Levi’s 550 vs 559 Jeans Compared [What’s the Difference?]


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In this article we compare Levi’s 550 vs 559 jeans. Both of these jeans are relaxed jeans, but they do have differences. The 550 jeans are looser in the thighs and the 559 jeans are looser near the ankles.

If you are shopping for relaxed or loose fit Levi jeans, consider these options:

Below is a photo of my 559 jeans sitting on top of my 550 jeans. As you can see, the 550 jeans on the bottom have more space in the thighs than the 559 jeans do:

559-vs-550-thigh

The fit changes down near the ankle. The 550 jeans are the looser fit in the thighs, but they actually taper in near the ankle, and have a smaller leg opening than the 559 jeans. In this picture, my 550 jeans are now sitting on top of my 559 jeans:

559-vs-550-ankle
  • 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).
  • Levi’s 559 Men’s Jeans – The 559 jeans have a relaxed fit above the knee, and a straight fit below the knee. This makes these jeans both comfortable and professional. 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 550 vs 559 Levi jeans. I will use real photos of the jeans that I own (I own both the 559 and 550). These are both relaxed-fit jeans that won’t hug tight against the skin. That said, there are significant differences.

What size to order?

In my experience, both the 559 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 both of these jeans are a relaxed fit that will come with some space built in.

Levi’s 550 vs 559 Fit

What is the difference between Levi’s 550 and 559?

The difference between the Levi 550 and 559 comes down to fit. Both are relaxed jeans, but they fit very differently. The 559 jeans are relaxed-straight jeans and the 550 jeans are relaxed jeans. The 550 jeans are looser in the seat and thighs, but taper in right near the ankle for a smaller leg opening. The 550 jeans are looser above the knee, but the 559 jeans have the larger leg opening.

559550
PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
FitRelax-StraightRelaxed
Leg Opening18″16.5″
SitsBelow WaistSits at Waist
FlyZipZip

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The 550 jeans are relaxed fit jeans that will have a loose fit in the legs. These jeans are for guys who do not like jeans that hug near the leg. These jeans are modeled after the iconic Levi 501 jeans, only these 550 jeans have extra room in both the seat and the thigh. They are built with a normal rise.

The 559 jeans are relaxed-straight fit jeans, so they also have a relaxed fit. But in my experience, they don’t have quite as much room built into the thighs as the 550 jeans do. These are built to sit slightly below the waist.

Here is a look at my 559 jeans sitting on top of my 550 jeans. As you can see, the 550 jeans on the bottom have more space in the thighs than the 559 jeans do:

559-vs-550-thigh

The fit changes down near the ankle. The 550 jeans are the looser fit in the thighs, but they actually taper in near the ankle, and have a smaller leg opening than the 559 jeans. In this picture, my 550 jeans are sitting on top of my 559 jeans:

559-vs-550-ankle

As you can see, the 550 jeans have a smaller leg opening. So, to recap fit, the 550 jeans have the looser thigh, and the tighter ankle. Now, it is important to note that even though the 550 jeans have a smaller leg opening, they don’t fit tight below the knee. It is just right near the ankle they taper in so that the leg opening isn’t baggy.

The 559 jeans have a straight fit below the knee (meaning it doesn’t taper near the ankle) and the 550 jeans, although they don’t fit tight below the knee, will taper in right near the ankle. Again, the 550 is looser above the knee, but tighter at the ankle. The 559 has a bit less room above the knee than the 550 jeans, but a straight leg opening.

Levi 550 vs 559 Pictures

559 Jeans

550 Jeans

Leg Opening

As we discussed earlier, the leg opening in these jeans are quite different. The 559 jeans have a straight leg opening with an 18-inch leg opening. The 550 jeans have a loose leg, but they taper in near the ankle to a 16.5-inch leg opening.

559 Jeans

550 Jeans

550-levis-leg-opening-boot
550-levis-leg-opening-shoe
550-levis-leg-opening-work-boot

Other Options Besides 559 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 559. If you think even the 559 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 559 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 559 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).
  • Levi’s 505 Men’s Jeans – Regular straight cut that is going to fit as a comfortable weekend jean. Extra room built into the thigh. These jeans are a perfect casual jean when you are looking for something a little relaxed. Click here to view these jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).

Where to Buy?

559 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 Levi 559 jeans.

550 Jeans

Click here to buy the Levi 550 jeans at Amazon (affiliate links 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 Levi 550 jeans.

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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