Should You Buy Levi's 501 OR Levi's 501 93?

This video is all about the most iconic pair of denim jeans in the world. The Levi's 501! But, do you know the difference between the regular Levi's 501 and the Levi's 501 93? Well, that's exactly what this video is all about.

I’m going to be showing you how each style fits, I'll be measuring each pair to show the differences in their size, and talk about the different details of each pair!

Just for reference, I’m 6 foot and I wear a 32 waist and 32 length in Levis.

Jeans in the video:

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[swagjita.]

I used to sell Levi's jeans for a few years and in my experience, there could just simply be manufacturing defects between jeans sometimes. Sometimes I'll pick up a two pairs of the same jeans in the same size and same fit and colour way, and they'll both have different fits and feels to them.

The factories and machines that make them are incredibly consistent, but they're not perfect.

[Imnathgriff]

Can confirm I did NOT fall asleep during the video 😂!.. Also - “What a Jean” 😂! Great video as always brother!

[mjg]

Levi's is ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. in terms of sizing. You could literally be holding 3 pairs of 32x34 501 jeans in the same colorway, same factory, same model and EACH one will fit wildly different. My only thing to suggest is to go into a store and physically try on the jeans or if you must order online buy 2-3 pairs and return the ones that don't work. Sadly, I don't see this changing anytime soon since they've always been known for inconsistent sizing even when they were manufactured in the US. But you were being nice when you said "that's what makes each pair special" and in a big way, that's the "Treasure Hunt" aspect of Levi's jeans.

[EmRose]

As a woman, the '93 are much more comfortable and flattering on me. They sit higher on my waist and have more room for my hips and don't make me look like I'm wearing men's pants.

[boxofspace]

I absolutely love Levis and have been buying 1 - 3 pairs every year for the last 10 years. That said, your experience with sizing is the EXPECTATION when I buy a new pair. I own several 505s, 501s, 501 '93s, 551 z's, 511s, carpenter, and vintage versions as well. Of these jeans, I found the 511's to be the most inconsistent of them all lol. I have two that are gray 34x30 and one fits me SUPER skinny, and the other fits me so loose hahaha.

[kettusnuhveli]

514's seem to be the best ones for me. Little bit more roomy than the 501's with otherwise simmilar proportions!

[JamesLeung]

The inconsistencies are so strange, wouldn't be surprised if they were manufactured in different countries as well. Also I'm all in for the progression towards cat-fashion-tube haha.

[Bluehorseshoe]

I'm 5'11", and I also wear a 32x32. When I was younger we would always buy them as Shrink-to-Fit. So if you wanted a 32x32 you would buy a 34x34. They started selling Pre-Shrunk later and you could just buy your size. I have some pairs from the 1980s that belonged to my father that are made in USA. They are 36x34 on the tag, but the fit is 34x32. I recently bought some new 501s and they're too big and it seems not pre-shrunk. So I boiled them on the stove and put them in a hot dryer, and got them down a little. But they're still over an inch longer than my old 501s that I've worn and washed dozens of times. So I think they keep shrinking over time as you wear and wash them. But there are definitely inconsistencies depending also on when and where they were made. The current pair say they're made in Egypt. If you don't want them to shrink, wash them in cold water and hang them up to dry. If they're already feeling tight, just wear them to break them in and then don't wash them hot and then put them in a hot dryer.

[TheJoejan]

Also, the Levi’s 501 93’ PREMIUM jeans have the better quality materials, such as the leather back-patches thicker materials, and better fit than the regular 501 93’ version.

[jordancole]

Hi Harry! Great video. Speaking as a former Levi’s employee.

The reason why you have the premium label and the leather patch is that there are three tiers to Levi’s jeans.

The first tier is considered outlet, which is the grey 93 straights in your video with the more vintage looking patch and no premium label. These tend to either have more or less material and can be considered a true budget pair.

The leather patch and premium label are more self explanatory, you’ll find those with a higher quality look and feel in your flagship stores in major city’s, no outlets obviously.

The third tier is Levi’s blue label. These are the highest quality denim Levi’s make and they usually have a blue leather patch. These can usually be found in big flagships, ie. Toronto, New York, Los Angeles.

[max-mkl]

Levis sizing is always weird for me. The I can never fit into any of them especially the new 501s. As my thighs and calves are just not made for them. But ironically the Levis jeans that Ive got from my dad which are about 20yrs old fit me perfectly ~ materials where also better than the new 501s

[lazybonemotorcycles]

No matter what you say, the troubled smile is throughout 😂👌Thank you for the 93 introduction. I didn’t know there was another version to the 501 Original.

[Gamexpertvids]

This video popped up at JUST one of the most convenient moments, since Levi's has given out discounts for people thus week via email. Should really help people in the market looking for these ranges.

[mimik]

I always think it's worth digging out the second hand shops for 90s levis. Made in UK ones seem tip notch quality

[frannakd]

I'm a bit shorter than you so i bought the Levi's 501 93 cropped and i love them. The fabric feels a bit more stretchy than regular 501 and my legs appreciate the extra room 🤣. Great video, now I'm anxious for next week's one.

[killuminativ]

When looking at Levi 501 you need to scroll down and see what kind of stretch they have. The advanced stretch always feels the best I’ve noticed.

[Elijah-fcex]

Just tried on some 505's in store. I tried multiple colors all with 32 length and either a 33 waist and 34 waist.
The difference in the sizing was ludicrous.
The 34 waist were literally 2 inches bigger everywhere, in the quads, in the lower legs, super baggy. It was such a difference I couldn't help but laugh it was like a completely different cut of jean.

[joegibbs]

Dude you over looked the most obvious difference, country of manufacture. Levi's made in Egypt, Mexico, USA run true to large, made other places like Pakistan they run your country of manufacture and add it to the chart. Cheers.

[Karim_Caillol]

Thanks for the tips, I have the same issue with the classic 501, I will try the 93! Cheers

[alfredbonnabel]

There was only one jean to wear and that was the Levi 501...I've since changed and now wear PAIGE. The fit is better for my body type, I normally buy the Croft. Look forward to next week's video.