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To find a starting size for Levi’s jeans online, measure your body, compare those measurements with the chart for the right category and market, then check the exact style’s cut, fabric, available inseams and care instructions. Levi’s charts are guides, not a universal conversion system: ordinary preshrunk jeans and raw Shrink-to-Fit denim use different sizing logic.
1. Measure yourself for the chart you’ll use
Use a flexible tape measure and follow the measurement points specified for the applicable category. Levi’s US chart separates men’s waist-and-inseam sizing from women’s jean and numeric sizing; don’t assume a number in one category converts directly to the other. Check the current chart for the market and category you’re shopping. Levi’s US size chart
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jeans | $44.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jeans | $44.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jeans | $44.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Levi's Men's 505 Regular Fit Jeans | $44.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Levi's Women's Cinch Baggy, (New) Chasing Dreams, 29 | $50.97 | Buy on Amazon |
Men’s bottoms
- Waist: Measure around the smallest part of your waist.
- Seat: Measure around the fullest part of your seat, keeping the tape horizontal.
- Thigh: Measure around the fullest part of your thigh.
- Inseam: Measure from the crotch down the inside of your leg to your ankle.
Women’s bottoms
Use the chart’s waist, hip and inseam guidance. Levi’s also provides suggested inseams by height; treat these as a starting point and confirm the length options on the specific jean’s product page.
These are body measurements used to choose a labeled size, not measurements of the finished garment. If a product page gives garment measurements or additional fit directions, use those for that style.
#1 Best Overall
- LEVI'S 505: These jeans feature a classic straight leg styling created in 1967 with the original zip fly and 5 Pocket Styling.
- Sits at your waist: Mid Rise; 11 1/4" , Front rise: 11 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16", Measurements based on a 32 waist
2. Match the chart to the style and how you want it to fit
A waist number alone cannot tell you how jeans will sit or feel. Rise affects where the waistband rests, while the cut determines room through the seat, hip and thigh and the shape of the leg. Levi’s fit guide describes options including straight, slim, skinny, relaxed, tapered and bootcut; check the individual product description to confirm the exact cut. Levi’s Product Size Guide
- Waistband position: Compare the chosen style’s rise and fit description with where you want the waistband to sit. The general chart’s waist measurement point does not determine a jean’s rise.
- Room through the seat and thigh: Use the chart’s relevant body measurements alongside the product’s cut description, rather than choosing by waist alone.
- Leg shape and length: Confirm the named silhouette and available inseams on the exact product page. Use height guidance as a starting point, then consider whether you want a break at the shoe or a shorter, cropped look.
- Stretch: Stretch denim can offer more flexibility, particularly in slimmer fits. Fabric and cut vary by style, so read the product description.
If your measurements fall between sizes, Levi’s general guide says the choice can depend on how snug you prefer the fit. There is no single rule to size up or down across all styles; the particular cut and fabric matter.
Rank #2
- LEVI'S 505: These jeans feature a classic straight leg styling created in 1967 with the original zip fly and 5 Pocket Styling.
- 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.
- Sits at your waist: Mid Rise; 11 1/4" , Front rise: 11 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16", Measurements based on a 32 waist
- Model is 6'3", Waist 32", Wearing a Size 32 x 32
3. Check the fabric and care plan before choosing a size
Most Levi’s jeans are preshrunk and should have little to no shrinkage when cared for as directed. Levi’s recommends washing inside out in cold water and air drying when possible to minimize shrinkage. Follow the care label and the exact product page if they give item-specific directions. Levi’s guidance on shrinkage and Shrink-to-Fit
Shrink-to-Fit is the exception: it is raw, not preshrunk denim, and sizing depends on whether you plan to wash and dry it or wear it unwashed. Don’t apply Shrink-to-Fit allowances to other Levi’s models.
Rank #3
- LEVI'S 505: These jeans feature a classic straight leg styling created in 1967 with the original zip fly and 5 Pocket Styling.
- 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.
- Sits at your waist: Mid Rise; 11 1/4" , Front rise: 11 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16", Measurements based on a 32 waist
- Model is 6'2", Waist 30", Wearing a Size 30 x 32
4. Special case: Levi’s 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit
The 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit product page describes raw, non-stretch denim and gives three sizing approaches. These directions apply to this product and method, not to Levi’s jeans generally. Levi’s 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit product page
| Planned approach | Waist guidance | Inseam guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Old-school tub method | Buy true to size. | Buy two sizes up in length. |
| Machine wash and dry | Add 1 inch for tagged waist sizes 27–36; 2 inches for 38–48; 3 inches for 50 and above. | Add 3 inches for tagged inseams 27–34; 4 inches for 36 and above. |
| Wear unwashed | Buy true to size. | Buy true to size. |
The additions in the machine-care row are product sizing instructions, not general shrinkage rates. If your tagged size is outside a listed range, the page’s instructions do not establish an allowance for it; check the live product guidance before ordering.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Baggy jeans—without the waist gap. With a flattering high rise. Cut with a wide, straight leg
- High rise: 12 1/2", Inseam: 31",Leg opening: 23",Measurements based on size 27 waist
- Loose Through The Hip And Thigh, Straight leg
- Features adjusters on the back for a tailored-to-you fit. Non-stretch.
- Model is 5'9", Waist 27", Wearing a Size 27 x 30
Rank #4
- LEVI'S 505: These jeans feature a classic straight leg styling created in 1967 with the original zip fly and 5 Pocket Styling.
- Sits at your waist: Mid Rise; 11 1/4" , Front rise: 11 1/4",Knee: 18",Leg opening: 16", Measurements based on a 32 waist
5. A quick pre-order check
- Open the size chart for the relevant Levi’s market and category, then measure the body areas it lists.
- Choose a silhouette and review the exact style’s rise, seat and thigh description, fabric and available inseams.
- Check whether the jean is preshrunk or Shrink-to-Fit and decide how you will care for it.
- Apply only the sizing directions given for that exact model, then verify the product page and care label before purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
