Levi's sizes jeans by actual waist measurement rather than abstract size numbers, which makes the chart unusually honest — but the brand's many fits each have their own personality. A 511 fits nothing like a 501, and the Ribcage runs famously tight.
Below are Levi's published measurements for women's and men's jeans, how W/L sizing works, and the fit-by-fit notes that save you a return.
How does Levi's fit?
Levi's runs true to size on paper — the label number is a real waist measurement, and men's sizes actually fit about half an inch to an inch above the label. But the right size depends heavily on the fit and fabric: rigid denim has zero give and often needs a size up, while stretchy washes relax with wear.
- Men's 511 slim: true to size in waist and inseam, but tight in the thigh on muscular builds — consider the 541 instead.
- Women's Ribcage and Wedgie fits run small and don't stretch out — size up one (Ribcage sometimes two).
- Rigid women's 501s are tight in the hip with no give — size up one; stretchier washes can be taken true to size or down.
- Pre-washed jeans barely shrink; raw Shrink-to-Fit 501s need 1–2 inches extra in the waist and about 3 in length if you'll machine-wash them.
Women's jeans size chart
Body measurements from Levi's published US size guide (published in inches; cm converted).
| Levi's size | US size | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 00–0 | 25.25" · 64 cm | 34" · 86.5 cm |
| 25 | 0–1 | 26.25" · 66.5 cm | 35" · 89 cm |
| 26 | 2–3 | 27.25" · 69 cm | 36" · 91.5 cm |
| 27 | 4–5 | 28.25" · 72 cm | 37" · 94 cm |
| 28 | 6–7 | 29.25" · 74.5 cm | 38" · 96.5 cm |
| 29 | 8–9 | 30.25" · 77 cm | 39" · 99 cm |
| 30 | 10–11 | 31.25" · 79.5 cm | 40" · 101.5 cm |
| 31 | 12–13 | 32.75" · 83 cm | 41.5" · 105.5 cm |
| 32 | 14–15 | 34.25" · 87 cm | 43" · 109 cm |
| 33 | 16–17 | 35.75" · 91 cm | 44.5" · 113 cm |
| 34 | 18–20 | 37.75" · 96 cm | 46.5" · 118 cm |
Men's jeans size chart
Levi's men's jeans are sold as W×L — waist and inseam in inches (e.g. 32×34). Each labeled size actually fits a body waist about half an inch to an inch above the number.
| Labeled size | Fits body waist |
|---|---|
| W28 | 28.5–29" · 72.5–73.5 cm |
| W29 | 29.5–30" · 75–76 cm |
| W30 | 30.5–31" · 77.5–78.5 cm |
| W31 | 31.5–32" · 80–81.5 cm |
| W32 | 32.5–33" · 82.5–84 cm |
| W33 | 33.5–34" · 85–86.5 cm |
| W34 | 34.5–35" · 87.5–89 cm |
| W36 | 36.5–37.5" · 92.5–95.5 cm |
| W38 | 38.5–39.5" · 98–100.5 cm |
| W40 | 40.5–41.5" · 103–105.5 cm |
Women's tops size chart
Body measurements from Levi's published US size guide.
| Size | Chest | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 33" · 84 cm | 26.25" · 66.5 cm | 36" · 91.5 cm |
| S | 35" · 89 cm | 28.25" · 72 cm | 38" · 96.5 cm |
| M | 37" · 94 cm | 30.25" · 77 cm | 40" · 101.5 cm |
| L | 39.5" · 100.5 cm | 32.75" · 83 cm | 42.5" · 108 cm |
| XL | 42.5" · 108 cm | 35.75" · 91 cm | 45.5" · 115.5 cm |
Measurements are based on Levi's's published size charts and may vary by garment, fabric, and region. Always check the size chart on the product page before ordering.
Levi's sizing FAQs
What do W and L mean in Levi's sizing?
W is the waist size and L is the inseam (inside leg length), both in inches — so a 32×34 has a 32-inch waist and a 34-inch inseam. As a height guide, L30 suits roughly 5'6"–5'8", L32 suits 5'8"–6'0", and L34 suits 6'0"–6'4".
Do Levi's run big or small?
True to size overall — men's jeans actually fit about half an inch to an inch of body waist above the label number. The exceptions are fit-specific: women's Ribcage and Wedgie fits run small (size up), rigid 501s are tight in the hip, and the 511 is snug in the thigh.
Will my Levi's shrink?
Most modern Levi's are preshrunk and barely shrink if washed cold and line-dried. The exception is rigid Shrink-to-Fit 501s, which shrink substantially: Levi's advises buying about 1 inch extra in the waist and 3 inches extra in length if you plan to machine-wash and dry them.
Should I size up in Levi's Ribcage jeans?
Yes — the Ribcage's ultra-high rise runs small and the waistband doesn't stretch out with wear. Most reviewers size up one, and some go up two for all-day comfort. The same advice applies to the Wedgie fit.
What size Levi's am I if I wear a US 8?
A US women's 8 corresponds to a Levi's 29 — roughly a 30-inch waist and 39-inch hip on Levi's chart. If you're choosing a rigid fit like the original 501, consider the 30 instead, since raw denim has no stretch.
