Throughout the long history of fashion, there have been very few brands that have successfully dominated every corner of the industry, and one of those brands is the ever popular and well-loved Levi Strauss and Co.
Known for their signature blue jeans, Levi’s have been one of the leading names in denim since they were originally established way back in 1853 in order to outfit workers with sturdy work clothes that would last. They earned themselves a reputation for hard-wearing jeans that were simple, yet functional and quickly became every man’s favourite essential – and have remained that way ever since.
While Levi’s may have made their name selling their original 501s, the brand has since expanded their menswear range considerably since the 1850s and there’s now a style of jean designed to suit every type of man. If you’re on the market for the perfect pair of men’s Levi jeans we’ll be giving you the run-down on each of Levi’s most popular jeans for men, as well as offering styling advice on how best to nail the classic Levi’s look here at Standout.co.uk.
A Brief History of Levi Strauss & Co
The Levi’s jeans we know today were the creation of two people, Levis Strauss, who provided the denim, and a tailor named Jacob, who designed the metal rivets we see on the weakest areas of the jeans such as the pocket corners and the base of the button fly. This intelligent design was both practical and stylish, allowing labourers the versatile and hardy clothing they needed. Recognising the potential of their creation, Levis Strauss and Jacob patented the rivets with the USA Patent Office and Trademark office awarded them Patent Number #139,121 on May 20th 1873 and, since then, everyone from celebrities to the everyday man on the street knows and wears their iconic blue jeans.
Frequently Asked Questions
As popular as they are, it’s no surprise that we are often asked many questions about Levi’s jeans for men, many of which are geared towards finding the perfect fit. To help you narrow down your choices, and before we get into taking you through the specific styling points of our most popular Levi jeans, we’ll answer a couple of questions you may find yourself asking.
- Are men’s Levi Jeans true to size? Levi’s jeans are sized according to the waist and inside leg and, while the manufacturing process does allow for a slight difference from pair to pair (especially in the stretch jeans) the majority of men find their Levi’s jeans are true to size.
- What are the different cuts of Levi Jeans for men? While Levi’s men’s jeans are split into a wide range of fits, with new styles added all the time, the main cuts can be separated into straight cut, slim fit and skinny. On top of this, most of the main cuts also have a tapered variant for men that prefer a more refined fit.
- What Levi Jeans for men fit the best? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question, otherwise they’d only make one style. Part of what makes fashion such a personal choice is how we feel in different styles and picking your best pair of Levi’s men’s jeans comes down to your own personal preference.
- What’s the difference between Levi 501s and 511s? The main difference between the Levi’s 501 Originals and their 511s is the cut as, while the former are straight cut, the later are their signature slim fit style. Aside from this, 501s also feature a button fly instead of the 511s zip and sit slightly higher on the waist.
Levi’s Men’s Signature Fits
Of Levi’s men’s jeans, there are five fits you’re likely to be familiar with; the 501s, 502s, 511s, 512s and the skinny taper jeans. To the uninitiated, those numbers could mean very little though, so here’s something to keep in mind while you’re searching for your perfect pair: numbers are ordered from straight to slim to skinny, so if you prefer a tight fitting pair of jeans, go for the higher numbers!
501s – Levi’s Original
The very first pair of men’s jeans in the Levi’s collection, the 501 originals are a simple, straight cut pair of jeans that are extremely comfortable and relaxed. Available in a wide range of colours, all featuring the classic Levi’s tag on the back of the waistband, these jeans are considered a necessity for many men due to their relaxed style. The main features that set these jeans apart from the rest is their classic button fly and how they sit on the waist instead of slightly below.
502s – Levi’s Straight Taper
As the number suggests, Levi’s 502 jeans are very similar to their original straight cut jeans, with the main differences being a slight tapering of the leg, a zip fly and a lower sitting waistband. These more modern alterations make the 502s an excellent choice for men that want to retain the classic, relaxed fit with a little refinement.
511s – Levi’s Slim Fit
The classic jean reinvented for modern styles, the Levi’s slim fit 511s are the perfect pair of jeans for everyday living. Comfortable thanks to some added stretch, a flattering fit for all body types and easily styled with basic tees and formal shirts alike, every man needs a pair of 511s in their wardrobe.
512s – Levi’s Slim Taper
Just as the 501s have the 502s, so too do the 511s have the 512s. Differing only in their tapered fit through the thigh, these Levi’s men’s jeans are ideal for those with a naturally slimmer frame. With a wide range of colours and washes to choose from, the Levi’s 512s are comfortable, slightly stretchy and feature the classic 5-pocket styling you can expect of most Levi’s jeans.
Skinny Taper
While straight and slim jeans remain the favourite fits for many men, there’s no doubt that skinny jeans have risen in popularity over the last decade, and Levi’s take on the style is as comfortable and cool as you’d expect. Thanks to the tight leg and tapered fit, these jeans also style very well with chunky boots, making for an effortless casual outfit for any occasion.
Find your perfect Levi’s Men’s Jeans at Standout
With a huge variety of colours and washes in all five of Levi’s most popular fitting jeans for men, there’s nowhere better to get your Levi’s men’s jeans than right here at Standout.
Thinking of investing in a couple of pairs of classic Levi’s jeans for men? Complete the look with a simple Levi’s batwing tee and a trucker jacket to discover just why Levi’s is one of the best brands out there.
If you’re reading this blog with the intention of finding out more about your perfect fit of jeans, take a look at our ‘What is your perfect jean fit’ blog post, as we dive into the basic details to look out for when you’re upgrading your denim wardrobe.