Levi's 514 Straight Fit Jeans vs Levi's 501 Original Straight Jeans

The 514 and the 501 are both straight-leg Levi's jeans, but they fit differently. The 514 sits low on the waist, runs trimmer through the leg, and suits medium or athletic builds that want a modern, streamlined look. The 501 is the original: it sits at the waist, has a roomier regular thigh, and uses the button fly. Owners of both praise the denim quality and longevity; the 501 has the longer track record and more sizing history to lean on.

• Choose the 514 if you want a lower rise and a trimmer straight leg that reads more modern and pairs easily with a tee.
• Choose the 501 if you want the classic higher rise, a roomier thigh, and the button fly that made the style famous.