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Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean vs Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

Buy the Lee Extreme Motion if you want stretch denim that moves with you and a tapered straight leg that looks slimmer at the ankle. Buy the Levi's 501 if you want the original straight-leg jean with a rigid, durable feel and a button fly. The 501 has far more owner feedback and a longer track record, but its 99% cotton denim is stiffer and less forgiving than the Lee's flexible fibers. The Lee's comfort waistband and pocket count suit all-day wear; the 501 suits people who prefer classic, structured denim.

  • Choose the Lee Extreme Motion if you want stretch, a comfort waistband and a tapered leg for everyday movement.
  • Choose the Levi's 501 if you want the classic straight-leg cut, a button fly and rigid denim that holds its shape.

Prices

  • Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean: $37.90 at Amazon (last seen Nov 10)
  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: $42.97 at Tags Weekly (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean is $5.07 cheaper than the Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans at the latest prices (Nov 10)
Lee
Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Tapered Leg Jean

Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean

Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Tapered Leg Jean

4.4(2,678 ratings)
$37.90at AmazonChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Stretch fabric moves with you through sitting, bending and walking
  • Comfort waistband reduces pressure during long days
  • Tapered leg gives a cleaner line below the knee
  • Plenty of pockets for everyday carry
Cons
  • Stretch denim can bag at the knees over time
  • Tapered leg is less roomy through the calf
  • Fewer owner ratings than the 501
Levi's
Levi's 501 Original Fit Men's Jeans

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

Levi's 501 Original Fit Men's Jeans

4.3(14,000 ratings)
$42.97at Tags WeeklyChecked 7 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Tags Weekly
Pros
  • Classic straight-leg cut that most jeans are patterned on
  • Heavy 14-ounce denim that holds its shape
  • Very large base of owner ratings
  • Button fly and five-pocket styling that age well
Cons
  • Rigid denim needs a break-in period
  • Button fly is slower than a zip
  • Less stretch, so less give when you move

What separates them

Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit JeanLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
FitStraight fit with a tapered leg that narrows toward the ankleOriginal straight leg, regular through seat and thigh, 16-inch leg opening
StretchFlexible fibers built for a wide range of motion99% cotton, 1% elastane; some give but a stiffer feel
WaistbandComfort waistband designed for all-day wearStandard waistband, sits at the waist, 11 1/4-inch front rise
ClosureZip flyButton fly
Fabric weightPremium stretch denim, lighter hand14-ounce denim that feels substantial and breaks in over time
Owner feedback4.4 out of 5 from about 2,700 ratings4.3 out of 5 from about 14,000 ratings
Sizing rangeMen's waist and inseam sizing, including 36x29Plus sizes 20 to 26 with regular inseam
DurabilityStretch denim can loosen with wear and recover less over timeRigid cotton denim holds shape and wears in rather than out

Price history

$53.52$23.83
Nov 2Nov 11
  • Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean: lowest $34.75 on Nov 11 at Belk.
  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: lowest $23.83 on Nov 8 at Macy's; $42.97 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean

  • Academy Sports + OutdoorsNew

    In stock

    $34.99+ $6.95 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Academy Sports + Outdoors
  • BelkNew

    In stock

    $34.75+ $12.95 shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Belk
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $37.90Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • lenonlures.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $39.90Checked 8 h ago
    Visit lenonlures.com
All 14 stores and price history →

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

  • Tags WeeklyNew

    In stock

    $42.97Checked 7 h ago
    Visit Tags Weekly
  • WalmartNew

    Out of stockSold by Rack's Off PriceReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $47.70+ $5.99 shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Zappos.comCheck price at Zappos.com
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecLee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit JeanLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
size36X29Size 20, Size 22, Size 24, Size 26
Clothing Size GroupMen—
Clothing Size36X29—
Actual ColorMidmoore—
colorMidmoore—
Fit—Regular Through The Thigh
Rise—Sits At Your Waist
Leg—Straight Leg
Front rise—11 1/4"
Knee—17 1/2"
Leg opening—16"
Composition—99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecLee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit JeanLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Fabric—Denim
Stretch—Stretch
Fly—Button fly
Pockets—5-pocket styling
Made in—Egypt
Inseam Size—Inseam Size Regular
Style—Jeans
Pattern—Solid
Material—Cotton, Denim
Leg Style—Straight Leg

What reviewers say

Lee Men's Extreme Motion Straight Fit Jean

  • 4.4 / 52,678 ratings

Owners rate the Extreme Motion jean highly, mostly for comfort and freedom of movement. Many say it became their daily pair and held up through repeated washing. Complaints center on sizing and the lighter feel of the stretch fabric.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners repeatedly call it the most comfortable jean they own for all-day wear.
  • StretchPraisedThe flexible fabric moves with the body without bagging out.
  • FitMixedThe straight-tapered cut suits many, but some find the leg tighter than expected.
  • SizingCriticisedSeveral buyers say the waist runs large or varies by color.

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

  • 4.3 / 514,000 ratings

With about 14,000 ratings averaging 4.3 out of 5, owners mostly treat the 501 as a dependable straight-leg staple. Praise centers on the cut and the denim; complaints tend to be about fit consistency and the button fly.

What people mention
  • FitMixedOwners like the straight-leg cut but report the same size fitting differently across washes.
  • Button flyMixedSome prefer the classic button closure; others find it slow and awkward.
  • Denim qualityPraisedReviewers describe sturdy, long-wearing cotton denim.
  • Break-inMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for all-day comfort?
The Lee Extreme Motion. Its stretch fibers and comfort waistband give more give when you sit and move. The 501 is stiffer, especially when new.
Which lasts longer?
The Levi's 501 generally holds up longer. Its 14-ounce cotton denim wears in rather than stretching out, while stretch denim can loosen over time.
Is the 501 worth stepping up to?
If you want the original straight-leg look and rigid denim that keeps its shape, yes. If you want stretch and a tapered leg, the Lee is the better fit.
Which fits slimmer at the ankle?
The Lee Extreme Motion. Its leg tapers below the knee. The 501 keeps a straight 16-inch leg opening all the way down.
Does the 501 have stretch?
Slightly. It is 99% cotton with 1% elastane, so it gives a little but feels much firmer than the Lee.
Which is easier to put on?
The Lee, because it has a zip fly. The 501 uses a button fly, which takes longer to fasten.

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  • Medium Indigo Wash Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans vs Levi's 501 Original Fit Men's Jeans

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best men's everyday casual jeans
  • Best men's jeans for everyday wear
Size Type
—
Plus
With Pockets—Yes
Closure Type—Button
The jeans start stiff and soften with wear, which some dislike and others expect.