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WOMEN'S FIND YOUR 501® FIT

Campaigns / 
February 2023

Split screen of women's 501® buttshot and multi jean flat lay with overlaid "501® Jeans" graphic lockupSplit screen of women's 501® buttshot and multi jean flat lay with overlaid "501® Jeans" graphic lockup

The 501® is one of our most famous fits, there are no bones about it. Its hundred-plus-year history literally put blue jeans on the map. And even though the original was a rough and tumble workwear pant, its easy wearability and durable construction quickly made it a fan favorite during off hours as well. So it's no wonder you already know what is arguably the most iconic denim style of all time. And because of its enduring fame and international reach, it only makes sense that we get a lot (and we mean a lot) of questions about the 501® fit itself, and the 501® fit family. “Woah woah woah,” we hear you say, “what is a fit family?” Well, let us tell you. Here at Levi’s®, we don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it's little tweaks that make all the difference—lengthen a hemline here, give a little more room in the seat over there—and voila suddenly you have a whole new look, but not a whole new fit. Enter fit family. The slouchier version of the 501® is not the 502, it’s the 501® ’90s. But what are the key differences that define each of these 501® variations? We break them down below to help you find the one that’s right for you.

The 501® is one of our most famous fits, there are no bones about it. Its hundred-plus-year history literally put blue jeans on the map. And even though the original was a rough and tumble workwear pant, its easy wearability and durable construction quickly made it a fan favorite during off hours as well. So it's no wonder you already know what is arguably the most iconic denim style of all time. And because of its enduring fame and international reach, it only makes sense that we get a lot (and we mean a lot) of questions about the 501® fit itself, and the 501® fit family. “Woah woah woah,” we hear you say, “what is a fit family?” Well, let us tell you. Here at Levi’s®, we don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it's little tweaks that make all the difference—lengthen a hemline here, give a little more room in the seat over there—and voila suddenly you have a whole new look, but not a whole new fit. Enter fit family. The slouchier version of the 501® is not the 502, it’s the 501® ’90s. But what are the key differences that define each of these 501® variations? We break them down below to help you find the one that’s right for you.

501® Original

The original version of the 501® was really made with men in mind—so the women’s version is definitely a departure from that in that the fit is oh so slightly tweaked for women. The end result, though, is the same. An iconic look and feel backed by a few key attributes. First is the fit. A not-too-skinny, but not super loose cut is what we call a “regular” fit here on the site. A higher 11-inch rise means that this fitted design hugs curves and defines your waist. A classic straight leg in a full length stays true to the 501®s historical roots. 100% cotton non-stretch denim is part of the Levi’s® magic. It starts off rigid—that’s how you know it’s long-lasting and durable—then breaks in overtime to become softer. And during that process, it conforms to your shape for an even better fit—if you can imagine it. We also broke with tradition to add juuuuust a little bit of stretch to select styles for a closer, more dynamic fit with the same iconic look.

Paneled shot of model in dark wash 501® Original jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

501® Crop

The 501® Crop was made with shoe lovers and the vertically challenged in mind. Here’s why. The cute cropped leg length is specially designed to skim the ankle bone of our standard-length model which gives her the perfect opportunity to show off her kicks. For those who don’t happen to be genetically blessed with a 30-inch inseam, the shorter cut means this version will fit them like the original is intended to. Inseam length aside, the 501® Crop is exactly like the 501®Original. It’s designed with a regular fit through the seat and thigh (read: fitted but not too fitted) and an 11-inch high rise. A straight leg is cropped for that cute shorter look we just discussed. This style is made in 100% cotton non-stretch denim or a stretchy version that moves with you depending on the wash.

Paneled shot of model in dark wash 501® Crop jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

501® Skinny

If the 501® and your favorite skinny jeans had a baby—it’d be the 501® Skinny. Let’s break down the design differences that make this happen. First, the rise. Spoiler alert: it’s the same as the OG at 11 inches but the key difference here is that it’s fitted through the hip and thigh instead of made with our “regular fit.” That means we’ve got a little more hug on those curves thanks to a slightly closer fit. The trend continues into the leg. A slim leg opening gives this look a sleek, sexy finish. To accommodate all this, we made all versions of this style with a little bit of stretch—enough to move with you, but not too much so as to disrupt the strong lines of the 501®.

Paneled shot of model in light wash 501® Skinny jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

501® '90s

Let’s shake up this round-up a little, right? Unlike the 501® Original, The 501® Crop or The 501® Skinny, the 501® ’90s has a totally different look and feel—or as different as you can get while being in the same family. We’re not calling this style the black sheep, but we’re not not. What’s the vibe? The 501® 90s are the slouchy low-key cousin of the 501®. They feature a loose fit through the hip and thigh and a 10.5-inch midrise for a look that's slouchy and low-slung. An extra long inseam (32 inches) and a straight leg make for a loose stacked look that feels ultra cool and of the moment. 100% cotton non-stretch denim brings structured volume into the mix. The end result? Effortless cool with an iconic twist.

Paneled shot of model in black distressed wash 501® '90s jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

NEW 501® '81

Remember the ’80s? They were pretty rad, right? Since we loved this decade so much we decided to add a new 501® fit as an homage to our fave decade—although we left the acid wash out of it this time around. Let’s talk fit. The 501® ’81 features a regular fit through the seat and thigh for a comfortable fit that’s never too fitted. A mid-rise is taken straight out of the decade in question for a classic upper with a timelessness that still feels relevant today. Next, the leg. It wouldn’t be an ’80s-inspired look without a tapered leg and this style is no exception. 100% cotton non-stretch denim anchors this look in 501® fundamentals for an iconic look with an old-school twist.

Paneled shot of model in light wash 501® '81 jeans with a red tag displaying product name and sample color swatches

And that’s a wrap. At least for now (we’re always adding new fits to the 501® family so stay tuned). In the meantime, if you’re looking for more iconic energy shop our full range of 501® fits in every wash and color imaginable here.

And that’s a wrap. At least for now (we’re always adding new fits to the 501® family so stay tuned). In the meantime, if you’re looking for more iconic energy shop our full range of 501® fits in every wash and color imaginable here.