Does the Brand Levi’s Run Big or Small? What Is Their Sizing Like and What Should You Buy?

Levi’s is the gold standard when it comes to denim. From their timeless 501s to high-rise skinny jeans, oversized trucker jackets to vintage cut-offs, Levi’s is one of the few fashion brands that transcends trends, generations, and borders. But one question remains for most shoppers: Does Levi’s run big or small?

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Is Levi’s True to Size?

Mostly Yes – But It Depends on the Fit

Levi’s sizing is generally true to size, but the experience varies significantly depending on the fit and fabric composition. Some Levi’s styles—particularly vintage fits like the 501 or 505—are more rigid and can feel snug. Others, such as the 721 or Mile High Super Skinny, include stretch and fit more forgivingly.

Key considerations:

Rigid denim styles (no stretch) often feel snug at first
Stretch-infused styles (usually with 1-2% elastane) fit true or slightly generous
Unisex and oversized fits (like the Trucker Jacket) are designed to run large

Want to know what works for your body type? Tellar.co.uk gives instant size recommendations for every Levi’s product category, tailored to your measurements.

Levi’s Sizing by Product Category

Product Type	Fit Profile	Sizing Advice
501 Original Jeans	Rigid, button-fly, mid-rise	True to size; size up if curvier
511 Slim Fit	Narrow leg, slight stretch	True to size for lean builds
Ribcage Jeans	Super high-rise, wide hip fit	Size down if between sizes
Wedgie Fit	Tight at waist, snug through seat	Size up if curvy or fuller in hips
720/721 Skinny	Stretchy, compressive fabric	True to size or size down for sleek fit
Trucker Jackets	Unisex, oversized by design	True to size or size down for neater fit
Denim Shorts	Varies by collection	Check waist/butt fit via Tellar

Levi’s Fits Explained: What’s the Difference?

Levi’s uses a number system for its jeans, which often confuses first-time buyers. Here's a quick breakdown:

501: The original straight leg. No stretch. Button-fly.
505: Straight leg with zip fly. Slightly roomier than 501.
511: Slim fit with slight stretch. Ideal for slim to athletic builds.
721: High-rise skinny for women. Super stretch.
Ribcage: Levi’s highest rise. Vintage fit, tight at waist.
Wedgie: Designed to lift and flatter the bum—snug at hips and waist.

📌 Too many to choose from? Tellar.co.uk helps you find which Levi’s fit actually suits your measurements—not just your label size.

Levi’s UK vs US Sizing: Do They Differ?

Levi’s follows standard UK sizing for UK stockists, and the US sizes are often equivalent, but some styles ship with waist/inseam combinations like 27W/30L.

Women’s Levi’s: Use standard UK sizes (6–18), with waist conversions
Men’s Levi’s: Use inch-based sizing (e.g. 32W/32L)

💡 Still confused? Tellar auto-converts your waist/hip measurements to Levi’s sizing across styles and units (CM or Inches).

Real User Feedback: Levi’s Fit Experiences

Based on Tellar user data and thousands of size matches:

“The 501s were perfect on my waist but snug on the hips—Tellar told me to size up, and I’m glad I did.”
“The Ribcage line is beautiful but very high-rise. I used Tellar to check my rise-to-hip ratio and sized down.”
“The Wedgie fit is flattering but runs tight through the thighs—definitely not for everyone unless you size up.”

🚫 Don’t rely on guesswork or customer reviews alone—Tellar matches your fit to the Levi’s collection in real-time.

What to Buy from Levi’s: Best Pieces

1. 501 Original Jeans

The one that started it all. Timeless, iconic, and made to last. Best for classic denim lovers who don’t mind a stiffer feel.

2. 721 or 720 Skinny Jeans

For stretch and shape retention, these are among Levi’s best options. Ideal for a clean, polished look.

3. Ribcage Jeans

Levi’s highest rise—great for hourglass figures and cropped styling. Comes in straight and flare cuts.

4. Trucker Jackets

Unisex and oversized, these jackets go with everything. Layerable, but consider sizing down if you want a closer fit.

5. Levi’s Made & Crafted Line

A premium collection that elevates Levi’s core styles with selvedge denim, artisanal dyes, and minimalist finishes. Check fit carefully—premium lines often run trimmer.

🛍️ Don’t forget—every Levi’s item fits a bit differently, which is why Tellar.co.uk is the safest way to get it right, first time.

Tellar.co.uk: Find Your Levi’s Size Instantly

No more confusing charts. No more wasted orders. Tellar makes sizing simple, smart, and instant.

Here’s what you get:

Your perfect Levi’s size, down to the product line
Matched sizing in CM or Inches
A free tape measure posted to you
One-time setup—use forever, free
Personalised results across 1,500+ brands, from Levi’s to Eytys, Dondup, and Finery

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Final Verdict: Does Levi’s Run Big or Small?

✔️ Most Levi’s jeans run true to size—but rigid styles can feel snug

✔️ Stretch styles fit closer but feel comfier

✔️ Tops and jackets are generously cut—size down for structure

✔️ Different fits behave very differently—so check before you buy

🎯 Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy