Same Levi's, Different Body

May 4, 2018 9:56 AM

I only wear Levi's jeans, and I've worn 514s forever (I like that they are simple, comfy and classic, and have a slim leg but it's not super-skinny and tight), but metabolism/being 49/beer has changed my body and they way jeans fit me at the waist (they fit lower now!). Can anyone who's had lived experience with this issue suggest a similar Levi's style to 514s but with a waist that's a bit higher...but not so high that I look like a Dad from 1996?

When I look on the Levi's site the style descriptions mean nothing to me because they don't seem to match the experience I have when I actually try things on in the store. I'd love to have the same style/similar fit as 514s but without the annoyance of constantly having to pull them up or hearing one of my kids shout "coin slot!" whenever I bend over. It seems whenever I try on a "looser" style they look bad and dorky on me, like one of those Levi's styles that are "exclusive to Sears" or something.
Bonus points for style #'s that have simple, soft-ish washes rather than fake holes or bleach splatters or all that fucking crotch whiskering. I'm in Canada (513s seem to be the new 514s here, but they are pretty similar so still not great for me anymore.)

posted by chococat to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (4 answers total)

This infographic may be useful. But I'm afraid whatever you go with, you should head a physical store and try on the specific pair of jeans you're considering - Levi's is notorious for inconsistency, so pairs that are marked as the same style and size can still fit differently.
posted by waffleriot at 10:29 AM on May 4, 2018 [3 favorites]

My partner swears by the 501 raw denim shrink-to-fit style. They are a button fly, simple straight-leg style. They come in other washes as well but, as an outside observer, the raw denim fades in a really natural, non-whiskery way and looks great over the life of his jeans. He says they are stiff right out of the package, but soften up quickly after a wash, and they basically conform exactly to his body. He wears them probably 7 days a week.
posted by assenav at 10:58 AM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

I mostly only wear Levis jeans, too. Used to do 514's, then came to appreciate the classic 501.

I like the 501 because it (is meant) to sit at the waist, not below, and it has an iconic silhouette. However, and despite year-to-year minor tweaks to keep them closer to trend, the do have a bit of a wider leg opening. Great if you love to cuff 'em with workboots, not so great with sneakers, etc.

Just recently, I took a chance on their newer 502 stretch-taper. (I believe these might replace the earlier "501 custom taper" shown in waffleriot's infographic.) These sit at the waist like 501s, and have the same masculine, straight fit through the thigh, but taper just enough to look sharp. I'm really sold on them.
posted by credible hulk at 6:23 PM on May 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: After reading a Meta post that led me to this AskMe, I got a few pairs of 541s from the Levi's store, they seem to fit the bill. Sit at the waist, little bit roomier, still tapered.
posted by chococat at 9:10 AM on August 1, 2018