Levi’s 501 vs 513 Jeans Compared [What’s the Difference?]


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This article is a comparison of Levi’s 501 vs 513 jeans (using real photos). The 513 jeans are slim-straight jeans while the 501 jeans are original straight fit jeans. In general, expect the 501 jeans to be a bit looser than the 513 jeans, especially in the thighs.

If you prefer slim jeans, these are your best Levi options:

If you prefer a looser, straight fit, these are your best Levi options:

The 513 jeans will be tighter, especially though the thighs. Here is a look at my 513 jeans sitting on top of my 501 jeans:

levis-501-vs-513-jeans

The 501 jeans are also a bit looser below the knee than the 513 jeans (although not by much), and the 501 jeans also have a slightly bigger leg opening. Here is another look at my 513 jeans (dark blue) sitting on top of my 501 jeans (light blue):

levis-501-vs-513-leg

Here is what my 513 jeans look like near the leg opening:

leg-opening-513-levis-shoe

Here is what my 501 jeans look like near the leg opening:

501-levis-leg-opening-shoe

In this article we are going to focus specifically on comparing the 501 vs 513 Levi jeans using real photos. Below, we will begin our comparison by discussing the difference in fit between the 501 and 513 jeans.

  • Levis 501 Original Jeans – This is one of Levi’s most iconic styles. The 501 jeans have a regular cut through the thigh, and a straight cut below the knee. They will show some shape through the hips and thighs. We review these jeans in this article. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • Levi’s 513 Men’s Jeans – These are slim-straight jeans. They have a slim fit in the thighs combined with a straight fit below the knee. Multiple colors available. We review these jeans in this article. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

What size to order?

In my experience, both the 501 and 513 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. Remember that the 513 jeans are made to be slim through the hips, so expect those jeans to be fitted above the knee.

Levi’s 501 vs 513 Fit

Yes, these are both straight leg Levi’s jeans, but the fit will differ.

What is the difference between Levi’s 501 and 513?

The difference between the Levi 501 and 513 jeans is although both styles show some shape in the thighs, and have a straight cut below the knee, overall the 501 is the looser fit. The 501 jeans fall to a 16″ leg opening, and the 513 jeans fall to a 15.75″ leg opening. The 501 jeans are made to sit at the waist, and the 513 jeans are made to sit just below the waist.

513501
FitSlim-StraightRegular-Straight
Leg Opening15.75″16″
SitsBelow WaistSits at Waist
FlyZipButton

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Again, overall you can expect these jeans to have somewhat of a similar fit. The 513 jeans will be tighter, especially though the thighs. Here is a look at my 513 jeans sitting on top of my 501 jeans:

levis-501-vs-513-jeans

As you can see, the 513 jeans have a slimmer cut through the thighs than the 501 jeans. But I do want to emphasize that the 501 jeans will not be baggy through the thighs. Here is a look at me wearing the 501 jeans and the 513 jeans:

The 501 jeans are also a bit looser below the knee than the 513 jeans (although not by much), and the 501 jeans also have a slightly bigger leg opening. Here is another look at my 513 jeans (dark blue) sitting on top of my 501 jeans (light blue):

As you can see, there is a bit more space in the 501 jeans below the knee, but overall the fit of these jeans is similar. It is also important to remember that the 501 jeans are built to sit at the waist and the 513 jeans are built to sit just below the waist.

501 Jeans

501 Colors

This is where you can browse all the colors available for the 501 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

513 Jeans

513 Colors

This is where you can browse all the colors available for the 513 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Leg Opening

As we discussed earlier, the leg opening in the 501 vs 513 jeans is slightly different. Although both have a straight cut below the knee, the 501 jeans have a slightly bigger leg opening. Here are the leg opening sizes for these jeans:

  • Levi’s 501 Jeans – 16″ Leg Opening
  • Levi’s 513 Jeans – 15.75″ Leg Opening

Here is a look at how my 501 and 513 jeans fit near the ankle:

501 Jeans

513 Jeans

***This article is property of workwearcommand.com***

Other Options Besides 501 and 513

  • If you prefer a slimmer fit, as we have discussed, the 513 jeans will be the better option for you. If you think even the 513 jeans might not be slim enough for you, then consider the 511 jeans. The 511 jeans are a true slim fit from the hip through the ankle, while the 513 jeans are just a slim fit above the knee. Click here to view the 511 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • If you prefer more of a regular fit that doesn’t look too slim, then you will want the 501 jeans over the 513 jeans. If you are concerned even the 501 jeans might be a bit too slim, I would suggest checking out the 505 jeans. The 505 jeans are very similar to the 501 jeans, only they have a bit more room built in. Both have a regular fit in the thigh with a straight fit below the knee, but expect the 505 jeans to give you a bit more breathing room overall. Click here to view the 505 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
  • If you are interested in the 513 jeans, I would suggest you also consider the 527 jeans. The 527 jeans are very similar to the 513 jeans, only the 527 jeans have a boot cut leg opening. Above the knee, they are both slim fit, but below the knee, the 527 jeans have more room to work with. If you are needing boot cut jeans that pair easily with work boots for the job, I would recommend checking out the Levi 527 Jeans. Click here to view the 527 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Where to Buy?

501 Jeans

This is where you can buy the Levi 501 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate links takes you to Amazon.com). In my experience, these jeans fit true to size.

513 Jeans

This is where you can buy the Levi 513 jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). In my experience, these jeans fit true to size.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

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