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Straight Jay Jeans vs Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

Buy the Straight Jay if you want a soft, stretchy everyday jean that feels broken in from the first wear. Buy the Levi's 501 if you want the original straight-leg cut, a sturdier cotton denim and a fit that has been refined for decades. The Jay wins on comfort and fabric feel; the 501 wins on durability, structure and track record. Reviewers rate the Jay slightly higher, but the 501 has far more ratings behind it.

  • Choose the Straight Jay if you want a lightweight, high-stretch jean with a softer hand and a looser straight leg.
  • Choose the Levi's 501 if you want a classic, low-stretch cotton jean with a button fly and a proven straight-leg fit.

Prices

  • Straight Jay Jeans: $119.00 at Mott & Bow (last seen Nov 10)
  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: $42.97 at Tags Weekly (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans is $76.03 cheaper than the Straight Jay Jeans at the latest prices (Nov 10)
S
Straight Jay Jeans

Straight Jay Jeans

4.5(1,980 ratings)
$119.00at Mott & BowChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Mott & Bow
Pros
  • Very soft Italian denim with a left-hand weave
  • 11% stretch moves with you all day
  • Lightweight at 10.25 oz, good for warm weather
  • Zipper fly is quicker than buttons
  • Looser straight leg suits thicker thighs
Cons
  • Stretch denim tends to bag out at the knees
  • Lighter fabric wears through sooner
  • Limited size and wash range
  • Less structure than a classic jean
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 Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Tags Weekly
Pros
  • Heavy 14 oz cotton denim built to last
  • The original straight-leg cut most jeans copy
  • Button fly and 5-pocket styling are timeless
  • Wide range of sizes, washes and colors
  • Huge rating base backs the fit
Cons
  • Stiff at first and needs a break-in period
  • Only 1% elastane, so little give
  • Button fly is slower than a zipper
  • Heavier fabric is warm in summer

What separates them

Straight Jay JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Stretch11% stretch factor with 2% elastane1% elastane, minimal stretch
Fabric weight10.25 oz Italian denim, light and soft14 oz cotton denim, heavier and stiffer
Fabric feelUltra-soft left-hand weave, soft out of the bagRigid denim that breaks in over time
FlyZipper flyButton fly
Leg opening17 inches16 inches
RiseMid-riseSits at the waist, 11 1/4 inch front rise
Fit through thighClassic looser fit, straight from hipRegular through seat and thigh
DurabilityStretch denim wears faster at stress pointsHeavy cotton holds up to years of wear

Price history

$53.52$23.83
Nov 2Nov 13
  • Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans: lowest $23.83 on Nov 8 at Macy's; $44.97 on Nov 13.

Prices at every store

Straight Jay Jeans

  • Mott & BowNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $119.00Checked Nov 10
    Visit Mott & Bow
Prices and history →

Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans

  • Tags WeeklyNew

    In stock

    $42.97Checked Nov 10
    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

  • Coastal Farm & RanchCheck price at Coastal Farm & Ranch
  • Kohl'sCheck price at Kohl's
  • JCPenneyCheck price at JCPenney
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecStraight Jay JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Leg Opening17'' leg opening16"
RiseMid-riseSits At Your Waist
Flyzipper flyButton fly
Fitclassic looser fit that's straight from hip to …Regular Through The Thigh
Stretch Factor11% Stretch Factor—
Fabric Weight10.25 oz—
Fabric TypeItalian Fabric—
Denim TypeUltra Soft Demin—
Fabric Composition92% Cotton; 6 % EME; 2% Elastane—
Caremachine washed in cold water inside out—
Leg—Straight Leg
Front rise—11 1/4"
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecStraight Jay JeansLevi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Knee—17 1/2"
Composition—99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
Fabric—Denim
Stretch—Stretch
Pockets—5-pocket styling
Made in—Egypt
Size—Size 20, Size 22, Size 24, Size 26
Inseam Size—Inseam Size Regular
Style—Jeans
Pattern—Solid

What reviewers say

Straight Jay Jeans

  • 4.5 / 51,980 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 across 1,980 ratings, owners mostly praise the softness and stretch of the denim and the relaxed straight fit. Complaints center on the fabric being lighter and stretchier than expected.

What people mention
  • SoftnessPraisedOwners describe the left-hand-weave denim as unusually soft and comfortable from the first wear.
  • StretchMixedThe 11% stretch is called comfortable, but some say the jeans loosen over a long day.
  • FitPraisedReviewers like the classic looser straight leg and the mid-rise.
  • Fabric weightCriticisedSome owners find the lightweight denim thinner than they expected from a jean.

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 wear?
The Straight Jay is easier for daily wear because the stretch and light weight feel comfortable from morning to night. The 501 is better if you prefer a firmer, more structured jean.
Which lasts longer?
The Levi's 501. Its 14 oz cotton denim resists wear better than the Jay's 10.25 oz stretch fabric, which can thin and bag over time.
Is the Straight Jay worth stepping up to over the 501?
Step up to the Jay if comfort and a soft feel matter more than longevity. Stay with the 501 if you want a jean that holds its shape for years.
Which fits bigger in the thigh?
The Straight Jay has a looser classic fit from hip to hem. The 501 is regular through the seat and thigh, so it sits closer to the body.
Which is better in hot weather?
The Straight Jay. Its lighter 10.25 oz fabric and stretch breathe better than the 501's 14 oz cotton.
Do the 501s shrink?
The pre-washed and pre-shrunk 501 runs close to true to size. Expect little shrinkage if you wash cold and line dry.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best men's everyday casual jeans
  • Best men's jeans for everyday wear
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.