Men’s Levi’s Jeans | Ultimate Buying Guide

Good-quality men’s Levi jeans are a timeless wardrobe staple. Why? Because they’re:

• Versatile
• Long-lasting
• Comfortable

The challenge is finding the right pair for you. There are at least ten different straight-cut options to choose from on their site. You could spend hours browsing online or trying on different pairs in-store.

The wrong pair will make you feel uncomfortable and look shapeless. The perfect pair of men’s Levi’s jeans will be one of the most comfortable, great-looking trousers you have ever owned. They will feel like a broken-in leather jacket.

That’s why I’ve put together all the key information you need in one place. Quickly find the perfect Levi’s, regardless of the men’s body shape you have or the stretch you need, with this Levi’s jeans ultimate buying guide.

All the essentials are here. First, I explain the terminology Levi’s uses. Then, I cover every pair of men’s Levi’s jeans from the slimmest to the loosest. I share the fit, materials, and the most popular color options (with extra information when the name doesn’t tell you much!). Plus, my own personal color recommendations and how to pair these jeans.

Without further ado, here are the ‘lot numbers’ of every pair of men’s Levi’s in order of fit from slim to loose. If you already know what pair you’re looking for, you can click to go right to it.

First up, the terminology you need to make the all-important purchase decision:

Crash Course In Levi’s Terminology – Your Guide To Jeans

Water Less: The vast majority of clothes sold today are pre-washed and jeans are no exception. This uses a lot of water and harmful chemicals. Levi’s has developed a more efficient and environmentally-friendly washing method and can be found on roughly 60% of jeans they make.

Elastane: This is the synthetic fiber that gives jeans stretch. Levi’s adds 1% or 2% in the waistband of their jeans to give you room for adjustment.

TENCEL lyocell: The brand name of a soft, plant-based hypoallergenic fiber with moisture management properties. Normally used in athleisure, Levi’s has woven it into some pairs of jeans to make exercise and outdoor activities more comfortable.

Flex: A material unique to Levi’s woven into the horizontal weft threads of jeans. Flex jeans have extra give and flexibility without jeans losing their shape. If you cycle to work this could be for you.

Stonewashed: The name comes from the original method of pre-washing jeans with large rocks in the washer to give them the broken-in appearance many men look for. Expect white fading on the knees and maybe ‘whisker’ patterns further up on the thigh.

Leg opening: The width of the cuff at the bottom of a pair of jeans tells you how tight-fitting or roomy they will be around your calves and ankles. A smaller, tight-fitting leg opening like 13.5” will be a better choice for a young, slim man looking to wear smart leather brogues or sneakers. A larger leg opening like 18.5” will be more comfortable for an older, muscular or larger man and will also allow more room for the high top of boots.

Now we know how Levi’s describes their jeans, let’s start with the slimmest pair on offer!

Levi’s 510 (True Skinny Jeans)

Levi’s says the 510s look like skinny jeans without feeling like one. If you have a thin build, this is a great option that will help you avoid the ‘boxy’ look straighter jeans can sometimes give you.

There is no mistaking this as anything other than skinny jeans but they are right in that the stretch materials woven into these jeans make them much more comfortable than first appearances may suggest.

Colors

• Boat Load – Dark Wash
• Moto Cross – Dark Wash
• Paros Pebbles – Medium Wash
• Hard Hitter – Medium Wash (pale blue with large paler fades)
• McFrosty – Light Wash (very pale blue)

Materials

• 70% Cotton
• 28% TENCEL lyocell
• 2% Elastane

Fit

• Sits at the waist
• Skinny in the seat and thigh with an extra-skinny leg
• Skintight leg opening: 13”

The Best Color

I’m going to suggest McFrosty because it’s a brilliant name. Just kidding, this is a really clean-looking option where the lack of knee fades compensates for the casual nature of the pale color. Great for warmer weather!

Pairing Recommendation

Pair these with a navy polo and suede Chukka boots for a look that skews casual but elevates you above anyone wearing a T-shirt and sneakers. 

Levi’s 512 (Slim-Taper Fit)

This is a great option for a slimmer man who wants men’s Levi’s jeans that skew skinny but doesn’t want to go all-in on skintight jeans.

The 512s give you a noticeable taper without being too constrictive.

Colors

• Dark Hollow – Dark Wash (black)
• Native Cali (black with slight knee fades)
• Goldenrod – Medium Wash (medium blue with slight knee fades)
• Sin City – Light Wash (pale with slight knee fades)
• Harvest Gold – Brown (dark sand-colored)

Materials

• 68% Cotton
• 31% Lyocell
• 1% Elastane

Fit

• Sits below the waist
• Lean hip and a skinny leg
• Skinny leg opening: 12.75”

The Best Color

Levi’s offers several pairs in different sand and khaki shades and this slightly darker shade sets these apart from the rest as the most formal. 

Pairing Recommendation

For a dress-down Friday situation at work, wear these with white leather tennis shoes, a blue button-down shirt, and an unstructured navy blazer.

Levi’s 502 (Fitted Comfort)

These are men’s Levi’s jeans with a subtle but streamlined and tapered leg. The subtlety at work here makes this pair one of the most versatile Levi’s offers.

You can wear these to the office, wear them at the weekend, wear them anywhere!

Colors

• Black Knight – Black
• Mid Knight Rinse – Dark Wash
• Blue Ride – Dark Wash (vivid dark blue)
• Corfu Too Static – Medium Wash (medium blue with slight knee fades and whiskers)
• Dorian – Medium Wash (light blue with knee fades)
• Eat The Popcorn – Light Wash (very pale blue)

Materials

• 70% Cotton
• 28% TENCEL lyocell
• 2% Elastane

Fit

• Sits below the waist
• Roomy thigh and a tapered leg
• Narrow leg opening: 14.5”

The Best Color

A versatile fit needs a versatile color and that’s ‘Blue Ride – Dark Wash’. It’s dark enough to work with a blazer and smart shirt, but the intensity of the dark blue color becomes more noticeable in casual situations.

Pairing Recommendation

Pair these with a thick flannel shirt, off-white henley, and dark brown work boots for an outdoorsy combination perfect for meeting friends on the weekend or even an office with a relaxed, casual dress code.

Levi’s 511 (True Slim Fit Jeans)

The 511s are where skinny meets slim. Let’s say you have a thin figure and want fitted jeans. But, at the same time, you need room for movement and activities without needing stretch materials. These are the men’s Levi’s for you.

Colors

• Native Cali (black)
• Frog Eye – Black (slightly faded black)
• Far Far Away – Black (faded black)
• Bee Eye – Black (pale black)
• Haley’s Comet – Dark Wash
• Myers Crescent Medium Wash
• Begonia – Medium Wash
• Myers Dust – Medium Wash (knee fades and rips)
• Pickles – Light Wash
• Castilleja (bright white)

Materials

Fit

• Sits below the waist
• Lean in the hip and a narrow leg
• Narrow leg opening: 14.5”

The Best Color

Slim and skinny jeans can sometimes skew casual but the dark indigo color of ‘Myers Crescent Medium Wash’ levels up the 511s. Slight knee fades add a little character here.

Pairing Recommendation

A navy zip-up sweater with a white collared shirt and dark brown brogues will make these slim jeans perfect for smart weekend events.

Levi’s 513 (Slimmed-Down Men’s Fit)

These are on the smarter, more tailored end of straight-cut jeans Levi’s offers. 

If you’re a thinner guy, looking to get a great fit and avoid the boxy look of classic straight-cut jeans, this is what I would recommend to you. These are office-friendly while still working for weekend activities and light exercise.

Colors

• Jet Black
• Emgee (medium wash with knee fades)
• Tree Topper – Medium Wash (whiskers and knee fades)
• Worn To Ride – Medium Wash (very pale with slight knee fades)

Materials

• 70% Cotton
• 28% TENCEL lyocell
• 2% Elastane

Fit

• Sits below the natural waist
• Slim through the whole leg (giving these a smarter look to them)
• Straight leg opening: 15.75”

The Best Color

Go with jet black for a modern, youthful look.

Pairing Recommendation

Pair these with black oxfords, a white button-down shirt and a gray prince of wales check blazer for a sharp look you can wear to the office or a smart weekend event.

Levi’s 531 (For Slim Athletic Builds)

Other men’s Levi’s will give you extra room to move but these are where Levi’s start moving with you.

531s are Flex jeans so we’re going to see lots of stretch and breathability thanks to the combination of Flex fabric, TENCEL lyocell, and elastane. Made for a modern, active lifestyle with performance fabrics, 531s are a far cry from the stiff ‘waist overalls’ Levi Strauss released way back in 1873.

Colors

• Cleaner (indigo)
• Myers Crescent (dark with contrasting knee fades)
• Orinda (knee fades)
• Goth Semi Pro – Blue (blue with light knee fades)
• Wolf Gala Apples – Green (not green, a pale blue color)

Materials

• 70% Cotton made with Flex fabric
• 28% TENCEL lyocell
• 2% Elastane

Fit

• Sits below the waist
• Extra room in the thigh area
• Straight leg opening: 13.5”

The Best Color

Myers Crescent gives you the formality of dark jeans with the character of fades that aren’t too faint to distract from the rest of what you’re wearing

Pairing Recommendation

Go for a brown herringbone blazer, a pale blue button-down shirt, and some tan brogues for an incredibly versatile smart-casual look.

Levi’s 501 (The Best Men’s Vintage Jeans)

This is the denim that defined what we call jeans today. This is the closest you can get to the original jeans Levi Strauss made in 1890 when lot number ‘501′ was first released with that iconic ‘two horses’ logo. Click here to discover the history behind the mark and other logos with hidden meanings.

If you want the men’s Levi’s classic, which works on a variety of builds and isn’t going out of style any time soon, this is the one for you. You also get a button fly for that original touch!

Colors

• Black
• Clean Rigid – Dark Wash (dark indigo)
• Rinse – Dark Wash (vibrant dark blue)
• Pomegranate – Dark Wash (slight knee fades)
• Dark Stonewash
• Unicycle – Dark Wash
• Unite – Medium Wash (knee fades)
• Medium Stonewash
• Uncanny – Medium Wash (dark with light knee fades)
• Light Stonewash (pale)
• Optic Daisy (bright white)
• Timberwolf Twill – Khaki

Materials

• 94% Cotton
• 5% Polyester
• 1% Elastane

Fit

• Sits at the natural waist
• Straight all the way through the leg
• Straight leg opening: 16” (Lots of room at the ankle)

The Best Color

You can always go with ‘Clean Rigid’ for the iconic look. To walk the path less traveled, the 501 are jeans with history so try ‘Pomegranate’ for a pair with some wear on them to match.

Pairing Recommendation

Wear a white henley and dark brown leather jacket with dark brown cap toe boots for a look that’s modern but has a tiny bit of Marlon Brando flair.

Levi’s 505 (The Best Relaxed Men’s Vintage Jeans)

These Levi’s gets a little less love than they deserve, often overshadowed by the iconic 501s.

This pair balances a classic look with just a little extra stretch than the 514s.

Colors

• Black
• Rinse – Dark Wash
• Dark stonewash (dark but vibrant 90s shade)
• Medium stonewash (medium, flecked look)
• Fremont Drop Shot – Medium Wash (light knee fades)
• Light Stonewash
• Shooting Star – Light Wash

Materials

Fit

• Sits at the natural waist
• Straight through the leg
• Straight leg opening 16”

The Best Color

Go for the ‘Rinse – Dark Wash’. These jeans give you the timeless classic without compromising on comfort.

Pairing Recommendation

Go for a green flannel shirt and some grey suede boots for a rugged but modern look.

Levi’s 514 (Modern Men’s Classic With Stretch)

These jeans are a very popular option and it’s all down to the classic look which is given a small modern touch with 2% elastane for stretch.

Not too baggy but not too slim, Levi’s aims for these to hit the sweet spot if the regular fit works for your body.

Colors

• Griffin Gray
• Kale – Medium Wash
• Orinda – Medium Wash (medium blue with slight knee fades)
• Corfu – Medium Wash (very pale blue)
• Walter – Medium Wash (pale with large fades)
• Earth Khaki Brown

Materials

• 99% Cotton made with Water<Less techniques
• 1% Elastane

Fit

• Sits below the natural waist (giving these a modern look)
• Regular fit all through the jeans
• Straight leg opening: 16”

The Best Color

I would try griffin gray to make these men’s Levi’s even smarter than they already are by almost turning them into chinos.

Pairing Recommendation

Try light brown Chelsea boots, a light blue polo shirt, and a denim jacket. Normally denim-on-denim can’t be done. But, it’s possible with these because it’s such a different look from regular jeans.

Levi’s 551 (Movement And Comfort Combined)

Levi’s has re-released their 1961 denim, the first ever to be pre-shrunk, but now made with sustainable techniques. What separates these jeans from the others?

These are much more casual, they are made to look worn-in (look at the fades). I would even say the 551’s have a counter-culture movement and 90s streetwear feel about them so these are jeans you can wear casually. These are proof that casual does not need to mean loose or baggy.

Colors

• Black (faded black, the gray color of older jeans)
• Dark Indigo (the darker shade of blue is used to create contrast with whiskers and knee fades)
• Medium Indigo – Boot Boogie (standard color shade)
• Medium Indigo – Rubber Worm (lighter, with fades on the knees)

Materials

• 77% Cotton
• 23% Hemp – softer and requires less water plus fewer chemicals than cotton

Fit

• Sits at your natural waist
• Relaxed through the hip and thigh
• Looser cut in the seat (gives you greater freedom of movement for activities – Levi’s say they had skateboarding in mind)
• Straight leg opening: 16.25″

The Best Color

The Dark Indigo is my choice here. It’s the epitome of smart-casual: this pair can be dressed up and down.

Pairing Recommendation

Try a green M65 field jacket (the collar and shoulder straps will build up your upper body), a dark red henley, and some brown Chukka boots.

Levi’s 517 (The True Bootcut)

This is the authentic bootcut jean. Expect a wide leg opening to accommodate work boots.

Many pairs of Levi’s have a feeling of history. The 501s are where it all started. Nothing quite compares though with the classic Western feeling that traditional bootcut jeans give you.

Colors

• Black
• Rinse – Dark wash (classic indigo)
• Medium Stonewash

Materials

Fit

• Sits at the waist
• Slim in the thigh with a regular leg
• Bootcut leg opening: 18.25”

The Best Color

A traditional cut calls for a traditional color. The classic indigo shade of ‘Rinse – Dark Wash’ is what will look best with your boots and the feeling of these jeans.

Pairing Recommendation

If you’re already wearing Western-style boots, these are the jeans for you. Pair your jeans and boots with a casual button-down shirt that has front pockets.

Levi’s 527 (The Modern Bootcut)

This is Levi’s contemporary take on bootcut jeans. You get the wide leg opening you would expect of a bootcut while the leg and thigh stay slimmer than the classic 517.

Colors

• Durian Super Tint – Neutral (indigo with large, pale fades)
• Bamboo Subtle – Neutral (Dark blue with pale knee fades)
• Explorer – Neutral (medium blue with slight fades)

Materials

Fit

• Sits at the waist
• Slim in the seat and thigh with a slim leg
• Bootcut leg opening: 18.25”

The Best Color

‘Bamboo Subtle – Neutral’ offers a great contrast between dark and light shades of blue.

Pairing Recommendation

For the modern Levi’s bootcut, try white leather tennis shoes and a white collared shirt made from linen for a combination with a relaxed summer feeling.

Levi’s 541 (Best Men’s Jeans For Muscular Legs)

This is a pair of jeans for a man who’s exercising and building muscle. As the technical fabric is built into these, they will give you a comfortable fit and make any workouts you do in these just that bit easier.

Improved comfort doesn’t mean your Levi’s have to be baggy though. Since these skew on the smarter end of casual, they won’t look out of place on a college campus or at a weekend meet-up with friends.

Colors

• Native cali (black)
• Too hot – black (faded black, more of a gray)
• Asphal – Gray
• The Rich Blue
• Walter – Medium Wash
• Cleaner Medium Wash
• Fresh Canyon – Medium Wash (mild knee fades)
• Bass Super Light – Light Wash (palest blue, large white thigh and knee fades)
• Harvest Gold – Khaki (the color of sand chinos)
• Castilleja Medium Wash (starch white)

Materials

• 65% Cotton made using Water<Less techniques
• 33% Polyester
• 2% Elastane

Fit

• Sits at the natural waist
• Smarter, almost tapered look
• Straight leg opening: 15.75”

The Best Color

‘Native Cali Black’ will emphasize your build and will get a natural fade over time which shows the way you move.

Pairing Recommendation

Go for a white flannel shirt for contrast with the black and a green bomber jacket which will give you flexibility too like the jeans.

Levi’s 550 (The Most Comfortable Jeans)

This is a pair Levi’s has had in their line since 1985 and there’s a reason for that. This is arguably the most comfortable pair they offer thanks to extra room throughout the hip, seat, thigh, and beyond.

Looser than the 501s and 505s, these might be the men’s Levi’s designed to be the most relaxing denim ever made.

Colors

• Black
• Rinse – Dark Wash
• Cliff – Dark Wash (very light, slight knee fades)
• Dark Stonewash
• Medium Stonewash
• Light Stonewash

Materials

• 100% Cotton made using Water<Less techniques

Fit

• Sits at the natural waist
• Levi’s say these are ‘baggy’ for comfort which is what this pair is all about
• Straight leg opening: 16.5”

The Best Color

‘Medium Stonewash’ is a versatile mid-blue I think is perfect for spring and early summer.

Pairing Recommendation

Pair these with an outfit you can easily layer in spring like a henley with a sweater and some white leather tennis shoes.

Levi’s 559 (The Relaxed-Straight Choice For Work)

This is a more formal Levi’s option and you can tell by the choice of colors. These come almost exclusively in dark shades of indigo.

Sitting below the natural waist keeps the 559s contemporary, these certainly aren’t your grandad’s jeans. For me, the classic color choices and modern fit make this feel like a bit of a sleeper in the men’s Levi’s range and goes underappreciated. It’s well worth checking out.

Colors

• Tumbled Rigid – Dark Wash
• Navarro – Dark Wash (dark whiskers)
• Range – Dark Wash (slight whiskers, general fade)
• Cleaner – Medium Wash

Materials

• 100% Cotton made using Water<Less techniques

Fit

• Sits below the waist, low rise
• Narrower than the 569 but still roomy all the way through
• Straight leg opening: 16”

The Best Color

‘Cleaner’ is a great color if you’re planning to make these jeans part of a smart, clean-cut, and uniform look for work.

Pairing Recommendation

Go for a white button-down shirt, a navy blazer, and a dark brown pair of derby shoes to keep the professional look going.

Unsure how to wear a button-up shirt with jeans? Click here for a simple guide.

Levi’s 569 (The Weekend Choice)

Levi’s says these jeans are roomy without feeling baggy. That makes them especially good for working in or spending an active weekend outdoors.

Colors

• Vintage light – blue
• Kale – dark wash
• Cleaner – dark wash (closest to indigo)
• Crosstown – dark wash (slight whiskers and knee fades)
• Black

Materials

Fit

• Sits below your natural waist
• Looser cut in the seat and thigh
• Roomy all the way down from the waist to the ankle
• Straight leg opening: 18.5”

The Best Color

For the 569’s I would choose ‘Kale’. It’s dark enough to look smart but also vibrant enough to be interesting, giving these the versatility to complement lighter-colored items.

Pairing Recommendation

Try a pair of brown heritage work boots, a fitted gray t-shirt, and a burnt orange overshirt.

This is every pair of men’s Levi’s I recommend you take a look at. I’ve added all the information you need over and above which can be found on the Levi’s website. I hope this makes that all-important purchase decision as easy as possible for you!

Summary:

Skinny

Slim

Straight

Bootcut

Relaxed

Click here to watch – The Ultimate Buying Guide To Levi’s Jeans (501, 502, 510, 511, 541)