Levi’s 511 vs. Levi’s 512: Everything You Need To Know

Levi’s is undoubtedly one of the most popular jeans brands in existence. Being that they’ve been creating jeans for over a century, it is no wonder they’ve managed to master their craft and become such an iconic name. Their comfortable fits and cool styles make them tough competition for any other denim brands to forge their way, and they always seem to stay on top of the latest trends and fads without losing their classic and timeless style. 

The Levi’s 511 jeans are one of the most beloved and outstanding pairs of jeans to come out of the brand, so it’s not surprising they would attempt to reinvent the style with a few improvements and adjustments with the Levi’s 512 jeans. While the differences may be on the subtler side, they’re impactful enough to be worthy of comparing and contrasting.

In order to help you better decide which pair of jeans is best for you, we’ve broken down the ins and outs of these stylish and contemporary denim trousers. 

Levi’s 511

The Levi’s 511 jeans feature a true slim fit that remains through the hips, thighs, and leg openings. While they’re on the slimmer side, they’re not too tight, making them perfect for someone who is wanting the more compressed look without the feel of skinny jeans.

They even offer Levi’s 511 jeans with flex fabric for extra comfort and flexibility. These 100% cotton jeans come in more than 80 colors, offering everything from red, to grey, to mint, to basically every single wash of denim possible. They’re both versatile and pleasant to wear throughout a long day, making them quite popular since their initial release years ago. 

The Levi’s 511 jeans are a direct descendant of the original Levi’s 501, which were the first of many jeans created by Levi’s in 1873. The 501 Original was the first pair of straight jeans ever to be created for men, proving just how iconic this design truly is. While Levi’s 511 jeans definitely had some alterations made, they carry that same timeless quality they were bred from.

Levi’s 512

The Levi’s 512 jeans are quite similar to the 511, being that the two pairs have the exact same waist and upper-leg cut. However, they differ in the fact that the 512 taper to a slimmer leg opening, meaning they are a bit tighter all around than the Levis 511 jeans.

On the fit spectrum, the Levi’s 512 jeans fall somewhere between slim fit and skinny, making them perfect for those who want as snug of a fit as possible without the too-tight feeling that skinny jeans often leave us with. Though they don’t come in nearly as many colors and washes as the 511, they still offer more than 30 different shades and washes, which is more than you’ll find in most other brands. 

The Difference Between the Two

While there is no denying that both the 511 and the 512 are made to cater to men who prefer a slimmer, more tailored fit, the 512 are definitely the tighter of the two jeans. In fact, just the small difference between the 511 true slim cut and the 512 slim taper cut results in a majorly different fit. Being that a tapered cut means the pant leg slowly gets narrower as it reaches the ankle, Levi’s 512 jeans have a skinny fit around the ankle with a 12.75” leg opening, while Levi’s 511 jeans have a slim fit the entire way from the hips to the ankle where there is a 14.5” leg opening.

Therefore, you can expect to feel the same level of tightness in the hips and thighs in both pants, however, it’s the bottom of the jeans where you will feel a big difference. In regards to sizing, both the 511 and the 512 run pretty true-to-size, so it’s recommended to order your usual sizing. 

How to Style Them

Both Levi’s 511 jeans and Levi’s 512 jeans are offered in premium denim, giving you a wider array of color options. Though premium denim is a bit more expensive than the regular, you’re able to really build your wardrobe for a variety of different events and occasions, allowing for more versatility and a sense of appropriate fashion.

Depending on the wash and color that you decide on, both of these jeans look great with something as simple as a linen or cotton button up, or in the colder months, a nice knit pullover sweater. Since they are on the slimmer side of fits, these are jeans that can 100% be dressed up for business casual attire or even for a nice night out. Of course, if you prefer to keep it casual, both the 511 and the 512 can be worn with a simple tee or flannel of your choice. 

Some Other Options from Levis

If neither the 511 or 512 seem to do it for you, there are few other options that you should be aware of in order to find your perfect match. As mentioned before, the 512 has a pretty tight fit, but if you’re wanting something even tighter and more of a skinny fit, then take a look at Levi’s 510 jeans. The 510 are Levi’s skinniest jeans style for men, giving them a very sleek look.

However, if you fall on the other end of the spectrum and would prefer something even less tight than Levi’s 511 jeans, then Levi’s 513 jeans are worth checking out. The 513 has a slim fit through the hips just like the 511, only they begin to have a straight fit down through the leg opening, giving you more flexibility and removing any possibility of the jeans being considered “skinny”. 

At the end of the day, Levi’s has a stellar line of flattering, comfortable, and durable jeans that are worth exploring. While we might all have different preferences when it comes to the tightness and fit of our jeans, having at least one nice pair of slim fit jeans is basically a necessity in modern fashion. Along with being easier to dress up, slim fit jeans are more multifaceted, allowing you to express your style in new and innovative ways. No matter if you choose Levi’s 511 jeans or Levi’s 512 jeans, you can be assured you won’t be choosing wrong.