Levi's Fit Guide | Discover New Levi's® Collections

Levi's & Strauss are the undisputed kings of the denim game. We are firm believers that everyone should have a pair of Levi's, the iconic red tab is a sign of good things in our eyes. We wanted to help you guys out with a brief history and a rough guide to how things fit.

It wouldn't be much of a lesson on Levi's without a little history. Levi's and Strauss are the originators of the five pocket riveted jeans. The design was first patented in 1872 with the copper rivets used to reinforce the stress points. Jeans remained a staple of the working mans wardrobe until the 50's and 60's. The rise of youth culture solidified denim as a casual classic. From Hippies to Skinheads jeans played a crucial part in the wardrobes of kids and adults alike.

Words that might help you understand-

Rise- The rise on a pair of jeans is that part that goes from the centre of the leg seams all the way to the top fly button. The style of a jean can change depending on this for example a high rise means that your jeans would sit higher on the waist.

Taper- The taper on a leg is where it slims through the seam. This more tapered the leg of a pair of jeans is the slimmer they will fit.

Selvedge- Selvedge is the finished edge of a fabric. This is used on jeans to create a clean outer seam on the legs.

501's -

The 501 cut it the classic Levi's fit. Over the years it has changed but the essence remains the same, mid rise through the waist, straight through the leg with a slight taper towards the bottom. The 501 should be your go to jean for a classic straight fit. The Levi's 501 Original (Long Day) is the original straight leg cut with a selvedge finish, it's very much a purist Levi's jean.

511's -

Next up we have the 501's cousin. The 511 is a very similar pair of jeans. They have a medium rise through the waist, however they are a slim straight and taper from the thigh through to the ankle. The result is a closer fit without looking like you are wearing tights.