In this article we compare Levi’s 501 vs 511 jeans. The 511 jeans are a slim cut and the 501 jeans are a classic straight-cut, which means you can expect the 501 jeans to fit looser than the 511 jeans, especially below the knee.
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If you prefer slim jeans, these are your best Levi options:
- Levi’s 512 Jeans – Slim Taper Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – Slim Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi’s 513 Jeans – Slim Straight Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi’s 527 Jeans – Slim Bootcut Fit – (click here to view)
If you prefer a looser, straight fit, these are your best Levi 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 559 Jeans – Relaxed Straight Fit (click here to view)
In this article we are going to focus specifically on comparing the 511 vs 501 Levi jeans. I will use real photos of the jeans that I own (I own both the 511 and 501). I actually wear the 511 quite a bit and have owned several different pairs of 511 jeans over the years.
Again, the 511 jeans are a slim cut and the 501 jeans are a classic straight-cut, which means you can expect the 501 jeans to fit looser than the 511 jeans, especially below the knee. Here is a look below the knee at my jeans:
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – 14.5″ leg opening:
- Levi’s 501 Jeans – 16″ leg opening:
What is the difference between the Levi’s 501 vs 511?
The difference between Levi’s 501 and 511 jeans is the 501 jeans have a straight cut with a 16″ leg opening and the 511 jeans have a slim cut with a 14.5″ leg opening. Although the 511 jeans don’t fit skin tight, if you prefer a looser fit, you will want to go with the 501 jeans over the 511 jeans. And likewise, if you prefer a tighter fit, you will want to go with the 511 jeans.
| 511 | 501 | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Fit | Slim | Straight |
| Leg Opening | 14.5″ | 16″ |
| Sits | Below Waist | Sits at Waist |
| Fly | Zip | Button |
*This article is property of workwearcommand.com. The check price links in the table above are affiliate links to Amazon (info).
Levi’s 501 vs 511 Fit
As we discussed above, there is a significant difference in fit between the 501 and the 511 Levi jeans. The 511 is a slim cut from the hip through the ankle, and is the better choice for men looking for a tighter fit.
Although the 501 jeans are a looser cut in comparison to the 511 jeans, don’t think of the 501 jeans as baggy jeans. The 501 jeans are a straight cut jean.
Straight cut jeans are looser than slim jeans, but I was actually a little surprised when I tried the 501 jeans for the first time. The Levi 501 jeans actually fit a bit tighter through the thighs than I expected they would.
Now, to be clear, the 501 jeans are not tighter than the 511 jeans. Even though the 501 jeans are listed as straight jeans, I personally think of them as a sort of hybrid between slim jeans and straight jeans.
Levi does have a slim-straight hybrid already (the 513 jeans), and having also owned the 513 jeans, the 501 jeans are a bit looser than the 513 jeans. But overall, the 501 jeans show a bit more shape through the thighs than other types of straight jeans.
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – Slim from hip through ankle:
- Levi’s 501 Jeans – Regular straight cut through ankle:
***This article is property of workwearcommand.com***
What size to order?
In my experience, both the 511 and 501 jeans have a true-to-size fit, meaning the waist and the length was what I expected. As I mentioned earlier, I wear the 511 jeans a lot and have owned several pairs over the years. I think only once did I feel like the waist was a bit too tight. My recommendation is to order your normal sizing.
501 vs 511 Leg Opening
The leg opening in the 511 vs the 501 jeans is one of the most significant differences in these jeans. As we discussed above, the 511 jeans have a slim cut from the hips through the ankle. They also have a slim leg opening of only 14.5 inches.
The 501 jeans have the straight cut and therefore have a wider leg opening than the 511 jeans. The 501 jeans have a 16 inch leg opening. Here is a look at my 511 jeans and my 501 jeans so you can see the difference in leg opening size:
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – 14.5″ leg opening:
- Levi’s 501 Jeans – 16″ leg opening:
As you can see, the 501 jeans are a baggier down near the ankle than the 511 jeans. Again, if you prefer more of a relaxed fit, you will want to go with the 501 jeans.
501 vs 511 Fly
It is worth noting that the fly on the 501 pants is different than the fly on the 511 pants. The 511 pants have a traditional zip fly with button closure, but the 501 Levi’s have a button fly. Here is the zip fly of the 511 and the button fly of the 501:
Levi’s 501 vs 511 Pictures
511 Jeans
501 Jeans
Where to Buy 511 and 501 Jeans?
511 Jeans
Click here to buy the Levi 511 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Remember these jeans are a true slim fit from hip to ankle. ***In my opinion, the two best colors are Club Space, which is a casual blue (view at Amazon) and Briar Knoll, which is a darker blue (view at Amazon).
501 Jeans
Click here to buy the Levi 501 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These jeans are straight jeans through the ankle. ***In my opinion, the two best colors are Sey, which has a casual look (view at Amazon) and Anchor, which is a darker blue (view at Amazon).