This article is a comparison of Levi’s 512 vs 513 jeans (using real photos). The main difference between these jeans is the 513 jeans will be much looser around the ankle than the 512 jeans.
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Levi’s slim and skinny jeans ranked by fit starting with the skinniest:
- Levi’s 519 Jeans – Extreme Skinny Fit – (click here to view)
- Levi’s 510 Jeans – Skinny Fit – (click here to view)
- 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)
When comparing the 512 vs 513 jeans, above the knee they are practically the same (both have a slim cut). Here is a look at my 512 jeans sitting on top of my 513 jeans:
As you can see, there is hardly any overlap there above the knee. The main difference in these jeans occurs below the knee. Here is another look at my 512 jeans sitting on top of my 513 jeans:
The main difference will be below the knee and near the leg opening. The 512 jeans taper and fit much tighter below the knee than the 513 jeans. Here I am wearing both:
The 512 jeans will be better for those who prefer a skinnier fit down near the ankle. The Levi 512 jeans have a 12.75 inch leg opening, while the Levi 513 jeans have a 15.75 inch leg opening
- Levi’s 512 Men’s Jeans – The 512’s actually serve as a type of hybrid between the 510 and 511 jeans. The 512 jeans have a slim cut in the hips and and thighs, but taper to a skinny fit 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 513 Men’s Jeans – These are slim-straight jeans that we will review in this article. These jeans 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. This is the current price of these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
In this article we are going to focus specifically on comparing the 512 vs 513 Levi jeans using real photos. Below, we will begin our comparison by discussing the difference in fit between the 512 and 513 jeans.
What size to order?
In my experience, both the 512 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. Because these are slim jeans, it would probably be best to size up if you are naturally in-between sizes.
Levi’s 512 vs 513 Fit
What is the difference between the Levi’s 512 and 513?
The difference between the Levi 512 and 513 jeans is the 512 jeans get skinnier below the knee, but the 513 jeans get wider below the knee. The 512 jeans are slim in the thighs, and taper to a skinny ankle, while the 513 jeans are slim through the thighs, and widen to a straight fit below the knee.
The 512 jeans have a 12.75″ leg opening and the 513 jeans have a 15.75″ leg opening. Expect the fit above the knee to be almost identical.
513 | 512 | |
Fit | Slim-Straight | Slim-Taper |
Leg Opening | 15.75″ | 12.75″ |
Sits | Below Waist | Below Waist |
Fly | Zip | Zip |
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Again, although these jeans have dramatically different fits below the knee, you can expect the fit above the knee to be almost identical. Here is a look at my 512 jeans sitting on top of my 513 jeans:
As you can see, there is hardly any overlap there above the knee. The main difference in these jeans occurs below the knee. Here is another look at my 512 jeans sitting on top of my 513 jeans:
The fit is quite different below the knee. The 512 jeans taper to the skinny leg opening (12.75″). The 513 jeans have a “straight fit” below the knee, which is much looser than the 512 taper fit.
The 512 jeans are for those who want a shaped fit all the way down through the ankle. The 513 jeans are for those guys who want a slim fit, but prefer a little bit of loose material down around the ankle to take away any notion of skinny jeans.
512 Jeans
513 Jeans
Leg Opening
As we discussed earlier, the leg opening in the 512 vs 513 jeans is significantly different. Although both have a slim cut above the knee, these jeans have drastically different cuts below the knee. Here are the leg opening sizes for these jeans:
- Levi’s 512 Jeans – 12.75″ Leg Opening
- Levi’s 513 Jeans – 15.75″ Leg Opening
The fit below the knee will likely be what impacts your decision. Here is a look at how my 512 and 513 jeans fit near the ankle:
***This article is property of workwearcommand.com***
Other Options Besides 512 and 513
- If you prefer a skinny fit, as we have discussed, the 512 jeans will be the better option for you. Levi’s actually makes a true skinny jean as well. The 510 jeans are skinny from the hip down through the ankle. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- If you prefer more of a slim fit that doesn’t look too skinny, then you will want the 513 jeans over the 512 jeans. If you are concerned even the 513 jeans might be a bit too slim, I would suggest checking out the 501 jeans. The 501 jeans are very similar (in my opinion) to the 513 jeans, only they have a bit more room built in. They still show shape but do so in a way that doesn’t make the jeans look like skinny jeans. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- If you are needing bootcut jeans that pair easily with work boots for the job, I would recommend checking out the Levi 527 Jeans. The 527 jeans have the bootcut leg opening, but have a slim cut that is going to fit slim through the hips and thighs. The 527 jeans are very similar to the 513 jeans, only the leg opening is bigger. This style is offered in stretch material which makes them very comfortable to wear to work. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).