Levi's® Fit Guide

511™ Slim Fit Versus Other Classic Fits

Style
March 2025

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POV: You’re getting dressed for an event and you’re looking for something a little more put-together, but still casual. Something versatile and easy to wear. (Bonus if it’s comfortable too). A few try-ons later, you stumble across your favorite pair of 511™ jeans. “Why didn’t I reach for these sooner?” you ask yourself. Oh, well. You look good now."

And that’s because our 511™ jeans are a cult classic. They're THE go-to tailored look without the trip to the tailor, balancing style and comfort. But how do they compare to other Levi’s® fits? The answer is in this guide. Today, we’re breaking down the differences between our 511™ jeans and other popular styles, so that you can choose the best pair for your personal style needs.

POV: You’re getting dressed for an event and you’re looking for something a little more put-together, but still casual. Something versatile and easy to wear. (Bonus if it’s comfortable too). A few try-ons later, you stumble across your favorite pair of 511™ jeans. “Why didn’t I reach for these sooner?” you ask yourself. Oh, well. You look good now."

And that’s because our 511™ jeans are a cult classic. They're THE go-to tailored look without the trip to the tailor, balancing style and comfort. But how do they compare to other Levi’s® fits? The answer is in this guide. Today, we’re breaking down the differences between our 511™ jeans and other popular styles, so that you can choose the best pair for your personal style needs.

511™ SLIM FIT VS...

512™ Slim Taper Fit

The difference between the 511™ and 512™ Slim Taper jeans really comes down to tapering. While both are slim fits, our 512™ jeans have a more narrow leg opening, giving it a more streamlined silhouette. If you prefer a modern, even more tailored look, the 512™ jeans are perfect for you. However, if you want a bit more room below the knee, we suggest sticking with the 511™.

While both jeans are designed for those who enjoy a fitted look, the 512™’s sharper taper can give off a dressier vibe. The 511™, on the other hand, provides a bit more relaxed, for a more casual overall effect. Both fits are great for showing off your favorite sneakers or boots.

512™ Slim Taper

514™ Straight Fit

The difference is a lot more obvious when we’re comparing the 511™ and 514™ Straight jeans. It’s all in the legs. The 511™ gives a more tailored fit with a narrower leg opening, while the 514™ Straight offers a straight-leg cut, providing more room throughout. We think the 514™ is ideal for those who want a more relaxed fit without going too baggy.

The 514™ jeans give off a more classic denim look, making it a good choice for those who prefer a timeless, easygoing style that’s casual enough for a night out with friends or day at the park. This pair also gives you more room to move, making it a great everyday jean for those who prefer a little extra flexibility—compared to the 511™’s modern, streamlined fit. 

514™ Straight Fit

502™ Taper Fit

The main difference between Levi's® 502™ Taper and our 511™ jeans lies in the fit through the thigh and leg. The 502™ Taper jeans were made with a regular taper fit, meaning it provides more room in the thigh while tapering down toward the ankle. In contrast, the 511™ is skinnier throughout, making it a sleeker option.

We recommend the 502™ jeans as an excellent choice for those who like the idea of a tapered leg but need more room in the upper portion of the jeans. If you prefer comfort in the thigh area, the 502™ Taper is the pair for you. The 511™, on the other hand, keeps things consistent from waist to ankle, making it ideal for those who like a close, but not too-tight, fit.

502™ Taper Fit

505™ Regular Fit

The difference between our 505™ Regular and 511™ jeans is actually quite noticeable when you’re looking at the two side-by-side. The 505™ Regular has a classic straight leg, which offers more space in the thigh and knee. The 511™, on the other hand, hugs closer to the body.

Think of the 505™ as a more relaxed cousin to the 511™; it’s a good choice for those who want a comfortable, easy style. If you like a bit of a vintage aesthetic or prefer jeans that aren’t as form-fitting, you’ll love these. If you want a more contemporary fit, the 511™ Slim is the way to go.

505™ Regular Fit

510™ Skinny Fit

Yes, it gets even skinnier. For those who like an even slimmer fit, the difference between the 510™ Skinny and 511™ is quite significant. The 510™ Skinny is a true skinny jean, hugging the legs tightly from thigh to ankle. In comparison, the 511™ gives you a slim silhouette without going full skinny.

We highly recommend the 510™ Skinny to those who like a more statement-making, ultra-slim look. It pairs well with high-top sneakers and fitted tops. However, if you want something that still follows your natural shape but allows a little more movement, the 511™ Slim offers that balance.

510™ Skinny Fit

541™ Athletic Taper Fit

If you have an athletic build, or just like extra room in the seat and thigh, this one’s for you! The difference between our 511™ Slim and 541™ Athletic Taper is in how much room we’ve added there. The 541™ Athletic Taper is designed to fit more muscular thighs and legs, while the 511™ Slim maintains a tailored fit throughout. If you need some extra space in the upper leg, the 541™ is a great alternative.

For those with strong, muscular legs, the 511™ might feel a bit restrictive—that’s why we recommend the 541™. They provide comfort without looking baggy, and still provide that sharp-looking tapered leg. The 511™ is better suited for those with a leaner build and who enjoy a consistently slim fit from top to bottom.

541™ Athletic Taper Fit

517™ Bootcut

Who doesn’t love a good bootcut jean? The difference between our 511™ and 517™ Bootcut comes down to style and function. The 517™ Bootcut jeans have a wider leg opening to accommodate boots, while the 511™ Slim keeps things streamlined the whole way through. If you love wearing boots, the 517™ jeans are perfect for putting them on display.

The 517™ design offers a more Western-inspired aesthetic, so if you’re into a more traditional or rugged look, you’ll absolutely love them.

517™ Bootcut

550™ Relaxed Fit

For those who would prefer the most relaxed fit we offer, the difference between the 511™ and 550™ Relaxed is all about roominess. The 550™ jeans are much looser in the seat and thigh, making it a great choice for all-day comfort and mobility. The 511™ Slim, by contrast, is designed for a slimmer, more polished look.

If you prioritize comfort over a slim aesthetic, the 550™ Relaxed is definitely worth considering. We designed it for those who want a laid-back, easygoing fit. Meanwhile, the 511™ offers a more structured look that flatters the legs and works well for dressier or modern casual outfits.

550™ Relaxed Fit

559™ Relaxed Straight Fit

Lastly, the difference between our 511™ and 559™ Relaxed Straight comes down to their shape. The 559™ offers more space in the seat and thigh while maintaining a timeless straight-leg cut. If you like a relaxed yet structured look, the 559™ Relaxed Straight is a good choice, whereas the 511™ remains a true tailored fit.

The 559™ is great for those who want an easy look but don’t want jeans that are overly loose. It offers the perfect middle ground between comfort and structure. The 511™ Slim, however, is best for those who prefer sleekness without excess fabric.

559™ Relaxed Straight Fit

Which Levi’s Fit Is Best for You?

When choosing between our 511™ Slim and other fits, you must consider your personal style, comfort preferences and body type.  If you want a versatile, tailored fit, the 511™ Slim is a pair we think you’ll love. However, if you need more room, prefer a tapered cut or want something looser, other fits like the 541™ Athletic Taper, 502™ Taper or 514™ Straight may be better suited for you. Or maybe you prefer different looks for different occasions. In that case, you might just need to shop all your favorite fits. The best part is that no matter your style, Levi’s® offers a fit for everyone, and explore our denim guide to learn even more about the best jeans for you. Find your perfect pair today.

Which Levi’s Fit Is Best for You?

When choosing between our 511™ Slim and other fits, you must consider your personal style, comfort preferences and body type.  If you want a versatile, tailored fit, the 511™ Slim is a pair we think you’ll love. However, if you need more room, prefer a tapered cut or want something looser, other fits like the 541™ Athletic Taper, 502™ Taper or 514™ Straight may be better suited for you. Or maybe you prefer different looks for different occasions. In that case, you might just need to shop all your favorite fits. The best part is that no matter your style, Levi’s® offers a fit for everyone, and explore our denim guide to learn even more about the best jeans for you. Find your perfect pair today.