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When comparing Levi’s 505 vs 550 jeans you can expect the 550 jeans to have a roomier cut, especially through the thighs and knees. But it is important to understand that although the 505 jeans are slimmer than the 550 jeans, the 505 jeans are not a slim fit. Here is a look at my 505 jeans sitting on top of my 550 jeans:
If you are shopping for Levi men’s jeans, quickly, here’s what you need to know about some of their most popular styles:
- Levi’s 514 Men’s Jeans – The fit of the 514 jeans is going to fall somewhere in the middle between the 505 and the 550. The 514 jeans are a slight bit looser than the 505 jeans, and a slight bit tighter than the 550 jeans. The 514 jeans have a classic straight cut that isn’t too baggy or too tight. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levis 501 Original Jeans – The 501 jeans are often compared to the 505 jeans. From owning both, I can tell you to expect the 501 jeans to fit a bit tighter in the thighs than the 505 jeans. This is one of Levi’s most iconic styles. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levi’s 569 Men’s Jeans – These jeans are a loose-straight fit. The 569 jeans are one of the loosest fits you can find. If you prefer plenty of breathing room for your legs, you will want to consider the 569 jeans. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levi’s 505 Men’s Jeans – Regular straight cut that won’t hug your legs, but will be a bit slimmer than the 550 jeans These jeans are a popular in-between cut for those who want a fit to show some shape, but don’t want the jeans to hug their legs. We will review these jeans in this article. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levi’s 550 Men’s Jeans – The 550 jeans are styled very similarly to the iconic 501 jeans, only they have extra room in the seat and thighs. These jeans have a relaxed fit, with a leg that tapers near the ankle to show some shape. We review these jeans in this article. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
In this article we are going to focus specifically on comparing the 505 vs 550 Levi jeans using real photos. Below, we will begin our comparison by discussing the difference in fit between the 505 and 550 jeans.
What size to order?
In my experience, both the 505 and 550 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. Just remember that the 550 jeans have a very relaxed fit, and come with space built in.
Levi’s 505 vs 550 Fit
What is the difference between Levi’s 505 and 550?
The difference between the Levi 505 and 550 jeans comes down to fit. The 505 jeans are a regular straight jean that is going to be a sort of in-between fit (not too tight or too baggy). The 550 jeans are going to be a more relaxed fit than the 505 jeans, with more space in the legs (although neither style will hug your legs). The 505 jeans fall to a 16″ leg opening, and the 550 jeans fall to a 16.5″ leg opening.
| 505 | 550 | |
| Fit | Straight | Relaxed |
| Leg Opening | 16″ | 16.5″ |
| Sits | Sits at Waist | Sits at Waist |
| Fly | Zip | Zip |
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Again, overall you can expect the 550 jeans to have a roomier cut, especially through the thighs and knees. But it is important to understand that although the 505 jeans are slimmer than the 550 jeans, the 505 jeans are not a slim fit. Here is a look at my 505 jeans sitting on top of my 550 jeans:
As you can see, the 550 jeans (dark blue) on the bottom have more space in the thighs than the 505 jeans. The 550 jeans also have more space below the knee (including a slightly larger leg opening):
Here is a look at me wearing both the 505 and the 550 jeans. Again, overall both of these jeans have a sort of relaxed feeling when you wear them.
505 Jeans
505 Colors
These are the colors that are available for the 505 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
550 Jeans
550 Colors
These are the colors that are available for the 550 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Leg Opening
As we discussed earlier, the leg opening in the 505 vs 550 jeans is slightly different. The 550 jeans will have a slightly larger leg opening than the 505 jeans:
- Levi’s 505 Jeans – 16″ Leg Opening
- Levi’s 550 Jeans – 16.5″ Leg Opening
There is a bit of difference in fit below the knee. The 505 jeans have a straight cut below the knee, and the 550 jeans slightly taper near the ankle. Here is a look at how my 505 and 550 jeans fit near the ankle:
505 Jeans
550 Jeans
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Other Options Besides 505 and 550
- If you prefer more of a regular fit (a fit that isn’t too tight or too baggy), then between these two styles you will want to choose the 505. If you think even the 505 jeans might be a little too loose and baggy, then I would recommend considering the 501 jeans. The 501 jeans are a straight fit that will show some shape in the thighs. The 501 jeans are a little bit slimmer than the 505 jeans. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- If you prefer a loose fit, then between the 505 and the 550, you will want to choose the 550 jeans. If you are concerned even the 550 jeans might be a bit too tight, then I would suggest checking out the 569 jeans. The 569 have a loose-straight fit and give your legs plenty of breathing room. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- If you want to consider another brand, the Lee Premium Select Classic-Fit Straight-Leg Jeans will have a similar fit to the 505 jeans. Lee is another trusted name in jeans. This pair of Lee jeans has the classic straight fit from the hip through the ankle, and can fit in both casually and professionally. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Where to Buy?
505 Jeans
Click here to buy the Levi 505 jeans at Amazon (affiliate links takes you to Amazon.com). Again, in my experience, these jeans fit true-to-size. This is my favorite color for the 505 jeans.
550 Jeans
Click here to buy the Levi 550 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Remember, these jeans will be more relaxed through the legs than the 505 jeans. This is my favorite color for the 505 jeans.