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Deal.ai › Compare

True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans vs Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

The True Classic jeans are the comfort pick: a soft 4-way stretch denim with no break-in period, and owners say it holds its shape. The Levi's 501 is the heritage pick: a stiffer, heavier cotton denim with a button fly and a cut that has defined straight-leg jeans for decades. Reviewers rate the True Classic higher on average, but the 501 has far more ratings and a long track record. Buy the True Classic for softness and travel; buy the 501 for durability and a classic look that ages well.

  • Choose the True Classic straight jeans if you want soft, stretchy denim that feels broken in from day one and moves with you on long days or travel.
  • Choose the Levi's 501 if you want a stiff, durable cotton denim with a button fly and a straight-leg cut that has stayed in style for generations.

Prices

  • True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans: $79.99 at Target (last seen Nov 8)
M
Medium Indigo Wash Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans

True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans

Medium Indigo Wash Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans

4.6(2,423 ratings)
$79.99at TargetChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Target
Pros
  • Soft 4-way stretch feels broken in from day one
  • Holds its shape wear after wear, owners say
  • Zipper fly is quick and familiar
  • Straight leg with a slight taper looks tailored without being tight
Cons
  • Stretch blend is less durable than heavy cotton
  • Polyester and elastane content means it fades and pills sooner
  • Only one wash shown here
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)
See all prices and details
Pros
  • Heavy cotton denim that lasts years
  • Button fly and classic 501 cut are timeless
  • Huge rating base and decades of track record
  • Softens and molds to your body over time
Cons
  • Stiff at first and needs a break-in period
  • Button fly is slower than a zipper
  • Rigid denim can bag at the knees

What separates them

True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Fabric85% cotton, 13.5% polyester, 1.5% elastane; soft 4-way stretch99% cotton, 1% elastane; heavier rigid-feeling denim
Break-inNo break-in period; soft out of the bagStiff at first; softens and molds over months of wear
FlyZipper flyButton fly
Leg opening15 inches on a size 32 waist16 inches
Shape retentionOwners report it holds its shape wear after wearRigid denim keeps its structure but can bag at the knees
DurabilityStretch blend wears faster with heavy useHeavy cotton denim lasts years
RiseStraight fit with a slight taper below the kneeSits at the waist, regular through seat and thigh
Ratings4.6 out of 5 from about 2,400 ratings4.3 out of 5 from about 14,000 ratings

Price history

$69.99$23.83
Nov 2Nov 11
  • True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans: lowest $35.00 on Nov 9 at Poshmark; $69.99 on Nov 11.
  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: lowest $23.83 on Nov 8 at Macy's; $44.97 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $79.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Target
  • True ClassicNew

    In stock

    $79.99+ $7.00 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit True Classic
  • Shoptiques | Shop Local BoutiquesNew

    Out of stock

    $69.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit Shoptiques | Shop Local Boutiques

Also available at

  • LystCheck price at Lyst
  • True ClassicCheck price at True Classic
  • PoshmarkCheck price at Poshmark
All 3 stores and price history →

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

  • 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
  • Levi'sCheck price at Levi's
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecTrue Classic Straight Comfort Stretch JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
FitStraight fitRegular Through The Thigh
Fabric composition85% cotton, 13.5% polyester, 1.5% Elastane—
Fabric weight12.5oz—
Leg opening circumference15"(based on size 32w)—
Fly typeZipper fly—
Pocket constructionClassic 5 pocket construction—
RivetsAntique copper rivets—
Coin pocket detailChain stitching on the coin pocket—
CareMachine Wash—
Country of originMade in Vietnam—
Rise—Sits At Your Waist
Leg—Straight Leg
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecTrue Classic Straight Comfort Stretch JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Front rise—11 1/4"
Knee—17 1/2"
Leg opening—16"
Composition—99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
Fabric—Denim
Stretch—Stretch
Fly—Button fly
Pockets—5-pocket styling
Made in—Egypt
Size—Size 20, Size 22, Size 24, Size 26

What reviewers say

True Classic Straight Comfort Stretch Jeans

  • 4.6 / 52,423 ratings

Owners rate these highly, with the soft stretch fabric and non-stiff straight fit coming up again and again. Many say they hold their shape after repeated wear, which is unusual for stretch denim.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners repeatedly call the fabric soft and comfortable, comparing it to a t-shirt rather than denim.
  • StretchPraisedThe four-way stretch is the most-mentioned feature, with buyers saying it moves without restriction.
  • Shape retentionPraisedReviewers say the jeans keep their shape after repeated wear instead of bagging out.
  • FitPraisedThe straight leg with a slight taper is described as tailored without being tight.

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 everyday comfort?
The True Classic. Its 4-way stretch denim is soft from the first wear and needs no break-in. The 501 starts stiff and takes weeks to soften.
Which lasts longer?
The Levi's 501. Its heavy cotton denim outlasts the stretch blend in the True Classic, which wears faster with heavy use.
Is the 501 worth stepping up to?
If you want a durable, classic jean that ages with you, yes. If you want softness and movement, the True Classic is the better fit.
Which fits slimmer?
The True Classic has a slight taper below the knee and a 15-inch leg opening. The 501 is straighter with a 16-inch opening, so it looks a bit wider at the hem.
Which is better for travel?
The True Classic. The stretch fabric moves with you on long flights and holds its shape through repeated wear.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best men's everyday casual jeans
  • Best men's jeans for everyday wear
Inseam Size—Inseam Size Regular
Style—Jeans
Pattern—Solid
Material—Cotton, Denim
Leg Style—Straight Leg
Size Type—Plus
With Pockets—Yes
Closure Type—Button
The jeans start stiff and soften with wear, which some dislike and others expect.