No, Levi's 501 and 505 are not the same; the main differences are the fly (button for 501, zip for 505) and the fit through the thigh (501 is slimmer/more traditional, 505 is roomier), though both offer a straight leg and sit at the waist, with the 505 providing more comfort and ease of wear. The 501 is the original iconic style with a structured, authentic feel, while the 505 offers more room and is easier for daily wear, especially with its zip fly.
Levi's 505 vs 501: Which Classic Jean is Right for You? Short answer: 501 = classic straight with a button fly and a slightly more traditional rise. 505 = straight with a zip fly and generally a touch more room through seat & thigh. Both are straight-leg staples; pick by fly + thigh room preference.
550™ Relaxed Fit. Introduced in 1985, our 550™ Relaxed Fit is like the 501® Original, but more relaxed. This comfy, baggy-but-not-too-baggy classic features extra room throughout with a slight taper at the leg that was made to look like it was tailored just for you.
SIZE & FIT: These 505 Regular jeans sits at the waist with a straight leg opening and designed with room in the thigh for a comfortable fit. MATERIAL & FABRIC: Levi's 505 jeans are made from a cotton blend.
Levi's 501s, with their classic straight leg and button fly, offer a versatile fit that works for many body types, especially pear shapes (accentuating small waists, fitting curvy hips/thighs) and rectangle/apple shapes (creating a balanced, leg-lengthening line), with modern variations like the 501 '90s or Ribcage providing different rise/fit options for various proportions, making them a universally flattering blueprint when you find your preferred variation.
Levi's 501s are a classic straight-leg fit, not inherently baggy, but they can appear looser or more relaxed depending on sizing and how they're worn; they sit at the waist with a button fly, offering a roomier feel than skinny jeans but more structure than modern baggy styles, though sizing up or wearing them low on the hips can definitely create a baggier, 90s-inspired look.
For a big belly, the best jeans are high-rise styles (straight, wide-leg, bootcut) with tummy control panels or slight stretch (1-2% elastane) for smoothing, dark washes for a slimming effect, and contoured waistbands that fit well without digging in, ensuring comfort and a balanced silhouette. Avoid low-rise jeans and overly stiff denim; focus on supportive, comfortable fits that smooth the midsection while elongating the legs.
Since 2010, Levi has updated the fit of the 505™ Jean. The 505™ fit was originally packaged as a 'regular' fit and when Levi changed the fit in 2010 it was packaged as a 'straight' fit. Many of the changes were not received well by customers so they modified it again in 2011.
According to Levi's, a size 32 501 & 505 have the same rise and leg measurements and the 501 is 0.5" wider through the knee. They should be very similar looking. Any differences you see are probably variances from on pair to the next.
Over the decades, 501 bottoms have been part of era-defining movements and cultural shifts. Take the 1960s, when they were the unofficial uniform of rebellious young people. During the counterculture movement, Levi's were commonly cut, stitched, and embellished with messages of empowerment.
Levi's 505 jeans was an iconic style during the 1970s. It was introduced in 1967. It was made famous among others by The Ramones or by the Rolling Stone's Sticky Fingers album cover. In 2016, a re-designed version was introduced as 505C (C meaning "customized").
501 Stretch Skinny Jeans
They are the OG Levi's. Little stretch, so stay true to your size. They are fitted through the hips, thighs AND legs– wedgie's open up at legs.
505 Regular
The fit: Probably the second most iconic pair of jeans from the brand, the straight leg of the 505 resembles that of the 501, with a little extra room in the leg. It's the ideal jean for the guy who just wants a straightforward pair that doesn't require too much thought or effort. Levi's.
Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans (Discontinued)
Yes and no. They shrink immediately after washing, but if they're raw denim they'll expand with wear. Soak them in warm water when you first get them and they'll shrink down. I would also recommend never drying denim in a dryer, and washing it as infrequently as possible.
The main difference between Levi's 501 and 505 jeans is the fly and thigh room: the iconic 501 features a button fly and a more structured, slimmer thigh, while the 505 offers a zipper fly and a more relaxed, roomier fit through the thigh and seat, making the 505 more comfortable and easier to wear daily for many. The 501 is the original classic with a straight leg, whereas the 505 provides a bit more ease for those with larger legs.
It's slim through the hip and thigh, like a good skinny jean, and follows the trend all the way down to the leg opening. The high rise accentuates your curves in all the right places. The sleek silhouette lengthens your legs. And the best part is this fit looks great on all body types (especially on petite frames).
Answer: Levi's® 505™ Regular jeans are comfortable enough to wear throughout the work day and a night out afterwards. Question: Are Levi's® 505™ Regulars dad jeans? Answer: Levi's® 505™ Regular jeans are made for everyone–dads included.
Levi's 501s are a classic straight-leg fit, not inherently baggy, but they can appear looser or more relaxed depending on sizing and how they're worn; they sit at the waist with a button fly, offering a roomier feel than skinny jeans but more structure than modern baggy styles, though sizing up or wearing them low on the hips can definitely create a baggier, 90s-inspired look.
The Levi's 505s in Authentic Stonewash are going to be your new favorite jean. Not too light and not too dark, these jeans have a mid rise waist, feature a zipper fly (instead of a button one), and they are made from pre-shrunk denim so they are ready to go.
For women over 50, the best jeans offer a blend of timeless style, comfort, and flattering fit, with popular choices including straight-leg, bootcut, wide-leg, and kick-flare styles that skim the body without being too tight or baggy, often with a high-rise for support and a comfortable stretch fabric (around 2% spandex) for shape retention. Dark, even washes are universally flattering for a slimming, versatile look, while lighter washes suit casual outings, focusing on well-made denim that elevates rather than overwhelms your frame.
To hide belly fat in jeans, choose high-waisted styles in dark, stretchy denim with wider legs (like straight or bootcut) for smoothing, and pair with longer or flowy tops that skim the midsection, using shapewear for extra control if needed, while avoiding tight fits and light colors that emphasize the area.
The two-finger test for jeans is a simple method to check the waist fit: you should be able to comfortably slide two fingers between your waist and the waistband when standing, indicating a good balance between too tight and too loose, allowing for movement and preventing sagging. If you can fit more than two fingers, they're likely too loose; if you struggle to fit even two, they're too tight and might dig in or restrict sitting.