!

How do you break in a 501 jeans?

Soak Your Jeans

But for those who are willing to sacrifice some immediate fades, soaking is a great way to expedite break-in. After giving them an initial cold soak, let them air dry to a slightly damp level. At that close-but-not-completely-dry stage, put the jeans on and go about your day.

How do you wash Levis 501 without messing them up?

Yes, vinegar. Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to a cold water bath and soak your jeans for about an hour. Hang or lay flat to dry, and don't worry about smelling like vinegar—the odor goes away after your pants dry. This technique locks in the dye's color, keeping your jeans dark and your furniture clean.

Are 501s still cool?

As the overall style of the Levi's jeans 501 model hasn't changed much over the years, it can be seen as more of a dealbreaker. These jeans are meant to be timeless, not fleeting. With that in mind, the Levi's 501 model will work wonderfully with someone who has a more classic style and fit.

Who wears 501 jeans?

They've been worn by everybody who's anybody: cowboys, cowgirls, rock stars, presidents, rebels, style icons. Our 501^® Original Jeans are the ultimate blank canvas for however you dress. And since their inception in the late 1800s, they've been constantly evolving, just like the fashion world.

What weight denim are Levi's 501?

Levi's 501 Shrink-to-Fit (STF) Raw Denim Jeans

Fabric weight: 12.5 Oz.

How do you wash 501 jeans without shrinking them?

Washing with cold water protects against fading and shrinking. Turn your jeans inside out and avoid harsher soaps to preserve that indigo shade. Cold water also saves energy (and money), making it better for your jeans, your wallet and the environment.

Are 501s tight?

All The 501 Skinny Jeans. Now let's get into all the pairs I ordered and tried. Please note: All of them except for one are 100% cotton. At first, they are tight on hips and legs, and I don't recommend sizing up unless you want a baggy fit.

Should I size up in non stretch denim?

Here's a pro-tip for you: “With non-stretch denim, you can expect the jeans will expand slightly as they shape to your body, so be sure to buy them on the snug side,” Guenza advises.

Should you size down with stretch denim?

Any good denim expert worth their weight in gold will tell you to “always take the smaller size when you can”. The reason is that denim stretches up to half a size, even if it says otherwise on the label.

What does 501 mean in Levis?

501® is used to designate the famous copper-riveted waist overalls. We don't know why this number was chosen. We also made a 201 jean, which was a less expensive version of the pants, as well as other products using other three-digit numbers.