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In this article we discuss the Levi’s 501 vs 505 jeans for men. These jeans are similar in that they are both regular fit jeans that are designed not to fit too loose or too tight. The biggest difference between these styles comes down to the thigh area. The 505 jeans have a roomier thigh.
If you are interested in regular straight fit Levi jeans, you should consider these options:
- Levi 501 Jeans – Original Fit Straight Leg – (click here to view)
- Levi 514 Jeans – Classic Straight Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi 505 Jeans – Regular Fit Straight Leg – (click here to view)
- Levi 513 Jeans – Slim Straight Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi 559 Jeans – Relaxed Straight Fit (click here to view)
***Here’s my advice. If you want a quick understanding of how Levi’s 501 vs 505 jeans differ, then watch my short 2 minute video posted below. If you like the video, please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the button below this paragraph. Thanks!
The biggest difference between the 501 vs 505 jeans occurs in the thigh. The 505 jeans have a roomier thigh. But because the difference is minimal, from a distance, it is very hard to notice. Here I am wearing the Levi’s 501 jeans (top) and the Levi’s 505 jeans (bottom):
Ultimately, these jeans are very similar. Both have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose, but the Levi’s 505 jeans are designed to be a tiny bit looser in the thigh. When I sit my 501 jeans on top of my 505 jeans, it becomes a bit easier to see the small difference:
Another notable design difference is the Levi’s 501 jeans use a button fly and the Levi’s 505 jeans use a zip fly.
- Levi’s 501 Original Jeans – The 501 jeans have a regular cut through the thigh, and a straight cut below the knee. We review these jeans in this article. This is the current price of these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levi’s 505 Men’s Jeans – The 505 jeans are perfect for those who want a relaxed thigh without the jeans being too baggy or sloppy. We review these jeans in this article. This is the current price of these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
In this article we will take a closer look at Levi’s 501 compared to 505 jeans so you can decide which style might make the most sense for you. I will use photos of the jeans that I own to help give you a better idea what to expect from each style.
What is the Difference Between the Levi’s 501 and 505?
The difference between the Levi’s 501 and 505 jeans is the 505 jeans have a more relaxed fit through the thigh in comparison to the 501 jeans. Both styles have a straight cut below the knee. The 501 jeans finish with a 17-inch leg opening, and the 505 jeans finish with a 16-inch leg opening.
Also, it is important to note that the 501 jeans use a button fly and the 505 jeans use a zip fly.
| 501 | 505 | |
| Fit | Original-Straight | Regular-Straight |
| Thigh | Regular | Roomy |
| Leg Opening | 17″ | 16″ |
| Front Rise | 12.25″ | 11″ |
| Sits | Sits at Waist | Sits at Waist |
| Fly | Button | Zip |
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Fit
What are Levi 501 Jeans?
The 501 jeans are what Levi’s describes as “original fit jeans” that have a “regular fit through the seat and thigh” with a “straight leg”. Ultimately, I would best describe these jeans as regular fit.
The 501 jeans have a classic 5-pocket styling with a button fly.
What are Levi 505 Jeans?
The 505 jeans are what Levi’s describes as “regular fit jeans” that have a “extra room through the seat and thigh” with a “straight leg”. These jeans don’t fit too tight or too loose, but they do fit a bit looser than the 501 jeans.
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Photos
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Front
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Side
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Side Back
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Back
Levi’s 501 Compared to 505 Layered
As we discussed earlier, the difference in fit is so minimal, it’s easier to see it when I put my 501 jeans on top of my 505 jeans.
Ultimately, these jeans are very similar. Both have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose, but the Levi’s 505 jeans are designed to be a tiny bit looser in the thigh and seat.
If you prefer jeans that give you breathing room (but you don’t want baggy jeans) the 505 jeans may be the better option.
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Leg Opening
The leg opening for the 501 and 505 jeans is something that has recently changed. It used to be that both of these styles were listed with a 16-inch leg opening. Now, the 501 jeans are listed with a 17-inch leg opening.
In the picture below, I have my 501 jeans sitting on top of my 505 jeans. If you look closely, you can see the 501 jeans are a little bit bigger near the leg opening.
Ultimately, the fit near the ankle is very similar for the 501 and 505 jeans. Here is how these jeans fit on me near the ankle:
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Fly
The 501 jeans have the classic button fly, so do not expect a zip fly on the 501 jeans. The 505 jeans have a standard zip fly with a button closure.
Here is a look at the fly of my 501 jeans (button) and 505 jeans (zip):
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Material
Both the 501 and 505 jeans come in a wide range of materials, including both 100% cotton fabric, and stretch fabric blend.
Obviously, you can expect a little bit more shrinking in the 100% cotton jeans.
Levi’s 501 vs 505 Jeans FAQ
What Size Should I Order?
In my experience, both the 501 and 505 jeans have a true-to-size fit, meaning the waist and the length was what I expected. My recommendation is to stick to your normal sizing when ordering these jeans.
Are Levi’s 501 Jeans Baggy?
No, Levi’s 501 jeans are not baggy. They are regular fit jeans that are designed to have a standard fit that isn’t too loose or too baggy.
Are Levi’s 505 Jeans Baggy?
Although Levi’s 505 jeans are not baggy, they do fit a bit looser than the 501 jeans. Still, it is best to think of these 505 jeans as regular fit jeans that won’t be too tight or too loose.
Are Levi’s 501 Jeans Bootcut?
Levi’s 501 jeans are not bootcut jeans. However, the leg opening is big enough to accommodate certain types of boots.
As for large work boots, I found the fit to be rather tight (but they did fit over the top). I will let you be the judge:
Are Levi’s 505 Jeans Bootcut?
Levi’s 505 jeans are not bootcut jeans. However, just like the 501 from above, the leg opening is big enough to accommodate certain types of boots.
I found them to fit over the top of large work boots, but it was a tight fit:
Are All Levi’s 501 Jeans Stretch?
Levi’s offers the 501 jeans in both stretch cotton fabric and 100% cotton fabric.
Are All Levi’s 505 Jeans Stretch?
Levi’s offers the 505 jeans in both stretch cotton fabric and 100% cotton fabric.
How to Choose Between Levi’s 501 vs 505 Jeans?
The top reasons to choose Levi’s 501 jeans include:
- Skinny Legs – The Levi’s 501 jeans have a regular fit, but they do fit a tiny bit tighter than the 505. If you have skinny legs, the 501 may be the better option.
- Button Fly – If you prefer a button fly, the 501 uses a button fly and the 505 uses a zip fly.
- Larger Leg Opening – The 501 jeans have a slightly larger leg opening than the 505 jeans.
The top reason to choose Levi’s 505 jeans include:
- Looser – If you need extra room in the seat and thigh area, the 505 jeans will be the better choice. Yes, they have a regular fit which means they aren’t super baggy, but they are looser in the thigh than the 501 jeans.
- Zip Fly – If you prefer a zip fly, the 501 uses a button fly and the 505 uses a zip fly.
Other Jeans to Consider Besides 501 or 505 Jeans
The difference between Levi’s 501 vs 505 jeans is quite minimal. As we have discussed, both have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. But what if you prefer tight or loose? What are your options?
If you prefer a tighter fit…
If you prefer a tighter fit than the 501 or 505 jeans, then you will probably want to try one of Levi’s slim jeans. Here are your best options:
- Levi’s 513 Jeans – These are slim-straight, which means they are slim above the knee, and a bit looser below the knee. To read more, visit my article about 501 vs 513.
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – These are Levi’s true slim jeans. They are slim both above and below the knee. To read more, visit my article about 501 vs 511.
For more tighter fit options, visit my article about the best Levi’s jeans for skinny guys. And to read more about the most popular types of slim jeans, visit my article about Levi’s 511 vs 512.
If you prefer a looser fit…
If you prefer a tighter fit than the 501 or 505 jeans, then you will probably want to try one of Levi’s slim jeans. Here are your best options:
- Levi’s 514 Jeans – These are what Levi’s calls a “classic straight fit”. In my experience, these fit looser than both the 501 and 505 jeans. To read more, visit my article about 505 vs 514.
- Levi’s 550 Jeans – These are Levi’s relaxed fit jeans. They also fit looser than both the 501 and 505 jeans. To read more, visit my article about 505 vs 550.