Men's Slim Straight Stretch Denim vs Levi's 511 Slim Fit Jeans

Buy the Cone Mills jean if you want a true slim-straight leg, a midrise, and a denim blend that holds its shape. Buy the Levi's 511 if you want a tapered leg, a lower rise, and the widest size and length range. Both are stretch denim with a 2% Lycra-type content, and both draw solid owner feedback on comfort. The 511 has the longer track record and more consistent sizing language; the Cone Mills jean leans on its heavier 12 oz. fabric and REPREVE content.

• Choose the Cone Mills slim straight if you want a straight leg from the knee down, a midrise that sits at the waist, and a heavier 12 oz. denim that resists bagging out.
• Choose the Levi's 511 if you want a tapered leg, a lower rise, and the broadest run of waist and inseam lengths.