This article is a comparison of Levi’s 517 vs 527 boot cut jeans. In general, these jeans are very similar. Both will have a slim thigh with a classic boot cut leg opening. The main difference exists in the front rise and back rise, and how these jeans sit on your waist (more on that later with photos).
If you are shopping for boot cut men’s jeans, quickly, here’s what you need to know about some of the most popular styles:
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- Levi 517 Jeans – Slim thigh with a classic boot cut leg opening. These jeans are built to sit at the waist. Fit is very similar to the 527 jeans. These jeans fit a bit tighter through the seat and crotch than the 527 jeans. 100% cotton. We review these jeans in this article and will discuss how they differ compared to the 527 jeans. Click here to view the current price of these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Levi 527 Jeans – Slim thigh with a standard boot cut leg opening. Fit is very similar to the 517 jeans. Expect a bit more room in the back rise. Stretch material. We review these jeans in this article and will discuss how they differ compared to the 517 jeans. Click here to view the current price of these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Wrangler: The Levi options above are both slim style jeans that will be somewhat fitted around the thighs. Wrangler makes a relaxed fit boot cut jean that gives you plenty of breathing room in the seat and thighs. These Wrangler jeans are perfect for those guys who prefer space in their jeans. These are versatile jeans that look good both at work and on the weekend. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these Wrangler boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Lee Jeans: Lee is another trusted name in jeans. Their Modern Series Extreme Motion Regular Fit Bootcut Jeans are that sort of perfect in-between cut that isn’t too tight or too baggy. This may be perfect for those of you who feel like the Levi 527 and 517 jeans might be just a bit too slim. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these LEE boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Signature: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is a sort of sister brand to Levi (both owned by Levi Strauss). Their Gold Label Men’s Bootcut Jeans have a classic boot cut style, at a price point that might be a bit more budget friendly that some other options out there. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these Signature boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
In this article we are going to focus specifically on comparing the 517 vs 527 Levi jeans using real photos. Below, we will begin our comparison by discussing the difference in fit between the 517 and 527 jeans.
What size to order?
In my experience, both the 517 and 527 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 both of these have a fitted cut above the knee, and as we will discuss in more detail below, the 517 jeans have a little less room in the seat area.
Levi’s 517 vs 527 Fit
What is the difference between Levi’s 517 and 527?
The difference between the Levi 517 and 527 jeans comes down to front rise, back rise, and material. In general, these two styles have almost an identical fit – slim thigh, boot cut leg. The difference exists in how they sit and are cut near the waist. The 517 jeans are made to sit at the waist, the 527 jeans are made to sit below the waist. Also, expect the 517 jeans to be 100% cotton, while the 527 jeans use stretch material for added comfort.
| 517 | 527 | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Fit | Boot Cut | Boot Cut |
| Leg Opening | 18.25″ | 18.25″ |
| Sits | Sits at Waist | Below Waist |
| Fly | Zip | Zip |
| Front Rise | 11″ | 10.5″ |
| Back Rise | 13″ | 14″ |
| Material | 100% Cotton | Stretch Blend |
*This article is property of workwearcommand.com. Check price links in table are affiliate #ad links that take you to Amazon.com (info). All measurements based on size 32 x 36*
As you can see from the measurements listed above (and pictured below), the 517 jeans have more room in the front and less room in the back than the 527 jeans. Likewise, the 527 jeans have less room in the front and more room in the back than the 517 jeans.
527 Jeans
10.5″ Front Rise 14″ Back Rise
517 Jeans
11″ Front Rise 13″ Back Rise
The 527 jeans are made to sit just below the waist and the 517 jeans are made to sit right at the waist. Front rise, back rise – what does this all mean?
In general, if you are looking for a bit more space in the rear, choose the 527 jeans. If you are looking for a bit more space in the front, choose the 517 jeans.
***Also, it is worth noting that the combined rise for my 527 jeans is 24.5 inches, and the combined rise for my 517 jeans is 24 inches. When I wear the 517 jeans, I can definitely notice they are a bit more snug through the seat and crotch. Overall, expect the 527 jeans have a bit more room in the crotch and seat area combined.
What about the rest of the fit? How does the fit compare in the actual legs of the 517 vs 527 jeans?
In my opinion, the fit is basically identical. Technically, Levi describes the 517 fit as a “classic boot cut leg that is slim through the thigh”, and the 527 fit as a “slim boot cut leg that is slim through the thigh”.
In general, looking at the two pairs of these jeans that I own, I can’t really spot much of a difference when a wear them or when I directly compare them (except for, as mentioned before, the 517 jeans fit a bit more snug through the seat and crotch).
Here is a look at my 527 jeans sitting on top of my 517 jeans. It practically looks like one single pair of jeans.
If you look closely, and I mean very closely, there may be just a slight bit more room in the thigh of the 517 jeans. Maybe. Overall, I think it is just safe to assume that the legs of these jeans fit almost exactly the same.
527 Jeans
517 Jeans
Leg Opening
Obviously, since you are after boot cut jeans, the leg opening matters to you. This is a pretty easy one to cover with the 517 vs 527 jeans: the leg opening size for these two jeans is exactly the same. These jeans have an 18.25″ leg opening. This size fits comfortably with all types of boots.
Here is a look at how these jeans fit near the ankle:
Other Options Besides 517 and 527
- Wrangler: The Levi options above are both slim style jeans that will be somewhat fitted around the thighs. Wrangler makes a relaxed fit boot cut jean that gives you plenty of breathing room in the seat and thighs. These Wrangler jeans are perfect for those guys who prefer space in their jeans. These are versatile jeans that look good both at work and on the weekend. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these Wrangler boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Lee Jeans: Lee is another trusted name in jeans. Their Modern Series Extreme Motion Regular Fit Bootcut Jeans are that sort of perfect in-between cut that isn’t too tight or too baggy. This may be perfect for those of you who feel like the Levi 527 and 517 jeans might be just a bit too slim. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these LEE boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Signature: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is a sort of sister brand to Levi (both owned by Levi Strauss). Their Gold Label Men’s Bootcut Jeans have a classic boot cut style, at a price point that might be a bit more budget friendly that some other options out there. This is where you can check out the price and available colors of these Signature boot cut jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
To read about more boot cut options, visit our article: Best Jeans for Work Boots. To read more about the Levi 527 jeans, visit our Levi 527 review.
If you are looking for work jeans, I’d also suggest checking out our article about the best gusseted crotch jeans which might help add some comfort to your work day.
Do you need work pants for hot weather? Visit our article about the best summer work pants.
*Where to Buy 517 and 527 Jeans*
Levi 517 Jeans: Click here to buy the 517 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, expect these jeans to be 100% cotton, and to fit true to size.
Levi 527 Jeans: Click here to buy the 527 jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Again, expect these jeans to be a material blend that gives the jeans a bit of stretch and comfort. The fit true to size.