This comparison is really about denim, because that's where the two brands meet — and where their philosophies collide. Levi's sizes jeans by actual waist measurement: the label is a number of inches, which makes the chart unusually honest. H&M sizes jeans in abstract EU numbers, and its denim is the brand's most notorious category, commonly fitting one to two sizes under the label.
One thing to be upfront about: tops comparisons here aren't apples-to-apples. Levi's is a denim house whose tops chart publishes single anchor values, while H&M publishes ranges across a full clothing line — we include a tops table for orientation, but the jeans tables are the ones to trust. All rows are aligned by body measurement, since EU numerics and waist-inches share no labels.
The short answer
H&M jeans run smaller — Levi's label is an honest waist measurement
Levi's runs true to size on paper because the size is the measurement: a women's 28 fits a 29.25" waist, and men's W sizes actually fit about half an inch to an inch of body waist above the label. The right Levi's size then depends on the fit and fabric — Ribcage and Wedgie run small, rigid 501s have no give, the 511 is snug in the thigh. H&M's denim problem is more basic: the label routinely understates by one to two sizes, so the chart match below is only your starting point.
Converting is straightforward if you go through your real waist. Measure it, find the Levi's size whose chart waist matches, and find the H&M EU size whose range contains it — then add H&M's denim correction of one to two sizes on top. Going the other way, resist the urge to carry H&M's size-up habit to Levi's: most Levi's fits should be bought at your true measured size, with adjustments only for the specific fits that run small.
H&M vs Levi's at a glance
| H&M | Levi's | |
|---|---|---|
| Denim sizing system | EU numeric sizes (36, 38, 40…) | Waist in inches — women's 24–34, men's W×L (e.g. 32×34) |
| Label honesty | Jeans commonly fit one to two sizes under the label | Label is a real waist; men's fit slightly above the number |
| Where to size up | Most denim, especially low-stretch styles | Only specific fits: Ribcage, Wedgie, rigid 501s |
| Consistency | Loose item to item | Consistent within a fit; fits differ a lot from each other |
| Inseam choice | Standard lengths per style | Sold separately as L (inseam) in men's W×L sizing |
Women's jeans aligned by body waist
Rows are matched by body waist measurement, not by label — Levi's labels are waist sizes while H&M uses EU numerics. The H&M column is the chart match only: H&M jeans commonly fit one to two sizes under the label, so many shoppers end up buying above it.
| Levi's size | Levi's waist | H&M EU size (chart match) | H&M waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 27.25" · 69 cm | EU 36 | 66–70 cm · 26–27.6" |
| 27 | 28.25" · 72 cm | EU 38 | 70–74 cm · 27.6–29.1" |
| 28 | 29.25" · 74.5 cm | EU 40 | 74–78 cm · 29.1–30.7" |
| 29 | 30.25" · 77 cm | EU 40 | 74–78 cm · 29.1–30.7" |
| 30 | 31.25" · 79.5 cm | EU 42 | 78–82.5 cm · 30.7–32.5" |
| 31 | 32.75" · 83 cm | EU 44 | 82.5–87.5 cm · 32.5–34.4" |
Men's waists aligned
Levi's W sizes with the body waist they actually fit (about half an inch to an inch above the label), matched to the H&M EU size covering the same body waist. H&M's waist figures come from its published men's chart, where suiting and tailoring are sold by EU number.
| Levi's label | Fits body waist | H&M EU size | H&M waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| W30 | 30.5–31" · 77.5–78.5 cm | EU 46 | 78–82 cm · 30.7–32.3" |
| W32 | 32.5–33" · 82.5–84 cm | EU 48 | 82–86 cm · 32.3–33.9" |
| W34 | 34.5–35" · 87.5–89 cm | EU 50 | 86–90 cm · 33.9–35.4" |
| W36 | 36.5–37.5" · 92.5–95.5 cm | EU 54 | 94–98.5 cm · 37–38.8" |
Women's tops aligned by chest (orientation only)
Not an apples-to-apples comparison: Levi's publishes single anchor values for a denim-led tops range, H&M publishes ranges across a full line. Rows matched by chest/bust measurement.
| Levi's size | Levi's chest | Closest H&M size | H&M bust |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 33" · 84 cm | EU 36 (S) | 82–86 cm · 32.3–33.9" |
| S | 35" · 89 cm | EU 38 (S) | 86–90 cm · 33.9–35.4" |
| M | 37" · 94 cm | EU 40 (M) | 90–94 cm · 35.4–37" |
| L | 39.5" · 100.5 cm | EU 44 (L) | 98–102 cm · 38.6–40.2" |
Switching between H&M and Levi's
- Convert through your measured waist, never through labels — an H&M EU 40 and a Levi's 28 describe the same body on paper, but only the Levi's label means what it says.
- Coming from H&M to Levi's: drop the size-up reflex. Buy your true measured size in most fits, and adjust only where Levi's itself runs small — Ribcage and Wedgie (up one, sometimes two) and rigid 501s (up one in the hip).
- Coming from Levi's to H&M: take your chart-matched EU size as the floor, then go up one — two for low-stretch styles. H&M denim is the brand's least label-accurate category.
- Check fabric at both brands: rigid Levi's denim has zero give and stretchy washes relax with wear, while at H&M the stretch content decides whether one size up is enough.
Measurements are based on each brand's published size charts and may vary by garment, fabric, and region. For the full charts and fit notes, see the H&M size guide and the Levi's size guide.
H&M vs Levi's sizing FAQs
Which jeans run smaller, H&M or Levi's?
H&M's. Its jeans commonly fit one to two sizes under the EU label, making denim the brand's worst category for sizing. Levi's labels are actual waist measurements — men's even fit about half an inch to an inch above the number — with smallness limited to specific fits like the Ribcage, Wedgie, and rigid 501s.
What Levi's size am I if I wear an H&M EU 40 in jeans?
An H&M EU 40 covers a 74–78 cm (29.1–30.7") waist, which lands on a Levi's 28 or 29. One caution: if your EU 40 jeans are H&M's typical snug fit, your real waist may be larger than the EU 40 range suggests — measure yourself rather than trusting the H&M label.
What do W and L mean on Levi's jeans?
W is the waist and L the inseam, both in inches — a 32×34 has a 32-inch waist and 34-inch inseam. H&M has no equivalent; its jeans come in one EU number with standard lengths per style, so Levi's gives you a length choice H&M doesn't.
Should I size up at Levi's the way I do at H&M?
Not by default. Most Levi's fits are true to their measured size. The exceptions are fit-specific: size up one (sometimes two) in the Ribcage and Wedgie, one in rigid women's 501s, and consider the 541 over the 511 if you have muscular thighs. Stretchy washes can even justify your smaller size.
Can I compare H&M and Levi's tops sizes?
Only loosely. Levi's publishes single anchor measurements for a small tops range while H&M publishes ranges across a full line, so any mapping is approximate — by chest, a Levi's M sits around H&M's EU 40. For tops, check the chart per garment rather than relying on a conversion.
