Levi's 501 vs. 505 vs. 514: Differences and Reviews 2024
When you think of the word “denim,” chances are you think about Levi Strauss. Levi’s are to jeans are what Coca-Cola is to soda. They’re what Nike is to sneakers. Since the first pair of 501 jeans were released, all the way back in 1873, Levi’s craftsmanship, quality and nifty market sense have propelled the brand to become the most ubiquitous name in denim. However, there are a veritable variety of Levi’s numbers, and each Levi’s jean number corresponds with an associated fit. For example, straight jeans alone include models 501, 505, and 514, so it is difficult to determine which pair of Levi’s jeans is right for you. In this guide, I will take a deep dive on the differences of 501, 505, and 514 straight jeans from fit, cut etc. to help you find the pair best tailor-made for your lower half.
Levi's 501 vs. 505 vs. 514: Overview
1. Levi's 501
Official Price: from $69.50
Reviews: With a classic straight leg and iconic styling, the 501 Originals jeans, literally the blueprint for every pair of jeans in existence—burned into the world’s collective cortex ever since Levi Strauss (the man himself!) introduced them in 1873. With a versatile, straight fit and effortlessly cool silhouette, they’re designed to look good on literally everybody. The patented durable rivets and five-pocket styling keep them timeless, while their signature button fly adds authentic old-school flair.
While the production, quality, and materials of the 501 have changed over the last century, its fit and style remain relatively the same: straight-leg, medium-rise, with no taper. They are made of non-stretch 100% cotton or low stretch 99% votton and 1% LYCRA. Their style is neither skinny nor baggy and sits just above the hips for a flattering silhouette on any body type. Pair ‘em with boots or cuffed with sneakers–you won't get more classic than this.
2. Levi's 505
Official Price: from $69.50
Reviews: The 505 is the first zip-fly jean by Levi’s, created in 1967. With a similar cut to the 501, they sit at the waist, offer a bit more room in the thigh and have a straight fit down to the leg opening. Depending on the wash, you can find these in stretch with a 1% Lycra blend or non-stretch. Like the 501, this is a Levi’s classic. It pairs well with everything from shirts, sweaters, trucker jackets and outerwear.
The Levi's 505 is cut to sit at the waist with extra room in the thigh. It falls straight down to the ankle and has a 16.5" leg opening. The versatility of the straight leg is great for all body types with a few options crafted with elastane giving the 505 a nice range of motion and comfort. It's perfect for big and tall fans as well as those who aren't enthusiasts of the button-fly, nor jeans that fit skinny or baggy.
3. Levi's 514
Official Price: from $69.50
Reviews: Looking for a fit that's not too relaxed and not too straight? You're in luck—the 514 Straight jeans hit that sweet spot. The 514's sit slightly lower on the waist and are just slightly trimmed down and feature the classic zip fly, as opposed to the button fly of 501 styles of Levi's. Think of these jeans as a straight fit with modern, style-forward sensibilities. With their versatile, streamlined silhouette, they'll look just as good with a tee as they do with a button-up shirt.
Most 514 Straight jeans are made of 28% Lyocell (Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell), 2% LYCRA®® and 70% Cotton for high stretch, a few are made of 99% cotton and 1% elastane for low stretch. They are feature Levi’sFlex: their advanced stretch technology engineered for maximum flex and comfort. They're comfortable, easy to style, and have a classic look that will always be relevant.
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Levi's 501 vs. 505 vs. 514: Differences
Before diving into my in-depth discussion, look at the table below to get a key specs of them.
Levi's 501 | Levi's 505 | Levi's 514 | |
Material | 100% Cotton or 99% Cotton, 1% LYCRA | 100% Cotton or 99% Cotton, 1% LYCRA | 28% Lyocell (Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell), 2% LYCRA®®, 70% or 99% cotton, 1% elastane (LYCRA) |
Waist | 28 to 44 | 28 to 42 | 28 to 42 |
Length | 29 to 40 | 29 to 36 | 29 to 36 |
Washes | 23 | 26 | 18 |
Waistline | mid-rise | high-rise | mid-rise |
Placket | button-fly | zip-fly | zip-fly |
Leg opening | 17" | 16.5" | 16.5" |
Stretch | no stretch | no stretch | high stretch |
Fit
The 501 has a straight leg from the hip to the ankle (maybe with a slight taper). It is considered a classic fit that is comfortable and versatile.
The 505 has a much more pronounced taper. It has a slimmer leg that modernizes the cut without making it skinny. This cut is still on trend – yes the dad trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon – with its “regular” straight cut that is versatile and suits all body types. In fact, 505s inspired the Spring/Summer 2019 Balenciaga collection .
Slim and straight is the motto of the 514. That means it is slimmer through the hip and thigh compared to the 501 and 505 but still has a straight leg opening.
Waistline
The 505's sit higher on your waist than the 501's and 514's. Technically, the 501 and 514’s are “mid-rise” — they're supposed to sit below your belly button, and the 505's are “high rise” — they’re supposed to sit at your belly button. If you're wear your jeans at the same spot no matter what, that means the 505’s will have more room around the crotch than the 501's and 514's.
It's worthing mentioned that the waist on the 514 sits lower …below your normal waist line …than the 501's.
Stretch
Most Levi's 501 and Levi's 505 are made of 100% cotton whcih make them no stretch. But the two style sometimes made with 1% elastane mixed in with the cotton, so a few denim has a bit of stretch.
The Levi's 514 feature high stretch which are made of 28% Lyocell (Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell), 2% LYCRA®® and 70% Cotton, only a few are made of 99% cotton and 1% elastane for low stretch. Their advanced Levi's Flex Eco Performance technology engineered for maximum flex and comfort.
Placket
The Levi's 501 offer signature button fly which add authentic old-school flair, while the the Levi's 505 and Levi's 514 has a zipper fly.
Leg Opening
The leg opening on the 501 is typically wider than that of the 505 and 514, reflecting its straight fit design.
The leg opening on the 505 resembles that of the 514, with a little extra room in the leg.
The leg opening on the 514 is narrowest, reflecting its slim straight fit design.
Bottom Line
The Levi's 501 are what legends are made of and can be worn by almost all body types and sizes because they are not too tight and not too loose, either. These old-school fit have these jeans sitting at your waist, roomy in the thigh, and with a straight leg.The button-fly style is timeless and evergreen. If you’re looking to achieve that timeless vintage look, this style references the past in a way that’s reverent rather than dated.
The Levi's 505 has a zip fly and a slimmer leg that modernizes the cut without making it skinny. Being a classic, this cut can be worn in almost all types of occasions and in all seasons. Don’t sleep on the Levi's 505, which actually fit a little better than Levi's 501 as far as I can tell.
The Levi's 514 have a slimmer but aren't skinny. They have one of the lowest rises of all Levi's. They're straight-legged, and a slim fit make this jean a must-buy for men who like to deviate a bit from the comfort-over-style old-school denim but are wary of skinny jeans.
Ultimately, the choice between the Levi's 501, Levi's 505 and Levi's 514 comes down to personal preference in terms of fit, rise, leg opening, and style. Trying on all the three styles in person can help you determine which one suits your body type and style preferences best.
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