Some of the most well-known jean designs ever are Levi’s 501 and 505 jeans, which have a traditional straight-leg cut. To help you choose the perfect fit for you, check out this comparison of Levi’s 501 vs 505!
The main difference between Levi’s 501 and 505 jeans is that the 505 features a wider thigh and a looser fit.
Continue reading to learn what makes the 501 and 505 jeans so recognizable and how they differ from one another.
What Are Levi’s 501 Jeans?
Levi’s 501 jeans have been patented since 1873 thanks to the innovative addition of rivets on work pants to make them more durable.
These work pants were first referred to as “waist overalls” and originally featured “one back pocket with the A rivet in the crotch, a watch pocket, a cinch, and suspender buttons can all be found on this pair of pants.”
Levi’s 501 jeans were originally worn as a “utilitarian garment for coal miners, cowboys, and industrial workers,” although now they’re mostly worn for style over function.
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What Are Levi’s 505 Jeans?
Levi’s 505 jeans are a relatively new style compared to Levi’s 501 jeans, which were the brand’s first pair of pre-shrunk zipper jeans when they debuted in 1967.
According to the Levi’s website, the 505 jeans were truly a marker of 1970s counterculture in America and were notoriously worn by rockers of the 70s and 80s, including the members of the Rolling Stones on their Sticky Fingers album cover and The Ramones.
What’s the Difference Between Levi’s 501 and 505?
The main difference between Levi’s 501 and 505 jean styles is that the 505 features a wider thigh area and has a zipper fly instead of a button. Levi’s 501 and 505 are significantly different from one another due to these key distinctions.
They do, however, have a lot in common. In a sense, the introduction of the 505 jean style in the 1960s celebrated the traditional roots of Levi’s rich history by modernizing the 501 jean style.
Here is a comparison of these two well-known categories of jeans.
Cut
Levi’s 501 and 505 jeans have straight-cut legs that do not taper from the knee to the ankle. However, the 505 style provides just a little bit more space in the thigh region of the pant leg.
Any type of pants, especially those made of thick fabric like denim, move more easily when they have additional fabric in the legs. However, you might find that the extra fabric makes the denim sag in the thigh region due to normal wear and tear.
Waist
Both the 501 and 505 have a relaxed, but not overly snug, waist fit.
You can buy Levi’s 501 and 505 jeans in any waist size, though the company suggests that you buy these classic styles in your true waist size and then let them shrink to fit your lower body. As an alternative, you can purchase pre-shrunk versions of both styles; in this case, you should also choose your actual waist size.
Rise
Both the 501 and 505 jeans have a classic waist with an 11″ rise that sits high at your actual waist, exactly as it did way back in 1890.
Even though this look may not be in line with current fashion trends, it is certainly a practical choice when you have to stoop down to reach a toolbox on a construction site!
Fly
The biggest difference between the 501 and the 505 jeans is the fly closure. Because it was created before zippers were created, the traditional 501 style has a button closure. The 505, which was not introduced until the 1960s, has a more advanced zipper.
Even though the button closure has a vintage look, you might find that you prefer it. Unlike the zipper fly on a 505 jean style, the button fly does not develop that worn-out or faded zipper line. Naturally, the majority of us now have zippers on every pair of pants, so you might also prefer the practicality of the 505 zippers!
Fit
Levi’s 501 jean features a classic regular fit, while Straight fits are available from Levi’s 505, also known as regular straight fits. This indicates that both designs feature loose, non-tapered pant legs, a loose seat, and a waist that sits at your waist.
Of course, as you are already aware, the main fit difference is that the 505 has more room in the hip and thighs and then falls into that straight leg below the knee.
Stretch
Originally, neither the 501 or 505 styles of jeans had any stretch. However, you can now purchase both types of jeans that have a small amount of elastic fibers woven into the fabric.
As a result, the jeans have a hint of give, which makes active wear like hiking or outdoor work even more comfortable and convenient.
Between 1% and 3% of elastane, a substitute for Spandex that is used in the stretch-jean version of the 501 or 505, will be present in the garment.
Leg Opening
The 501 jean style usually has a 16/17″ leg opening, while the 505 has a 16.5″ leg opening. In contrast to slim fit or skinny fit jeans, both designs have a classic straight leg that feels quite roomy.
If you wore both the 501 and 505 styles to compare them, you probably wouldn’t even notice the slight difference in leg opening because neither style has tapered legs.
Material
In the traditional blue-and-white denim twill weave, the iconic Levi’s 501 is made of 100% cotton. The 505 typically uses the same 100% cotton denim, but it also comes in a well-liked stretch-denim variation with 1% elastane fibers.
Regardless, these traditional jean styles offer strong, high-quality denim that will last for many years, particularly if you take the manufacturer’s advice and wash the jeans every ten wears.
Best For
The 501 and 505 jean styles are best suited for casual occasions, strenuous work, or outdoor activities due to their roomy, classic fit.
For elegant or formal settings, these jeans will most definitely not look good. Since that is what Levi Strauss originally intended them for, you should wear them for laborious work.
Read More: How to Tell If Levi’s Are Vintage?
Final Thoughts on Levi’s 501 Vs 505
Despite being from different eras, these two fashions are strikingly similar for both men’s and women’s clothing.
If you want a traditional sturdy, straight-legged pair of jeans, you probably want to decide between Levi’s 501 and 505.
The 505 offers more room in the hip and highs than the 501, which is the primary distinction between these two timeless styles. In addition, the 505 features a more contemporary zipper fly while the 501 keeps the traditional button fly as its signature feature.
Have you tried any of the Levi’s fashions? Which one did you prefer, and why? To let us know, leave a comment below.
FAQs About Levis 505 vs 501
Why Are Levi’s 501 So Tight?
Finding the right size for Levi’s 501 jeans can be challenging because they are considered rigid denim, which means they are made of 100% cotton and don’t have any stretch.
Are Levi 505 Stretchy?
For comfortable wear all day, this pair has the ideal amount of stretch.
What Type of Fit Are Levi’s 505 Jeans?
Classic straight leg style.
