I remember when all of my jeans were skinny jeans made with denim infused with stretch materials. Before that, it was low-rise, boot cut jeans with stretch (yipes to those days haha). Thinking back, I got my first pair of Levi’s 501 skinny jeans four years ago. They were the first pair of 100% cotton denim that I had owned probably since childhood.

These jeans were definitely my gateway to the straight-leg denim styles that I now wear constantly and love. When I got the Levi’s 501 Skinny jeans, I remember thinking although these were called skinny jeans, they felt so different from the legging-like, thinner, stretchy jeans that I was previously wearing— I immediately loved them.

The exact pair that I have were made from selvedge denim that was produced in the USA at Cone Mills in North Carolina. I’ll spare you the deep dive and rant on denim history (I could geek out for hours), but it was the last mill in the USA that Levi’s got denim from before it closed. This pair is the current most similar pair to my jeans. They are also 100% cotton but they’re not made from selvedge denim.

Sweater (medium, new but sold out from H&M – similar, similar, similar) | Sunglasses | Bag | Jeans (old – new wash) | Shoes (I sized down 1/2 size they’re almost sold out – similar)

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How to Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans Fit?

To be honest, I find that Levi’s denim sizing can be a bit inconsistent between washes and styles. They sell their 501 Skinny Jeans in two different fabrications— one without stretch (100% cotton) and one with stretch (99% cotton/1% elastane). Both styles have a button-fly closure and are high rise, about 11″.

The standard inseam length that you will find at most retailers who sell Levi’s is 28″, however, on the Levi’s website they offer a few more lengths— 26″, 28″, 30″, and 32″. Also, they often run sales on their website so it’s my favorite place to buy them. I am 5’7″ and I have three pairs that are the 28″ inseams which hits right above my ankle and is my favorite length on me. I also have the 30″ inseam which is full length on me and goes all the way to the top of my foot and covers my ankle a bit.

Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans are a style that is offered season after season, and because of that, they are always coming out with new washes. You can find them in white, black, light, medium, and dark washes as well as clean washes and others with distressing.

Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans: Rigid 100% Cotton Denim

In the 100% cotton Levi’s 501 skinny jeans, I sized up one size. They do start out pretty stiff and then stretch out with wear. I couldn’t button my normal size so I went up, but then the size up does stretch out to be pretty relaxed on me. I recommend reading reviews on the exact wash you’re looking to purchase.

Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans: Stretch 99% Cotton/1% Elastane Denim

I have three different washes in the stretch version of the Levi’s 501 skinny jeans and I got my true size in all of them. They also stretch out a bit with wear but not a ton. If you’re in-between sizes and want your jeans fitted, I recommend sizing down one size. If you’re true or on the top end of your sizing, or if you prefer a relaxed fit to your jeans, I recommend staying true to size. The stretch version is still made with heavyweight denim and is mostly cotton, so it has the look of rigid jeans but gives the comfort of a bit of stretch and makes them a bit more forgiving, size-wise.

Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans Outfits:

1.) Sweater + Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans + Sneakers

Sweater (old from Madewell – similar) | Jeans (28×30) | Bag | Earrings | Bexley 20″ Necklace (sold out – similar) | Shoes (I sized down 1/2 size they’re almost sold out – similar)

This pair of jeans is the stretch version in a clean wash with a 30″ inseam. As you can see, these are full-length on me. For this outfit I added a cozy, textured sweater and high top sneakers. The end result is an easy, everyday outfit. I would throw my long, black quilted coat on over this if I was heading out in the cold.

Jacket (old from BBDakota – similar) | Sweater (medium) | Bexley 20″ Necklace (sold out – similar) | Earrings | Bag (old from ABLE – same style in another color) | Jeans (28×28) | Sneakers

This next pair of jeans is also the stretch version. They are a clean, dark wash and the inseam on these is two inches shorter than the last pair (28″ inseam). This length hits right above my ankles which is my favorite length. I think it makes the jeans appear more slim than skinny and I think a hint of ankle makes for better proportions overall in a sneakers and jeans combo. Here I added a textured sweater with a clean moto jacket, and bright white sneakers to contrast against the dark jeans. I love this one for an everyday look as well!

2.) Military Jacket + Levi’s Jeans + Combat Boots

Jacket (medium, old from Madewell – new version) | Sunglasses (same style in another color) | Earrings | Bag | Tee (small) | Jeans (28×28) | Boots

Here are the same pair of jeans again, but this time with combat boots. You can see here how this length also works perfectly with ankle boots. There is no hint of ankle here, but you can see the full boot and I love that.

3.) Shacket + Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans + Tee + Sneakers

Shacket (small – sold out from H&M – similar, similar, similar) | Earrings | Bexley 20″ Necklace (sold out – similar) | Tee (small) | Jeans (old – new wash) | Bag | Sneakers

This pair of jeans is the same pair that is in the cover photo with the pink sweater. They are the 100% cotton style (no stretch) made from selvedge denim. I sized up one size and this is the 28″ length. I love the vintage-like wash of this pair and the ripped knee. Here I added socks and white sneakers, a white tee, and a neutral shacket. I love pairing denim with neutrals, it just always works!

4.) Sweater + Levi’s Jeans + Combat Boots

Sweater (medium – different color, similar) | Earrings | Bexley 20″ Necklace (sold out – similar) | Bag (old from ABLE – similar, similar) | Jeans (28×28 – newer wash) | Boots

This last pair of jeans is the stretch version in a washed black color with no distressing. The length on these is 28″. This is the pair that I am sure I have worn the most. They are a great foundation to a neutral, casual outfit, like this one.

What about you— have you tried Levi’s 501 Skinny jeans? If so, what is your favorite way to style them? If not, have you worn other styles of Levi’s? Let me know in the comments below!

If you’re interested in read more denim review, you can check out this section of my blog.