Levis 501™ Original Shrink To Fit Jeans - Dark Brown Rigid

Use this guide to compare Levi’s 501®, 510™, 511™, 514™, and 565™ men’s jeans.

Levi’s jeans use waist × inseam sizing.

Example: 32 × 30

• 32 = waist size
• 30 = inseam length

The inseam is measured from the crotch down the inside of the leg to the ankle or hem.

Fit Comparison

The measurements below are based on a size 32 waist. Measurements can vary slightly depending on the wash, material, stretch, or specific version of the jean.

These measurements come from Levi’s current product specifications for each fit and are based on size 32.

Understanding the Measurements

Front Rise
The distance from the crotch seam to the top of the front waistband. A larger rise generally means the jeans sit higher on the body.

Knee
The measurement around the knee area of the jeans. A smaller measurement creates a more fitted leg.

Leg Opening
The measurement around the bottom opening of the jeans. A smaller opening fits closer around the ankle, while a larger opening creates a wider appearance.

Inseam
The length from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the hem.

Levi’s 510™ Skinny

The 510™ is the tightest fit in this guide.

• Skinny throughout
• Narrow through the thigh and leg
• 13-inch leg opening
• Best for customers looking for a close, fitted appearance
• Usually made with stretch for easier movement

Levi’s lists the 510™ with an 11-inch front rise, 15¼-inch knee, and 13-inch leg opening in size 32.

Levi’s 511™ Slim

The 511™ provides a slim appearance without fitting as tightly as the 510™.

• Slim through the seat and thigh
• Slim leg
• Sits below the waist
• 14½-inch leg opening
• A good choice for customers who want a fitted but not skinny jean

Levi’s lists the 511™ with a 10¼-inch front rise, 16¼-inch knee, and 14½-inch leg opening in size 32.

Levi’s 501® Original

The 501® Original is Levi’s classic straight fit.

• Regular through the thigh
• Straight leg
• Sits at the waist
• 16-inch leg opening
• Traditional button fly
• Most versions use non-stretch denim

Levi’s lists the 501® Original with an 11¼-inch front rise, 17½-inch knee, and 16-inch leg opening in size 32.

Levi’s 514™ Straight

The 514™ has a classic straight leg but sits lower than the 501®.

• Regular through the thigh
• Straight leg
• Sits below the waist
• 16-inch leg opening
• Zipper fly
• Often available with a small amount of stretch

Levi’s lists the 514™ with a 10¼-inch front rise, 17½-inch knee, and 16-inch leg opening in size 32.

Levi’s 565™ Loose Straight

The 565™ is the loosest and widest fit in this guide.

• Loose throughout
• Extra room through the seat and thigh
• Straight leg
• 18-inch leg opening
• Best for customers looking for a relaxed or loose appearance

Levi’s lists the 565™ with a 12¼-inch front rise, 20-inch knee, and 18-inch leg opening in size 32.

Quick Fit Comparison

From tightest to loosest:

510™ Skinny → 511™ Slim → 501® Original → 514™ Straight → 565™ Loose Straight

The 501® and 514™ have similar straight-leg dimensions, but the 501® sits higher and uses a button fly, while the 514™ sits below the waist and uses a zipper fly.

Finding the Right Size

For the best fit, compare these measurements with a pair of jeans you already own.

• Measure the waist across the waistband.
• Measure the inseam from the crotch seam to the bottom hem.
• Consider the rise and leg opening when choosing between different Levi’s fits.
• Fit can vary slightly by wash, fabric, and stretch level.