Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans vs Lee Extreme Motion Regular Fit Jeans
Buy the Levi's 501 if you want the classic straight-leg look, a button fly and heavier 14 oz denim that holds its shape. Buy the Lee Extreme Motion if comfort matters more: its 3% spandex and elastic waistband flex with you all day. The 501 is the better-known jean, but the Lee is the easier one to wear for long stretches.
Ask our shopping agent
Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans
3.8Choose the Levi's 501 if you want a timeless straight-leg cut, a button fly and sturdy 14 oz denim that breaks in over time.
- Classic 501 straight-leg cut that most jeans are patterned on
- Heavy 14 oz cotton denim that wears in and lasts
- Button fly and 5-pocket styling are true to the original
- Pre-shrunk, so sizing stays put after washing
- Stiff and heavy out of the box
- Only 1% elastane, so little give at the waist
- Button fly is slower than a zipper
- Rated 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, a small sample
What separates them
| Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans | Lee Extreme Motion Regular Fit Jeans | |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric weight | 14 oz denim, substantial and stiff at first | 8 oz denim, light and soft from day one |
| Stretch | 1% elastane, slight give | 3% spandex, medium stretch |
| Waistband | Fixed denim waistband | Elastic Flex waistband |
| Fly | Button fly | Zip fly with button closure |
| Leg opening | 16 inches | 15 1/2 inches |
| Rise | Sits at the waist, 11 1/4 inch front rise | Mid rise |
| Heritage and resale | Iconic 501 silhouette, widely recognized | Everyday workwear brand, less collectible |
| Break-in |
Price history
- Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans: lowest $45.00 on Nov 1.
- Lee Extreme Motion Regular Fit Jeans: lowest $42.90 on Nov 1 at Amazon.
Prices at every store
Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Dave's New YorkCheck price at Dave's New York
- eBayCheck price at eBay
Specs compared
| Spec | Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans | Lee Extreme Motion Regular Fit Jeans |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Regular Through The Thigh | Regular |
| Rise | Sits At Your Waist | Mid |
| Leg | Straight Leg | Straight |
| Leg opening | 16" | 15 1/2" |
| Stretch | Stretch | Medium Stretch |
| Front rise | 11 1/4" | — |
| Knee | 17 1/2" | — |
| Composition | 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | — |
| Fabric | Denim | — |
| Fly | Button fly | — |
| Pockets |
What reviewers say
Levi's Men's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Ratings for this listing average 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, a small sample. The 501 is one of the most widely owned jeans in the world, and owners generally praise its durable construction and consistent fit.
- Classic fit that stays true to the 501 pattern
- Durable denim that holds up to regular washing
- Comfortable after the first few wears
- Stretch versions feel thinner than all-cotton 501s
- Button fly divides opinion
- Fit can vary between washes and production runs
Lee Extreme Motion Regular Fit Jeans
Owners of Lee's Extreme Motion line generally praise the stretch and the flex waistband for all-day comfort, and many report the jeans hold up well for the price. Criticism tends to focus on the waistband feel and on stretch denim loosening with wear.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for all-day sitting or driving?
- The Lee Extreme Motion. Its 3% spandex and elastic waistband flex where the 501's stiffer 14 oz denim and button fly do not.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Levi's 501. Heavier 14 oz denim and only 1% elastane mean less stretch fatigue, while light stretch denim like the Lee's tends to thin and bag sooner.
- Is the Levi's 501 worth the extra money?
- If you want the classic look and long wear, yes. If comfort and price matter more, the Lee is the practical pick.
- Do the Lee jeans run true to size?
- The elastic waistband gives some room, so most shoppers can stay at their usual waist size. The 501 runs true to its labeled waist but starts stiff.
- Which has a slimmer leg opening?
- The Lee, at 15 1/2 inches versus 16 inches on the 501. The difference is small and both read as straight legs.
- Can I wear the 501 in summer?
- It is doable but warm. The 14 oz denim is heavy, so the lighter 8 oz Lee is the cooler choice in heat.