*This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (info)
In this article we compare Levi’s 511 vs 514 jeans. There is actually quite a bit of difference in these jeans. The 511 jeans are a slim cut and the 514 jeans are a straight cut. The 514 jeans will fit much looser than the 511 jeans, both above and below the knee.
If you prefer slim jeans, these are your best Levi options:
Levi’s slim and skinny jeans ranked by fit starting with the skinniest:
- 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)
As I mentioned above, there is actually a significant difference between the 511 vs 514 jeans. The 511 jeans are slim fit, and will show the shape of your leg, and finish with a slim leg opening. The 514 jeans will fit much looser both above and below the knee.
For example, here is a picture of my 511 jeans (white) sitting on top of my 514 jeans (blue):
As you can see, there is a significant difference in how those two styles are cut. The 511 jeans are much slimmer in the hip, thigh, and calf area.
And the leg opening is much different also. Here is a look at my 511 jeans and my 514 jeans near the leg opening:
511 Jeans
514 Jeans
If you are trying to decide between the 511 and the 514 jeans, the 513 jeans and the 501 jeans will also make a lot of sense because they both are a sort of middle ground between the 511 and 514 jeans.
What is the difference between the Levi’s 511 and 514?
The difference between the Levi’s 511 and 514 jeans is the 511 jeans have a slim cut with a 14.5″ leg opening, and the 514 jeans have a straight cut, which has a wider 16.5″ leg opening. This means you can expect the 514 jeans to have a roomier fit and wider leg opening than the 511 jeans.
| 511 | 514 | |
| Fit | Slim | Straight |
| Leg Opening | 14.5″ | 16.5″ |
| Sits | Below Waist | Below Waist |
| Fly | Zip | Zip |
Levi’s 511 vs 514 Fit
The 511 jeans and the 514 jeans do differ in fit. First, it is important to note that even though the 514 jeans are looser in fit than the 511 jeans, don’t expect the 514 jeans to necessarily be a baggy, loose fit.
The 514 jeans will have more of a classic, straight fit that I would describe as not too baggy and not too tight. It is sort of an in-between cut for those who want to show a little shape in their jeans, but don’t want anything that might hug their legs.
The 511 jeans are different in that they are a true slim cut. This means that although they are not the skinniest jeans Levi offers for men (510), you can expect the 511 jeans to be a more fitted cut than the 514 jeans.
Which one is right for you will likely come down to personal preference in fit. To give you a better idea of how these jeans compare as far as fit, let’s take a look at some photos of the 511 vs 514 jeans.
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – Slim fit from the hip through the ankle. Picture here:
- Levi’s 514 Jeans – Straight fit from the hip through the ankle. Picture here:
What Size to Order?
In my experience, both the 511 and 514 jeans have a true-to-size fit, meaning the waist and the length was what I expected. Just be sure to remember that the 511 jeans have a slimmer cut, so if you are in-between sizes, it might be best to size up to be sure you have enough room to fit into the jeans.
I personally have always ordered my normal sizing for the 511 jeans. I think over all the years I have worn them, I have only ran into one pair that I felt was too small in the waist and had to size up. My recommendation is to order your normal sizing for both the 511 and the 514 jeans.
Leg Opening
The leg opening in the 511 vs the 514 jeans is one of the most significant differences in these jeans, and will likely impact (from a style perspective) which one you prefer. Again, the 511 is a slim cut and the 514 is a straight cut, and these cuts are carried down through the leg opening.
In the pictures below I have a pair of my 511 jeans (light blue) sitting on top of a pair of my 514 jeans (dark blue):
As you can see, the 511 jeans are not only slimmer in the hips and thighs, they are also slimmer below the knee, including a smaller leg opening. Here is a look at the leg opening of the 511 compared to the 514 for both sneakers and boots:
- Levi’s 511 Jeans – 14.5″ leg opening
- Levi’s 514 Jeans – 16.5″ leg opening
Although the 511 can be paired with certain types of boots, the 514 will be a bit more versatile since it has the wider leg opening. Here are my 514 jeans paired with larger work boots:
Levi’s 511 vs 514 Style Options
It is important to note that both the 511 and the 514 style are offered in other types of Levi’s pants besides just jeans. Perhaps you are interested only in jeans, but if you feel like browsing, here are what other style of pants that I have found Levi offers in these cuts:
- 511 Chino Pants
- 511 Hybrid Trouser Pants
- 511 Corduroy Pants
- 514 Straight Twill Pants
Of course, this can change over time. But in general, the 511 style is very popular, and because of that, there tends to be several types of 511 pants offered.
Levi’s 511 vs 514 Pictures
511 Jeans
514 Jeans
Other Options to Consider Besides the 511 and 514 Jeans
- Levi’s 501 Jeans – The 501 jeans have a regular cut through the thigh, and a straight cut below the knee. These jeans have a similar, but not identical, fit in comparison to the 514 jeans.
- Levi’s 513 Jeans – The 513’s are a hybrid of the 511 and the 514 jeans. Slim hips and thighs combined with a straight cut below knee.
- Calvin Klein Men’s Slim Straight Jeans – Another pair of jeans with a slim cut in the hips and a straight cut below the knee if you are looking for a pair of jeans that gives you a little bit of both.
- J.Crew Men’s Slim-fit Stretch Jean – Similar to the Levi’s 513 jeans. Slim cut jeans (made by J. Crew) that has a stretch material with a traditional look.
To read more about the Levi’s 511 and 514 jeans, visit our reviews linked below: