Levi's 501 Original Straight Jeans vs Wrangler Retro Slim Straight Jeans

Buy the Levi's 501 if you want the original straight-fit jean: a regular thigh, a waist-height rise, a button fly and a cut that has barely changed since 1873. Buy the Wrangler Retro Slim Straight if you want a slimmer, lower-rise jean that sits under a belt buckle and fits over boots. The 501 is the safer buy for most body types and has the stronger reputation; the Wrangler's 3.3-out-of-5 average from 231 ratings shows more mixed owner feedback, mostly about the slim seat and low rise.

• Choose the Levi's 501 if you want a true straight leg, a waist-height rise and the most recognized jean pattern in the market.
• Choose the Wrangler Retro Slim Straight if you want a modern slim cut, a low rise for a visible belt buckle and a leg that drops cleanly over boots.