Levi's CA: Redefining Denim Fashion on the Golden Coast

  
 

I am eagerly anticipating the team's feedback on Levi's renowned 501 straight-leg jeans, which have become an iconic classic. Our admiration for Levi's extends beyond this particular style, as their vintage-inspired washes are flawlessly executed, and the company's unwavering dedication to sustainable practices is truly commendable. Additionally, the affordability of Levi's products is noteworthy, with most items priced below $100.

Levi’s 501 Straight Leg Jeans: A Team Try-On & Review

For this team try-on, our guidelines were to try a pair of the original fit Levi's 501s. However, each editor had the freedom to choose their preferred length (regular, cropped, long) based on their height and personal preferences. Shopping for 501s can often be a perplexing task, as evidenced by Cam's accidental try-on of Levi's 501 skinnies. Surprisingly, this mishap turned out to be quite beneficial, as the upper portion of the jeans remained identical to the original 501s, with the only variation being in the legs.

Levi's 501 jeans are renowned for their rigid denim construction, which consists of 100% cotton and lacks any stretch. Consequently, finding the perfect size can be a challenging endeavor. However, this does not imply that they are not comfortable. Some of us, namely Jess and myself, prefer to size up by 1-2 sizes and wear them in a loose manner. On the other hand, Scotti and Julieta prefer their usual size, with Julieta even possessing a clever trick for breaking them in.

Depending on one's body type, some editors expressed concerns about a gap in the back of the jeans. However, if one carries their weight in the middle, this might not necessarily be a negative aspect (as demonstrated in my own approach below). Alternatively, one can adopt Amy's strategy, where she compared her 501 original fit with her beloved Levi's Wedgie Straight fit, and the notable disparity between the two lies in that very gap.

My Take On Levi’s 501 High Waist Straight Leg Jeans & Original Cropped Jeans

Levi's 501s have quickly become one of my preferred pairs of jeans. To achieve a slightly relaxed and borrowed-from-the-boys look, I opt for one size up in this style. Normally, I wear a size 26, but I find that a size 27 fits me perfectly, allowing for a slouchy appearance.

Allow me to provide some additional context about my body type. I stand at 5'3" and possess a fairly straight figure. My weight tends to concentrate around my midsection. As I am now 45 years old, I have noticed a gradual increase in softness throughout my body. This may also contribute to my preference for looser-fitting jeans.

Overall, the Levi's 501s have become a personal favorite due to their ability to provide both comfort and style. By sizing up and embracing a more relaxed fit, I am able to achieve the desired aesthetic while accommodating my changing body.

My Levi's 501s are currently full-length and made of super soft, 100% cotton material in the 'Athens Dark' wash. The length is approximately 30", and I am loving the full-length look. In the past, I have purchased the cropped version of these jeans or altered them myself with scissors. Here is a brief comparison between the full-length and cropped styles.

If you are interested in observing my general approach to styling cropped Levi's 501s, I have previously written an article titled "The Best Shoes and Boots to Wear With Levi's 501s" (although I can only guarantee that the shoes are suitable for cropped 501s).

Now, let's discuss the issue of the back gap. As I tend to opt for a larger size and considering that 501s are essentially high-rise, straight-leg, 100% cotton jeans, the waist tends to become slightly loose. These jeans do stretch out over time. Since I prefer a more relaxed and slouchy appearance, I initially choose a size up and then secure the back belt loops together once they have been sufficiently worn in. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the posterior but also allows for a customizable fit, accommodating any fluctuations in bloating throughout the day.

Levi’s 501 Cropped Jeans, Scotti’s Take

Scotti initially didn't like Levi's 501 shorts, but was pleasantly surprised by the 501 jeans. After reading reviews about their sizing, she ordered multiple sizes and found that her regular size 28s fit perfectly. Although she had to break them in, she ultimately found them comfortable and was glad she didn't size up. 

Scotti is 5'4", 136 pounds, and has a pear-shaped figure with curves, including a booty. She is currently wearing Levi's 501 Cropped in 28x28, which is her usual size, and recommends the similar 30" length.

Due to our collective uncertainty regarding the precise definition of Levi's 501s, I made the decision to acquire multiple variations. I hold a fondness for these particular styles during the spring and summer seasons, yet I found it difficult to rationalize retaining more than a single pair. Allow me to clarify, as I am still in pursuit of the ideal denim shorts, I had to increase my size to a 29 in this particular model. 

Therefore, I recommend exploring various sizes when placing an order to determine the most suitable fit for your needs. However, it is important to bear in mind that these jeans do possess a tendency to stretch with prolonged use.

Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans, Laura’s Take

Laura raves about the 501 Original, particularly the crop style, which she pairs with her favorite mid-top sneakers. She loves the vintage vibe of the Athens Battle wash, complete with a busted knee that fits her athletic shape perfectly. Laura is 5'4" and chooses not to weigh herself, but typically sizes up to a 28 in rigid denim. While initially snug, she agrees with Scotti that they break in beautifully after a few wears.

Here are some of my frequently worn pairs, available in various washes. Additionally, I must mention that this jacket is my favorite and I am wearing a Medium size. However, it runs a little small.

Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans, Amy’s Take

Amy expresses her excitement about trying out the Levi's 501 Original Cropped jeans for the first time. As a devoted fan of the Levi's Wedgie Straight fit, she was intrigued to discover that these jeans were inspired by vintage 501 styles. After trying them on, Amy had a revelation that led her to favor one pair over the other.

For this particular try-on, Amy opted for the "Ra - Light Wash" color of the 501 Original Crop. Due to her recent pregnancy, her previous Levi's in size 28 had become too tight. Consequently, she decided to order these jeans in size 29 with a length of 28. Being 5'9" tall, Amy was thrilled with the additional length option provided by the Levi's website, which is not always available from other retailers. This allowed the jeans to be cropped perfectly on her long legs.

I opted for a size 29 initially, mainly because I lacked the patience to break in denim. However, I soon realized that the size was too big. Sizing up is not the most flattering choice when dealing with rigid denim like this, as it tends to create extra thick bulging fabric around the abdomen. I constantly found myself pulling up or smoothing out the jeans. 

Therefore, if you have a similar body shape to mine (straight with no hips), it is advisable to stick to your true size for a more flattering fit. Despite their larger size, I still loved these jeans. When I decided to exchange them for a smaller size, I unexpectedly hesitated when I thought about my favorite Wedgie Straight jean. Although the two pairs are almost identical, the Wedgie Straight combines the trendy leg style of the 501's with the added bonus of enhancing the appearance of a curvier behind (for those who don't naturally have one). 

I can understand why people obsess over the 501 Original, as they truly are remarkable. However, I am personally infatuated with how the Wedgie Straight wraps around my body and magically creates curves. Consequently, I returned the 501's and purchased a new Wedgie Straight in size 29 with a glorious 28-inch length.

Levi’s 501 Original Ripped Jeans, Jess’ Take

Jess expresses her enthusiasm for 501s and reveals her extensive collection, consisting of four different variations: Ripped Straight Leg 501s, Distressed Cropped 501s, 501 Skinny Jeans, and 501 original fit jeans. She acknowledges that one common concern with 501s is the rigid, non-stretch denim fabric. To address this, Jess shares her personal approach of ordering at least one size up, sometimes even two, and allowing for a few hours of wear to break them in and achieve optimal comfort.

Providing further context, Jess describes her physical attributes, stating that she stands at 5'7" with a curvy frame, wider hips, athletic legs, and a relatively flat buttocks. While she typically wears a size 28 in jeans, she finds that this size does not accommodate her when it comes to 501s. Consequently, she opts for a size 29×30, and also possesses a pair in size 30 for a more relaxed fit.