Levi Strauss & Co. started in 1853 as a drygoods store selling denim patches to miners to fix their clothes. They went on to start manufacturing pants and patented the first jeans in 1873. Those jeans were made by a tailor named Jacob Davis, who had come up with an ingenious way of making work pants stronger by using copper rivets at key points. Since then, the company has not looked back and has been a pioneer in denim jeans selling over 100 million pairs of jeans in around 110 countries each year. That is a lot of denim!
Have you ever wondered why Levi’s makes so many jeans when they end up looking pretty much similar? Well, that is the purpose of the numbers on the jacrons at the back of the jeans. Jacrons are the suede like patch above the rear pocket on the belt line which indicate the brand, trademark and the fit number of a particular jean. Here is a guide to those numbers so that you can make an informed decision on which jeans to purchase during your next visit to the mall.
We have covered the men’s collection in this blog. Girls, find your Levi’s numbers here.
The original blue jeans that started it all. These were specifically designed for hard-working men who operated in rough working environments. They are supposed to be a representative of a blank canvas for self-expression. They pair well with sneakers or oxfords.
Leg Opening: 16”/17”
These jeans are a more refined, modern alternative to the straight jeans you love. They have an extra room in the thigh and a clean tapered cut which make them easy to style without compromising comfort. Try cuffing or cutting off the hems for a cool, casual cropped look.
Leg Opening: 14.5”
The original zip fly. First created in 1967, this is one of Levi’s most popular straight fits. Beloved for the classic straight leg style, it’s cut to sit at the waist with extra room in the thigh and fall straight down to the ankle. These jeans were at the crossroads of Levi’s transition from work clothing to a cultural mainstay. For a modern look, try a thick cuff styled with casual sneakers.
Leg Opening: 16.5”
A skinny fit this good can suit all kinds of body types — from slim to athletic, tall to short — with an added stretch for extra mobility and comfort. Musicians, artists, and athletes all love this style. Tuck them into combat boots for a killer look.
Leg Opening: 13” Opening
Levi’s 511 are for the modern men who like trendy looks but with a room to move.They’re slim and narrow, and go well with everything from t-shirts to blazers. Pair them with combat boots or stylish sneakers.
Leg Opening: 14.5”
512s have a tailor-inspired cut for a clean look and the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort. It features the smallest leg opening of all among the 510, 511, and 512, without sacrificing any comfort.
Leg Opening: 12”
With a mid-rise modern design, these jeans sit just below the waist and feature a slim seat and thigh, right through to the ankle. It gives a sleek look for the rockstar in you and pairs well with a t-shirt and combat boots.
Leg Opening: 15.75”
This one is closer to the Levi’s originals and has a relaxed, yet stylish fit. The straight fit makes it useful for dressing up as well with a semi-formal look if paired well with a crisp shirt and dress shoes.
Leg Opening: 16.5”
Born in the 1960s as part of the counter-culture movement and self-expression, bootcut jeans were introduced as “full from the knee for the boot”. These classic bootcut silhouette that’s slim through the thigh with a loose leg opening are made with game-changing wrinkle resistant denim. They are an excellent choice if you want classic style with modern touches.
Leg Opening: 18.25”
The 519s are the skinniest jeans for guys. They have advanced stretch technology woven into the horizontal threads for extra give and flexibility. They have built-in recovery so the jeans keep their shape. These are not the go-to pair for comfort.
Leg Opening: 12.25”
The 527s jeans have a modern, slim fit look with a wide leg opening to fit over boots, but a slim seat and thigh. This combination makes them extremely comfortable. Pair them with boots for the cowboy in you.
Leg Opening: 18.25”
Comfort and mobility meet for a contemporary look in the 541 Levi’s jeans. They are a perfect fit for athletic builds and offer a relaxed feel with a slightly tailored finish. Best to be worn after a good leg day at the gym.
Leg Opening: 15.75”
One of the most comfortable Levi’s. They are slightly baggy and are tapered down towards the end, which makes them go well with boots and oxfords. These are the pants for you if comfort is a priority.
Leg Opening: 16.5”
559 Relaxed Straight Fit Jeans
These are a mix of an easy and relaxed style with a modern low rise look. They are airy through and through and extremely comfortable right from the seat to the ankles. They go well with oxfords, sneakers or flip-flops.
Leg Opening: 18”
569s have a modern, laid-back fit which have a roomy feel but do not appear baggy. They are extremely wide at the bottom and offer great comfort. They go well with sneakers or combat boots.
Leg Opening: 18.5”
Now that you are enlightened with how the Levi’s numbers work, why not find the perfect fit for yourself on Parati. Parati allows you to shop from a selection of clothes aggregated from multiple platforms and personalized just for you.
